Mitsubishi Outlander Review & Road Test

Pros: Versatile space; button activated seat tumble; split tailgate

Cons: Plastic interior; high speed cornering lacks precision; no steering wheel reach adjust

By Nadine Armstrong | January 28th, 2010

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Price: $22,500 to $36,120

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3
Comfort and Interior	3.5
Quality & Design	3
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	5
Green	3.5

Handsome looks are just the beginning.

Model Tested:

Mitsubishi Outlander VRX; 3.0-litre, V6, petrol; six-speed automatic; wagon – $45,490*

CarAdvice Rating:

The handsome new looks of the Mitsubishi Outlander quickly had me keen to get to know it better, and after a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that the Mitsubishi Outlander’s appeal extends well beyond the metal. It’s a good package, but the competition is tough.

It’s all too easy for a ‘new’ SUV to get lost in the crowd – to your average punter, they all look very similar. But dig deeper into the detail of engine variants and costly options and the differences are clear – and so the winners and losers emerge. The Outlander exists, well, somewhere in the middle.

The Outlander is offered with two engine variants across a four model range as follows:

LS/XLS (2.4-litre): 125kW / 226Nm
VR/VRX (3.0-litre): 169kW / 291Nm

The XLS comes with Mitsubishi’s all-wheel control, allowing the driver to switch between two and four-wheel drive. The VRX has super all-wheel control (SAWC), which calls into play the active front differential, yaw rate feedback control, stability control and anti-lock braking for optimal road handling. With this technology on board, the Outlander does produce a stable, road hugging ride which fills you with a great sense of confidence in the Outlander’s ability.

While the 2.4-litre engine of the LS and XLS pumps out 125kW and 226Nm and does a nice job of moving the Outlander, you would expect the 3.0-litre V6 of the VR and VRX to be the pick of bunch. It’s quick and powerful. The bigger engine, at 169kW and 291Nm, is really where you want to be for a vehicle of this size and weight.

In the VRX, torque peaks at 3,750rpm and, in this zone, the Outlander’s engine is crisp and power aplenty. However, this additional power doesn’t translate quite as well as you would hope.

There are moments when the 2.4-litre engine out shines the more needy V6. It delivers a very competent ride, without the fuss of the energetic V6.

The Outlander’s steering is very light and precise, although at higher speeds cornering can feel a little vague and there’s a bit of dipping of the nose. This is more obvious in the V6, where the additional power has the potential to create a less refined drive, including wheel spin. Aside from this, the cabin maintains its composure and delivers a smooth ride. The LS is a more tame ride and overall, it behaves with a touch more finesse than the V6.

The Outlander boasts Mitsubishi’s deep grille that is seen across the range of vehicles these days. And it sets up a lovely shape on the Outlander. There are no huge slabs of metal, but rather the Outlander has nice body lines and well proportioned panels all round. The VRX has integrated fog lights up front, a chrome framed grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric sunroof and twin exhausts.It has a lovely modern look, and the cabin interior follows suit.

Upon entering the Outlander, you’re welcomed by beautiful leather seats – heated for driver and front passenger. Unfortunately they’re not as comfortable as they are good looking. The cabin is cosy and compact and feels smaller than its exterior leads you to expect. Smaller, but by no means small.

The Outlander’s interior feels of a very high quality, but without the busy bling of many of its rivals; it’s fairly understated, which gives the impression that things may be a little underdone in the Outlander – but that’s not the case. The one central touch screen controls pretty much everything, from audio to in-car settings – for this reason, the dash looks sparse and you’re left with large plastic slabs inside. Lots of nice curved lines however do well to distract from the plastic on show. It’s a fine balance between clean minimalism and bland. Contrast stitching on seats and on doors and some splashes of chrome save the day in this regard.

While the electric driver’s seat allows for good adjustability, the lack of reach adjust on the steering wheel is disappointing.

The cabin of the Outlander seemed to be constantly filled with a chorus of beeps and tones – from the various in-cabin warning sounds of seat belt sensors and parking assist, to the audio volume control. Beeping overkill.

The multi-function wheel sees cruise control, audio and phone at your finger tips. The wheel is however a little thin in hand. In the VRX model, paddle shifts are standard, but they’re the fixed kind, that don’t move with the wheel. They are however quite long, so reaching them isn’t as bad as it first seems.

The chrome and leather gear shift looks good and feels nice in hand.

