Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales) reports on, and test drives, the new Mitsubishi Outlander MY26…
It’s back!
The Mitsubishi Outlander has returned to showrooms and country life like it has never been away.
Following a gap of just two years after Mitsubishi decided to contract in Europe, the famous three-diamonds are glinting again on the very latest version brought in by the team behind Subaru, Isuzu and a few Chinese brands, International Motors Group.
For them and a grateful number of former Mitsubishi owners, there had been a hand-holding arrangement since 2024, when the extensive parts supply was maintained through the network to assist about 55,000 models sold in the series. That has enabled Outlander Gen5 sales to kick-off with scores of dealers strategically placed throughout the country to serve existing and new customers.
The latest, 5th generation of the Outlander is more powerful, refined and comfortable than the last series and it is also better equipped for meeting the more demanding expectations of the new-money drivers and up to seven people in total.
The automatic powertrain is more refined and simpler to utilise in any situation, it’s better equipped with a suite of safety aids and packages and is more comfortable both on and off road in its permanent four wheel drive, low or high range using a big petrol engine and twin electric motors.
It can follow its tracks back to the first Outlander in 2003 and boasts technology from the company’s big Shogun models as well to bring it up to date with rivals.
There will be two versions from £46,995 for the seven seat Nativa and £49,995 for the five-seat Diamond trim with some realistic options related to the likely needs of a diverse range of drivers.
The new Outlander uses sophisticated plug-in hydrid tech to boost performance and range and means it can do 53 miles on electric alone, quickly recharging to minimise down-time. The 2.3 lltre engine produces 299 PS which gives it a 0 – 62 mph time of 7.9 seconds.and potential range of 500 miles combined.
They also arrive with eight year comprehensive warranties.
The powertrain is common to both models and matched very well in our brief road test. Steering was easy and the brakes did a good job slowing this 2,150 tonnes with excellent changes up or down and sharp responses.
Access was good to cabin and boot and once seated the visibility was generally good.
Everything was well laid out close to hand and oddments spaces were plentiful.
Onroad ride was compliant with very little body roll on bends or wallowing over humps. It stopped and turned with confidence and effortless power. On some potholed sections it covered them smoothly.
VERDICT
The reappearance of the Outlander is a welcome sight, even if you never noticed it had gone, so plentiful and long lasting were the previous models.