The automotive world has started to accept crossovers and SUVs like the new sedans. Nowadays, people are looking for versatility and practicality. The only vehicle that gives you both is an SUV. The last decade has been particularly crucial in this regard, and as a result, global SUV sales are on the rise.
The storm might be picking up pace elsewhere, but in New Zealand, it made landfall years ago. Over here on the small island, all segments of the population love and adore their SUVs. The Mitsubishi Outlander, however, takes the top spot.
The Outlander has previously broken many sales records. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if the 2021 model made some headlines.
Exterior Aesthetics
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is not the most handsome 7-seater in the market, but it is one of the most practical and reliable family vehicles. The masses love it! So, looks don’t matter in this sense.
At first glance, you can immediately tell that it is a Mitsubishi vehicle. That’s because right in the middle of the grille is the famous three-diamond Mitsubishi logo glimmering in chrome. A set of parallel lines extend from the emblem’s sides to create a sense of width. They blend perfectly into the headlamps and the daytime LEDs, creating a sleek profile. At the rear, things are less exciting. The liftgate divides the massive taillights in half, with a pair of reflectors in the rear bumper. Pretty standard, but you have to keep in mind that the Outlander works as a family SUV and not as a sporty off-roader. So, a little leverage can be given to the designers.
The Mitsubishi Outlander comes in 7 different colour schemes. You can choose from Amethyst Black, Titanium, Iron Bark, Sterling Silver, Cardrona White, Atlantic Blue, and Red Diamond. All the colours look beautiful on the vehicle combined with the 18-inch alloy rims.
Performance Dynamics
The Mitsubishi Outlander is marketed as a family SUV. Therefore, you will not find a lot of horsepower under its hood. But it is still an SUV, which means it weighs a lot. So, it’s natural to expect a big but docile engine.
Mitsubishi sells Outlander with a 2.0 L petrol engine. But for those who want a bigger oomph, there is the more powerful 2.4L petrol motor. You can choose 2WD or 4WD functionality with both of these powertrains. The exceptionally smooth CVT transmission carries power to the wheels as efficiently as possible.
The Japanese brand also offers a 2.3L diesel for those who like towing things. The diesel engine produces 366NM of torque, enough to pull a medium-sized trailer at the back. Moreover, there is a PHEV version, which has gained traction over the years. This environment-friendly version joins with two electric motors in a marriage that allows better efficiency and lower emissions.
In terms of driving performance and handling, the Outlander performs as well as any other mid-size SUV in the market. Perhaps even better, which is why it sells like hotcakes on a Sunday afternoon. If you have the 2.4L version, there is a reason for joy as you can enjoy the full perks of the Outlander with this engine.
Interior Cabin
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a host of luxury and comfort features that you would expect to find in an SUV. To start, the Outlander is very spacious from the inside. There is enough space to seat seven people, but tall individuals might feel cramped for space in the second row.
The cargo space is big enough to store anything from your daily groceries to luggage. The second-row and third-row seats can be folded for good measure to allow extra room. In total, you have 1685 litres of space to store all your belongings!
In terms of entertainment, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has SmartLink Display, which allows you to connect with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the infotainment system. When you plug in your device, you can access your mobile phone using the 7-inch touchscreen. It allows you to make calls, send and receive text messages, or use navigation. You can also use the infotainment system to play your favourite tunes on the 6-speaker sound system.
Safety Features
You should expect to find modern technology, and improved safety in the 2021 Outlander model, and Mitsubishi gives you just that. The vehicle has earned a 5-star safety rating from the authorities. That’s due to the 7-airbags inside the cabin that protect each passenger from any harm.
The higher-end models have driver-assist features like Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Moreover, the Forward Mitigation System uses automated braking to slow you down in case a vehicle suddenly stops in front.
The reversing camera and parking sensors are also an extra feature for incident-free parking. In other words, Outlander has all the best bits of technology, which make it stand a class apart from the competition.
Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander is New Zealand’s favourite SUV. It only trails behind the likes of the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, which means that this vehicle has a very strong and loyal fanbase. We would be amiss to rate any other mid-size SUV over the Outlander. After all, it is the best family SUV in the market.