In cabin storage is great, with a variety of holes and a double lidded box in the centre arm rest. A large, two compartment glove box offers good storage, as well as a heat and chill function.

Big wing mirrors give great side visibility, however sloping roof line to rear, large headrests and small windows make for poor rearward visibility. As with most SUVs, the reversing camera is a god send. This sloping roof line also intrudes upon back seat headroom and no doubt comfort for taller passengers. Add to this some high window sills and the second row feels a little enclosed for my liking. Second row passengers are however graced with comfortable seats and a DVD player, but no air vents.

The Outlander also offers a third row option across the entire range to accommodate up to seven passengers.

When you explore the versatile space the Outlander has to offer, this vehicle begins to shine more brightly. The fold-up mechanism of the second row seats – electronic roll-and-tumble – is effortless thanks to a button that can be found in the boot.

Cargo capacity starts at 882-litres with the seats up and expands to 1,691-litres with the rear seats folded. The split tailgate is also great, and makes opening the back a much less cumbersome chore.

While the Outlander offers an abundance of space, it doesn’t feel too big or overwhelming to manouvre. For every day driving, with a baby and teenager on board, I found the Outlander versatile and comfortable, with ample space.

The vertically challenged will appreciate the lower seat line of the Outlander. Ground clearance is 215mm, but cabin design ensures ease of entry and exit. I didn’t need a step to get onto the driver’s seat, nor did I tumble out upon exit. There are three child seat anchor points for the second row seats and access is good. Minor points like exposed bolts on the seat fittings are disappointing and lower the tone of the cabin.

All models have an approach angle of 22-degrees and departure angle of 21-degrees. Ramp breakover angle is 19-degrees.

The Outlander’s safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, active stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Side and curtain airbags come standard across the range, except for in the entry-level LS where they are an option. Outlander is awarded a five-star rating from ANCAP.

Average combined fuel consumption (per ADR figures) for the Outlander range is quoted at as follows:

2.4-litre (Manual): 9.5L/100km
2.4-litre (CVT): 9.3L/100km
3.0-litre (Automatic): 10.4L/100km

Bluetooth, iPod, MP3 and USB connectivity keep the Outlander’s audio interface up to date, while the sub-woofer found in the boot of the VRX ensures you are completely spoilt for sound.

Pricing for the Outlander starts at $32,990* for the LS and up to $49,990* for the VRX Luxury seven-seater. The five-seat VRX we tested is priced at $45,490*.

With some solid competitors such as Toyota’s RAV4 and the Nissan X-Trail, the Outlander has a tough job ahead – but I think it’s well equipped for the challenge.

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Ratings:

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Reader reviews of the MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

February 4th, 2012

By: vrx26

Rating:

I have owned a ZG Outlander for almost 5 years and am very happy with the car. It was packed with features not... Read more

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The competition

Lagoza

No Diesel ? Sorry good looks will only get you so far… I am still waiting for the IX35. where is it already ???

KM

IX35 is out next month…

Jake02

Despite being here for two or so weeks – I’ve seen about 10 on the road, and they look quite good
QLD

im also waiting ix35…
still cant find any information about its release date.

DipStiK

I hear one ship has arrived and another on its way with IX35 on them. My local country dealer says he has been alloted a petrol version for mid FEB 2010.

Paul

We purchased the Peugeot 4007 with the 2.2 turbo diesel and love it. Given Peugeot now owns 50% of Mitsubishi its the best of both worlds, Japanese 4×4 system and build reliability and the Peugeots diesel technology. We love the combination of the two! The Outlander also seems to be holding its resale value quite well too.

Wendy

How do you find the front seat headrests Paul, – do they have a big angle like most other new cars, causing neck and back ache for taller people?

R

I hate Diesels , they’re still noisy and trembling….check out Discovery 3..it’s trembling like a tractor..the diesel is far from a petrol engine in the refinement and comfort department..

Martin

And people say the new Sorento is overpriced… pfft.

Callous Aussie

Nice. Yep overpriced should be applied to this car. I do like the simple layout inside though I must say.

sammo

I wonder how the new Peugeot 4007 would compare to this car, they’re both the same car in the flesh but the Pug has that HDI diesel engine which could give better performance and economy.

