Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale: everything you need to know
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a generously equipped seven-seat SUV that comes in petrol, diesel and PHEV variants.
Launched back in 2013, the Mitsubishi Outlander is an affordable alternative to many other costlier rivals, but still has the benefit of four-wheel drive and an non-nonsense automatic gearbox.
Petrol and diesel versions are smart buys, but even better is the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model, which offers up plug-in efficiency albeit in a design that is starting to show its age somewhat. However, due to demand for the PHEV, it can be harder and costlier to find a good example.
In terms of rivals, the Mitsubishi Outlander is up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, but if you can live with its slightly dated exterior and interior credentials is still a solid purchase.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable used buy, there’s a decent amount of choice, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is still the preferred option for most buyers.
Should you buy a Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid car to buy if you’re looking for a used SUV and is popular with a variety of buyers who are keen to get the benefit from its space credentials, including the need for seven seats.
Combined with the four-wheel drive appeal, the Mitsubishi Outlander is good to drive although petrol models can be a little on the thirsty side. A better option would be to head for a diesel or, ideally, plump for the plug-in hybrid.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander also comes with lots of kit for the asking price and the Japanese car maker has carried out several revamps to the look and feel of the SUV over the years, including a notable facelift back in 2015 and subsequently in 2018.
Later examples are well-known for their smoother and quieter ride credentials even when pitched against more refined alternatives. The plug-in hybrid has also proved to be hugely popular, with an electric range of up to 30 miles offering urban owners a cost-effective, high-riding SUV for a decent price.
What’s the best used Mitsubishi Outlander model to buy?
For anyone buying a 2018-on Mitsubishi Outlander, we would strongly recommend you try the plug-in hybrid variant. While it won't be for everyone, it is a stronger contender than the petrol model.
Truthfully, we can't really recommend that anyone buys the later petrol version. It's too slow, ruinously expensive to run, and one of the least refined large SUVs on sale, with no redeeming qualities. Sorry, but we can't say it fairer than that.
So instead our recommendation would be to track down a used version with the diesel engine. This gives the car back its identity as a workhorse SUV, with a decent cruising range, strong towing grunt and great value. All Outlanders come well equipped, but if you're buying new then stick with the cheaper Design specification.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander fuel economy and performance
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L petrol hybrid: A petrol hybrid or PHEV makes a lot of sense if you’re commuting in this SUV, with up to 30 miles of range from the battery. However, the added weight of two electric motors does tend to lessen the pace of this model. Nevertheless, it’s quick and easy to charge at home and even more so using a rapid charger. Combined, the PHEV has the potential to return up to 139mpg.
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L petrol: Thirsty and having to work hard to lug the big SUV around, this option is a costlier option, delivering a combined 32.5mpg at best.
What used Mitsubishi Outlander trim levels are available?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has rearranged the trim structure each time it’s been given a facelift with later models adding more kit, which can be discerned by the trim numbering convention.
Therefore, the higher the digit (2, 3, 4) the more equipment you'll get, in which case avoid the basic Mitsubishi Outlander 2, and you’ll have all the kit you need.
It gets even simpler with newer models, with just two options for new buyers. Lookout for top-spec Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed versions, which come with navigation, a 360º parking camera, heated leather seats, and blind spot monitors. Add in climate control, keyless entry and start and a reversing camera that comes fitted to the entry-level Mitsubishi Outlander Design specification.
If you’re aiming to spend less money, the budget model also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, DAB radio, cruise control, and 18-inch alloy wheels to boot.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander dimensions and boot size
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s dimensions are:
Length: 4695mm
Width: 1800mm
Height: 1710mm
Ground clearance: 190mm
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s boot size is:
Used Mitsubishi Outlander road tax
You'll only have used Mitsubishi Outlander's to choose from now that the car is out of production. Going back in time, pre-2017 diesel Mitsubishi Outlanders fell into the £165 a year bracket, whereas the Outlander PHEV was free to tax. However, after 2017 the road tax incentive was amended, which meant the Outlander PHEV subsequently cost £155 a year to tax with a £10 hybrid discount.
On a brighter note, the pure petrol Outlander might have been rather thirsty and also attracted a whopping £1420 first year road tax figure, but used buyers only pay a £165 a year flat rate.
How much is it to insure a Mitsubishi Outlander?
Even though the current Mitsubishi Outlander is a bulky SUV, it's suprisingly affordable to insure thanks to landing itself in Group 21 (of 50) no matter which of the trim levels you choose. That makes it tempting alongside rivals from the likes of Nissan and Skoda.
