2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is an impressive three-row crossover that is spacious and technologically advanced. With good fuel economy for a car of this size and many forward-thinking interior and exterior features, the Outlander is one of Mitsubishi’s finest achievements.

What’s New for 2018

Mitsubishi has decided to do a total overhaul of the exterior design of the Outlander, changing the front and rear bumper designs, some interior designs, and adding LED running lights. The infotainment system now comes standard in the car, and many of the packages have received technological upgrades. Many automated safety features have been added in the upper-level models.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander – The Pros

1. Huge Interior Size

If you’re looking for something that isn’t as bulky as a full-size SUV but can still fit a lot of passengers, then the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good choice. With three rows of seats, it can fit up to seven passengers. Though the last row of seats is generally meant for children or smaller passengers, it can still fit adults if need be.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Model Available

An enticing new model arrives for the 2018 year. This is a plug-in hybrid, meaning that you won’t have to spend nearly as much money on gas as you would with any other crossover vehicle or full-size SUV. Though its starting price is more expensive, considering the gas savings may make this a worthwhile consideration.

3. Strong Engine

The standard engine in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that gives a solid 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is quite strong for a mid-size crossover. However, the upgraded trims offer even bigger engines. The GT trim with all-wheel drive offers a 224-hp, 215 lb-ft V6 engine with a whopping 3 liters.

4. Solid Acceleration

The aforementioned 3-liter, 224-hp V6 engine accelerates quite fast for a large car. This bigger engine can get to 60 miles per hour in under 10 seconds, a fast time for a vehicle of this size. The acceleration is also quite smooth, with no hiccups or any feeling that the car is straining.

5. Lots of Safety Technology

The standard trim of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen that lets you see from a rearview camera. The SEL Touring Package offers a huge list of safety technology, including a multi-view camera system, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation. Combined with the already great safety ratings of the vehicle, these features should make you feel quite secure when driving.

6. Great Package Offerings

The SEL Touring Package mentioned above is one of the biggest package offerings of any vehicle this size. Not only does it include those safety packages, it also includes comfort features. Technology upgrades like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration with the infotainment system and a heated steering wheel are included. Also, blind-spot warning and lane-change assistance features are included.

7. Top-Tier Safety

Mitsubishi has been gearing up its safety features in its cars lately, and the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is certainly one of the safest crossovers on the market. The car received the highest NHTSA overall safety score, a five star out of five star rating. The forward collision mitigation system makes this car able to avoid front crashes completely or keep them to minimal damage if unavoidable.

8. Tons of Cargo Space

One of the major features you want in a crossover vehicle of this size is plenty of cargo space. Unfortunately, many similar cars sacrifice cargo space for more seating room. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander does not, and offers an astounding 63.3 feet of cargo space with the last row of seats folded down. This is easily enough space for fitting multiple bags or pieces of luggage.

9. Great Infotainment System

Mitsubishi’s infotainment system is surprisingly responsive and easy to navigate. The in-built navigation system is intuitive, though if you’re more comfortable with Apple Maps or Google Maps the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow you to use those apps without a problem. The touchscreen is simple to press and menus are not too complicated, and if you’d like to use analog buttons those are arranged around the touchscreen as well.

10. Decent Towing Capacity

Though you may not expect a crossover to be able to tow, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander sure can. The base engine (the 2.4-liter, 166-hp) can tow 1500 pounds, enough for a small cargo holder. The upgraded engine (the V6) can tow even more, with the ability to tow up to 3500 pounds.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander – The Cons

1. Somewhat Bland Exterior

Though both the interior and exterior of the Mitsubishi Outlander are pushing futuristic technology and looks, the exterior of this Mitsubishi aren't quite as eye-pooping as others in the brand's lineup. Some of the curves feel forced, while others look like they should continue farther along the body for a more aesthetically pleasing look. However, it's still a good-looking car - it just won't catch anyone's eye on the road.

2. Relatively Simple Interior

Lavish interiors are not Mitsubishi’s strongest suit - the designers prefer minimal but still efficient interiors. Though the interior has all the major trappings you would expect, such as multiple cupholders and dual-zone climate control, there are some features that are definitely forgotten. For example, the third row’s seats are fairly small and don’t comfortably hold adults for long distances.

3. Jack of All Trades

The 2018 Mitsubishi is an above-average car in all aspects but is not the clear top version in its class in most of the features. However, the main feature that the Outlander excels in is cargo space, and in all of the features talked about earlier performs toward the top of its class.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The crossover category is becoming more competitive as of late, but the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is still a premier pick. Though competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Nissan Rogue are better in a few aspects, the Outlander is a safe, comfortable vehicle that shines on all fronts.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a great crossover vehicle that will suit your needs perfectly. Whether you need tons of cargo space or love technology integration, the Outlander has something for everyone.