Mad Max

The Pug version is soooooooooo expensive. The cheaper of the 2 is close to $50k drive away and the trim is pretty ordinary cloth. At that price you would buy a nice top spec Outlander and have plenty of cash for fuel!
Paul

We purchased the Peugeot 4007 with the 2.2 turbo diesel and love it. The engine and economy are great. Given Peugeot now owns 50% of Mitsubishi its the best of both worlds, Japanese 4×4 system and build reliability and the Peugeots diesel technology. We love the combination of the two! The Outlander also seems to be holding its resale value quite well too. Of course the Pug is dearer, but your dead a long time.

Tony

i don’t think it’s THAT overpriced

they were blowing out the old ones for $29,990

i don’t think it’s any good but neither is the Challenger… just another mediocre Mitsubishi… at that level it’s fighting the excrebele Holden Captiva
Alex

Why would you pass up a Forester for one of these. No thanks.

Jim

Or a Freelander 2 TD4e for exactly the same price.

Callous Aussie

The Freelander would want to be better than the model it replaced.

Tony

forrester has a crap 4 spd auto

freelander is english and aren’t they $50k?

Jim

This 45,490 AUD, FL2 45,590.
jojo

Forester has a clever CVT Auto which gives it class leading fuel economy. The superseded model had the 4 speed auto.
Kenny

Forester is offered with 5 Speed Manual & optional 4 Speed sports automatic. Forester has 4 Speed automatic not CVT. The 4 speed automatic is so outdated. Forester is preety much the similar price to the Outlander with outdated technology & 3 year warranty while Mitsu’s offers 5 year Warranty. What can I say Outlander is the best option in the compact SUV segment.

Jim

So far I have no reason to believe that it is not better.
Kenny

Why would you buy an unreliable LR FL for $49,990 + on roads, when you can drive away on an Outlander auto for around $35k.

Marc

I’m confused. Isn’t the ride to do with the suspension and how stiff it is? Not how the engine performs?

Kenny

Definitely the suspension plays a big role in ride. I think CA may have driven this car in 2WD mode. For day to day driving on bitumen the 2WD is adequate, on a rainy day, beach or dirt the 4WD.

CrustyTheClown

You can buy a BMW

Yes a BMW

BMW X1 for this sort of coin……

These types are going to stuggle for mine.
Baddass

The panels and the grille are nice indeed, put just taking the headlights from the Lancer and not modifying them is just lazy. If Mitsubishi had taken time to observe the height of the Outlander’s front end and make the lights thicker and perhaps taller, the overall effect would be a less stretched front end without droopy headlights.

Aussieprime

I totally agree with you with the size of headlights, however they are not the same ones as the Lancer…they may look it, but there not.
Bent 8 Brigade

It looks like a Cylon from front on

vrx26

The model it replaced is much better looking than this one. This grille would eat a lot of bugs in the highway. They don’t offer the seven seats now for the high end models. It’s only available now on the LS models. They should bring out the diesel w/ the dual clutch transmission like the one in UK and they would get more sales than they wish for.
http://www.cheapnewcars.com.au Simon Henderson

The Outlander is sensational, it’s a great ride and ticks so many boxes, very stylish.
Tom R

I cant see how its overpriced at all?

But I agree, assuming we can trust the reliability of a Freelander 2, its a much better car. The VW Tiguan is stiff competition too. Still, if I had to go Japanese i’d be buying an Outlander… only… I’d go Korean and get a Sorento, so its a moot point.
Steven

Lack of reach adjust is a huge fail. Why is it so difficult for manufacturers to equip this?

Al Juraj

It’s mortal sin for them to overlook this, which is also the case in the Lancer. Just about every competitor has reach adjustment and Mitsu failed to keep up on this area.

Frenchie

Third row seats, sounds great but you can only fit a child no higher than 1.2m. The novelty soon wears off. Another beef that I have with these SUV’s is all that folding away mechanism the third and second row seats have (especially if they are electric). It adds alot of weight to the vehicle.
http://none Carl

The Mitsu has 6-speed auto CVT, while subaru forrestor and RAV4 are still using the old 4-speed box. AS for the upcoming Hyundai IX35, I still has a bit of concern about the Korean car quality. I heard a lot of poeple saying the Korean cars only last as long as the 3 or 5 year warranty finishes. So, I will definitely choose the mitsu!

dfdd

Are you still living in 1980s?
Franky speaking, Mitsu is far behind than Hyundai.(safety, technology, quality… etc.)

All Japanese car is not same as Lexus/Toyota(now they fall in trouble).
You generalized all Japanese product as toyota.

