2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD Reviewed

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD Reviewed

It’s been a while since we really loved a Mitsubishi SUV, and Outlander doesn’t disappoint.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander’s looks are a bit of an acquired taste. The front has a Land Rover-Esque flavour to it. The upright grille slants back near the top, and is flanked by massive chrome trims that run around the perimeter of the impressive lighting arrays. All exterior lighting is LED, with headlights including large fog lights.

I love a bit of chrome, but the plastic stuff deteriorates with time, peeling off like it is having a mini facial.

The effect is one of a considerably more grown up and sophisticated version of the car it replaced.

Exterior:

20” wheels manage to look much smaller than that really are, attesting to the fact that 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is much bigger than it looks and feels. The kerb weight is 1725kg, with a 2706mm wheelbase. It is 1862mm wide, 1745mm high, and 4710mm long. That is plenty to cart around 7 peeps, with the 5 seat models to be had on lower trim levels.

Cargo space is accessed by an electric rear hatch, with up to 1473L of gear to be stashed back there. Most of us will never use the almost-useless 3^rd row, so with them stowed, there is 478L to the top of the 2^nd row seatbacks.

We stated in our film, that there was no spare, but Mitsubishi claims there is a space saver, so good luck finding that one.

Above: This Week – 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD

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ABOVE: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Range

Interior:

Our cabin had a dark and brooding theme of black-on-black, with a whiff of black, but the white interior looks classier. It would be a nightmare to keep clean, so pick black if you have a couple of scallywags on board regularly.

Top Tip: Ban food, and anything liquid with white interiors.

Surfacing is positively luxurious. Tactile soft finishes cosset the travellers as they’re cradled in comfortable seats, with powered adjustment for the driver. Keep an eye out for our Exceed review in a few weeks’ time. That one has the kitchen sink thrown at it.

As usual, the 3^rd row is for short people, of any age. The seats origami themselves out of the back floor, with tomb-stone seatbacks that have ridiculously high head rests. You’ll leave them stowed, so let’s have no more talk of them.

2^nd rowers have a couple of cup holders in the centre armrest, and air vents and USB outlets in the back of the front console. Leg and headroom are excellent thanks a adjustable seating, and the lack of a sunroof in this mid-range model.

Outlander has a digital dashboard, HUD, and a 9” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto. It makes life so much easier to be able scream commands the little lady in the dash without having to press buttons that rarely ever work. See some of our other videos for a handsfree demo.

The Japanese brand has the indicators on the correct side, a big plus for Australians. There are the usual automatic wipers and lights, which also have auto high beam.

In short, everything is exactly where you can get at it easily, in a cabin you could easily spend a 1000k stretch with pleasure.

The Drive:

Performance is leisurely.

135kw/245Nm is coaxed from the 2.5 4-pot, and sent to all four wheels through a CVT automatic. CVTs have no gears, using a steel band and a couple of cones to continuously vary the input, to the output. The inelegant sound is distinguished by engines screaming for mercy once the loafer is on the carpet.

Enough about that transmission, it makes me too depressed.

Let’s talk about the drive experience as a whole, where you’ll find a surprisingly limo-esque trip laid out before you. With 4-up, a regal seating position gives travellers a sense of VIP treatment beyond the Outlander’s humble aspirations.

Seating combines with climate control and mood lighting, to provide a restful, calming ambience. Steering is very light at city speeds, but adds a little pushback on the highway. Assistance is provided to keep in the lanes, and to stop you from hitting things, both moving, and not.

Macpherson Strut/Multilink suspension not only does a fabulous job of handling, but gives those inside, a stately and sumptuous ride. I found myself thinking more and more fondly of Outlander, and its regal demeanour.

A drive is more than just pressing a starter button though, and you sense this as the driver aids and safety gear gently guide you in the right direction. There is a full list of those in the specifications sheet HERE:- 

As you waft along, thinking only of dinner plans, the cabin is hardly bothered by external inputs such as traffic and dodgy road surfaces. The wafting is done with Zen-like elegance, and you get the feeling that no matter how far you travelled, the experience would only get more comfortable, not less.

There are driving modes, including one for snow. Thredbo awaits!

Conclusion:

If, like me, it has been a long time since driving an Outlander, a brand-new experience awaits.

The medium SUV has bags of space, and every extra to make driving a joy. You won’t do any serious driving off-road, but you could tow 1600kg if pushed. I could see a young family being really at home, but a couple would be spoiled for space, and why not?

Despite the slight reservation about the CVT, and the modest power output, Outlander showed a great deal of prowess. It handled city and highway chores with equal comfort.

Outlander Aspire exceeded expectations.

ES

2.5L 2WD 5 $34,490

2.5L AWD 5 $36,990

2.5L 2WD 7 $35,490

LS

2.5L 2WD 7 $37,990

2.5L AWD 7 $40,490

ASPIRE

2.5L 2WD 7 $41,490

2.5L AWD 7 $43,990

EXCEED

2.5L AWD 7 $47,990

EXCEED TOURER

2.5L AWD 7 $49,990

Engine: 2.5 4-cylinder

Power: 135kw/245Nm

Trans: CVT

Econ: 8.1L/100k

CO2: 185g/k

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