DipStiK

Agreed, if you prefer Jap cars only Toyota, Mazda and maybe Honda are of any use when it comes to reliability and resale value. Otherwise go Hyundai or Kia and you will get much better value for money and 5 years warranty with unlimited Kms. And with the recent offerings from these two they also look modern compared to the boxy look they had before.

Tinman

Thanks for clearing that up for me Carl. I thought I was seeing a lot of Hyundai Excels on the road, but it turns out they were all just a Mirage in the hot Australian sun.

Robert

When is Mitsubishi going to join the rest of the motoring world and put reach adjustable steering wheels in their cars?
http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

Suzuki Grand vitara prestige 3.2v6, kills the V6 outlander any day!!
and you can at least take the vitara off road!!>

Al Juraj

The GV is only good off-road, so unless your business is mostly there, then there are better rides out there. It’s also a RAV-4 copycat in exterior design.

Karl

Get a Sportwagon…
Randell

Yet another SUV which is really just a station wagon with a higher ride. Give it ten minutes on the beach it would be buried!

http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

which is one of the reasons I said the Grand Vitara kills this car!!
its also a much better drive!

Freddie

It can’t be better said than by a Suzuki dealer!

Paul

Hmmmm, just had our 2.2 Diesel 4007 on a beach yesterday and it did really well. Then again we didn’t want low range, thats why we sold the Discovery. This is fine for soft roading and does it well with the diesel. Also tows 2000kg and has 160kg on the ball, none, but none of the other SUV’s mentioned above can do that now. Go ahead and check!

I agree,the outlander should have a diesel in it … watch this space.

jasper

Have owned an LS CVT for 6 weeks and have been happy so far. Ride is firm but gives much better handling than previous vehicle (x-trail). Performance with the 2.4 and CVT is leisurely but acceptable. Interior space is good and easily accessible. I chose the base model ($35500 on road) and am happy with the specs. I would think twice about the higher specced models though as they move into the mid $40-$50k range. As mentioned above there are better offerings from other manufacturers at this price.

Kenny

Mitsu dealers are very reasonable & willing to do deals. My wife bought the LS CVT with side/curtain air bags, tow bar, nudge bar, reverse sensors, paint & fabric protection for the drive away price of $37k. We have had the car for 4 weeks & very happy with it. For a base model car it’s got a lot of features. The CVT & the 2.4 L Mivec engine goes together very well.

Ruud

Kenny, was the driveaway price of $37k for the LS, include the additional 2 seats (7 seater) ?

Kenny

37k includes these optional accessories side, curtain air bags, alloy nudge bar, tow bar, reverse sensors, paint & fabric protection. Without those accessories driveway LS auto was 33k

humps

The MY10 Outlander does not come with a “3rd row option across the entire range to seat up to 7 passengers”, this option is now only available on the LS. There is no “VRX Luxury seven seater”, all VRX models are now 5 seats and there is no distinction between VRX and VRX Luxury as with previous models. Everything that was previously available on the VRX Luxury is now standard on the MY10 VRX. We picked up our MY10 VRX for $44,000 drive away just before xmas and could not be happier with the car.
yipee

humps: mind if i ask which dealer u purchased ur VRX from? $44k was way cheaper than the $51k drive away price my dealer quoted me!! I’m in VIC btw. Would anybody else be able to give me an idea of a decent drive away price I should expect with a VRX? Thx.
Steven A

Fantastic job Mitsubishi, its one of the best overall small to medium SUV’s on the market.
We recently test drove a VR-X Outlander and found it faultless, its crammed full of technology that their marketing department isnt loudly telling us about like it has an alluminium roof etc.
Im being objective here today unlike others who have contributed nothing worthwhile, furthermore I was very confortable without the reach adjustment and most people couldnt care less.
Im told there is a Diesel due within 9 months too.
Only those in denial can complain about Outlander and this article is pretty much spot on.
ricflair

think i’m about to sign up for an activ, due inn the yards any day now!!!!! was keen to hang out for a diesel but can’t find any info on that either..
lucy

Had a look today, nice, liked it (lots features for $) and looks a good alternative to forester cx7 and honda which looking at also.

BUT Re the 5 yr usual and 10 yr drive train warranties – sounds great but for me who does 40-50,000km per yr it isn’t because its limited to 130,00 and 160,000. For me thats more like a 2 yr warranty! I’m disappointed now. Oh well, back to the search.
Robbie

Thought I’d post this for anyone actually wanted to get decent user info rather than a ‘mine is better than yours’ slinging match.
Just picked up an XLS Luxury and an generally happy with it. Though there a couple of little niggles that have tainted the general experience. First up it sucks that opting for the top level audio unit with rear DVD has made the near modern standard requirement of plugging an ipod near impossible. What’s more grating is the fact lower grades still get a usb input whereas we are now begging. Given the amount of things that can be done thru the MMCS it does beg explanation why such functionality was left out.
Otherwise the space has proven a winner (justifying our decision to pick the Outlander over a Koleos), proximity key, bluetooth and the reversing camera very handy. Now if only we can stop calling it the bogan mobile (got a soft spot for Euro style and sensibilities). Still, doubt you’d feel cheated if you chose the Outlander
James

Mitsubishi’s Suck! (NO Offence to anyone has one)

smile54

I have looked at this website for useful feedback from people that own an outlander already and can give an insight into the pros and cons- James- you need to find something better to do with your time- if you think mitsubishi’s suck, why are you even looking at this review and commments. I’m sick of people like you highjacking these forums, when you so obviously need to get off the computer and find something else to do. maybe go for a drive in the fabulous car you obviously own.

Garrett

Bump!
I would like to know, from anyone who has one, how the split tailgate works with the addition of a tow ball. I have the Outlander on a shortlist of potential buys (along with the two Kias and possibly the Forrester), but I am not sure the tow package mixes well with that lowered tailgate. What’s your experience? If you have any?

vrx26

Need to take out the tow ball when lowering/using tailgate. My dealer only put a clear rubber protection on the tailgate in case I accidentally lower the tailgate w/ the tow ball on. Not the best of design. If you want to lower the tailgate w/ tow bar, you need to get an extended tow bar tongue.

Garrett

Cheers for that. Sounds like a bit of a pain to me, and not the most user friendly system. I might have to scratch the Outie off my list. Shame.

James

Mitsubishi Lancer is the best but Outlander is just to big.
Blokie

i quit like the Outlander. Currently own a late 07 Xtrail, and if i could get a 7seater Xtrail i would. but the outlander is very similar and is 7seater…hmmm tempting.

pity there wasnt any pics of the 3rd row. The 3rd row head rests look rediculous!

hope the CVT is better in the Mitsy than in the Xtrail

maximark

I’m also currently owning 09 Xtrail and I can’t wait to get rid of it as soon as the warranty finish. I’m seriously considering trading it for the outlander V6. The CVT transmission in the Xtrail is a joke, my car has done only 32000km and they already replaced two transmission for it. The interval service is every 6 months and it’s very EXPENSIVE at least $350 for minor service and nearly $500 big service (40k,80k..etc..) so you’re looking around $800 to keep it under the warranty per year. While the outlander’s service interval is every 15000km/12 months and it cost only $300 per service.Plus Mitsubishi also has 5/10 yrs warranty so it gives you a peace of mind.

stan weatherill

Maximark
Not sure where you get your x trail derviced but none of my services have ever been over $300. I love the CVT in the xtrail its very quiet and smooth.
I chose an x trail over the outlander.

maximark

Hi Stan,

I’m in WA and every nissan dealer quoted me $350 for small services and i recently got a quote for $460 for my 40k serviced.My xtrail has a lot of problems with its CVT. If you google for Australian Xtrail forum, you will find that there are many CVT xtrail owners have their transmission replaced too. It\’s good to know that you enjoy your xtrail and it\’s problem free too.

dreemer

Any experts here on the differences between the body shell of the Outlander & the Peugeot 4007?
Would a nudge bar made for the Outlander fit the Peugeot 4007?

I ask because you can buy aftermarket nudge bars for the Outlander for around $300. Can’t spot any aftermarket ones for the 4007.

Both Mitsubishi & Peugeot want $650 (fitted) for theirs.
dreemer

So any Outlander or Pug 4007 owners able to inform us of service costs. The 4007 has a initial 6-month service, then it’s annual or 20k.
I’d especially like to know of costs re the Peugeot 4007 diesel, as I pick up mine next week.
ciao

how does mitsubishi outlander goes comparing diesel subaru forrester?
JNA

I am debating with myself between an outlander 5seat activ model and a captiva7 SX(base) model. My main attraction to outlander is being made in japan and warranty. When they are both 3 yrs old in 2014, can anyone give constructive idea/feedback on their potential resale values?

Sumpguard

Privately they enjoy similar resale values. A dealer won’t give you two bob for either of them in 3 years. The reviews aren’t really very good for either of these vehicles either and 2.5 to 3 out of 5 seems to be the overall score.

Personally I wouldn’t own either but that is just me. I don’t like the styling of the outlander and the Captiva is a pretty average sort of vehicle. There are a heap of both of these in car yards that are only a year old so the question is WHY?
nickdl

The Outlander will be worth more than the Captiva with warranty still left and better reliability. You’d probably get around two thirds of new value in three years’ time for a private sale for the Outlander, maybe more if it’s a limited edition, and maybe 50% for the Captiva especially if its a base model. Less for both with a trade-in. Go for the Outlander if 7 seats aren’t important (they are optional).

Doug Ward

Hi All, I’ve been researching four SUVs as I intended to purchase soon. The short list are Honda CRV, Nissan X Trail, Forrester,and Mitsubitshi Outlander. After months of reserching and speaking to owners of these vehicles I summarise and comment as follows. My first choice was the Nissan X Trail but very soon took it off my shopping list after finding out the serious problems owners are having with the CVT transmission (my daughter has one). The Forrester was good but for me too much like a station wagon rather than a true SUV also the maintenance and service cost are very high. The Honda CRV was almost perfect except that it does not have 4×4 lock which is a must if you’re going off road or on the beach (confirmed by RACQ). Finally settled on the Outlander which for my needs has everything and more. Fantastic warranty and great to drive, capped service also a bonus. Only fault I could find was the fact that with a tow bar fitted you can’t lower the bottom section of the tailgate. No problems just remove the tow bar when not in use takes about 30 sec to do. All SUVs are clayton 4X4s and if you want to do some serious off road or beach work then you need to look at a Nissan Patrol or Toyota Cruiser. All the vehicles I researched were the bottom of the range so I was comparing apples with apples. I purchased a Outlander LS although you can now buy the ‘Activ’ with all the goodies for the same price. Happy motering
TJN

I have owned my 2008 VRX-Luxury for 3 yrs now. Did my research on all similar vehicles (Forester, XTrial, CRV, Captiva)in that price range..even the RAV4 V6.
Coudlnt be happier with my decision. I do bout 25000km a year (both city and country driving for work). Ride comfort and noise levels are great. Sound system is excellent (even compared to the Harmon Kardon in my BMW). The paddle shifts are perfect for daily use (better than the ones that move with the steering ala SMG M3), speed of the shift is good for a 6spd auto just falling short of SMGs, dual cluthes.
Engine is good – could do with more torque in the lower revs. Engine noise a bit harsher in the higher range (>4500rpm onwards) but that when you are really pushing it and in the mivec range.
Build quality and fittings are good..but some material used could be better.
Suspension is good and rides well..but i find it a bit too soft..rear end dips too much on acceleration. Front is good compromise btw handling and comfort. Also find the front tyres tend to scrub on the outside..although they last about 40000kms. Tyres may be on the expensive side but shop around, there are good alternatives to the super expensive bridgestones. I like the Yokohamas Geolander on mine although I was quite happy with the Kumhos I had prior to the yokies.
Size and interior space. Couldnt be more happy with that. Small enough to fit in most parking spots in the city with the help of the camera. its amazing where you can fit it. Weight and size is good for country driving too..solid and stable. Interior space is excellent. especially in the rear. roomier than a Q5 and XTrial.rear seats slide fore and arf. not many of its rivals has that. Rear seats are not as comfy as it looks but bearable.
the media unit on the dash is excellent as it controls a host of settings for the car. gps is good and so is the screen.
ps. i do find the front side mirrors a bit too big plus the rake of the a pillar – impedes side vision – takes a bit of getting use to.
Last but not least, at 70000kms, the engine is still good and so is the transmission. i do get a bit of shuddering sometime lately through the drivetrain (only on acceleration)..but this will be getting looked at very soon. Stay tune..
Cant go wrong with the Outlander. It’s nearing time to change again. Looking at another Outlander. This time possibly a diesel. Rang Mitsu and they said because of the earthquake in Japan, shipment is delayed for at least another 9 months. So may check the 4007 too. Also checked out the new Forester S (STI pack). Disappointed with suede/leather seats, door metal is very tinny, only a 5 spd auto, centre rear seat belt attached to roof and quite pricey. Disappointed with Subaru cos i like their cars. It possibly may drive better..but i didnt get that far.