2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

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By George Skentzos | December 05th, 2007

Following a dramatic 39.6 percent increase in sales this November sparked by the introduction of the all-new Lancer, Mitsubishi has continued the roll-out of its new range with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Following in the footsteps of the Lancer, Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system has been included as standard on all 2008 Outlander models.

The Outlander range consists of six variants – which vary from the base model LS, the sporty VRX and newly introduced Luxury models – and are now available in a seven seat layout.

Powering the 2008 Outlander is either a 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC engine which produces 125kW and 226Nm, or a more powerful 162kW 3.0 litre SOHC MIVEC V6 engine with 276Nm on tap.

Aside from the entry model LS which is available with a 5-speed manual transmission to provide a more attractive entry price into the Outlander range, all remaining models feature a CVT (continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6-speed ‘Sport Mode’ tiptronic-style sequential shifting function.

XLS variants receive modest interior upgrades and add standard side and curtain airbags, a new voice activated hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and new sport mesh seat trim. An option pack comprising leather seat trim and power/heated seat with back pocket is available for the first time on XLS.

Finally, XLS Luxury variants now arrive with seven-seat layout only and offer several additional appointments including HID headlamps with auto leveling and headlamp washers, Rockford Fosgate audio package and a dusk-sensing headlamp and rain-sensing wiper combination package.

Pricing begins at $31,490 for the five seat LS Manual with the range topping VRX Luxury rounding out the range at $48,990.

Captain Mainwaring

Although this is a declining segment, Mitsubishi deserves the credit for having the best looking vehicle in it, and it drives nicely as well. What a shame it wasn’t 3 years earlier.
SPEED FREAK

I LOOKED AT ONE TUESDAY ALONG WITH THE CAPTIVA, PATHFINDER AND A COUPLE OF OTHERS. THE OUTLANDER WINS HANDS DONE. WITH THE 7 SEATER MODEL V’S THE CAPTIVA. THE CAPTIVA HAS LITTLE OR NO ROOM BEHIND THE THIRD ROW WHERE THE PATHFINDER HAS ABOUT 15 INCHES. IAM SHOULD BE GETTING THE VRX V6 MODEL CAUSE AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PHOTOS IT LOOKS DAMN FINE…..ENOUGH SAID………
Albert Knowles

Had my silver VRX Lancer auto for 3 weeks & 1800 kms. V pleased with purchase. Only criticism is that when accelerating hard from stand still the auto howls somewhat – which tends to offset the refinement that otherwise pervades the car. However careful use of the throttle can minimise this, without significantly impacting the gathering motion. The carved from granite sense that the car gives, no creaks, whistles or other noises really gives the car an upmarket feel. This is our 8th Mitsubishi – 2 x Lancers (93/07), 4 x Magna / Verada (91/94/96/02), 1 x Galant (79) & 1 x Outlander (03). Why are Mits not more popular or better regarded? Touch wood – we have never been stranded or let down in any way by any of our 8 Mits. More than I can say for some of the other marques we have owned. One more question why does DRIVE hate Mits cars? They never have a good word to say about any Mits vehicle. I have driven most of the cars that DRIVE rates above the Lancer & there’s no way I’d have bought one of these before the Lancer.
Nick

Oh I couldn’t agree more! Drive and especially Wheels loath mitsus for some reason! We have never ever been let down by 17 years of Mitsubishis, starting with a 1990 Nimbus to our 05 380. My next purchase will be a Lancer. They have some of the best styling and as an earlier comment said: are carved from granite. Our Colt could not be more solid…this is highlighted when I ride in its peers or even cars in higher classes!
mink

No diesel powered variant yet, wonder why?
bubba ganush

It seems the only vehicle that lets them down is the triton thats a shocker of a ute
BoB

Ah damnit… lost my comment.

Anyway, diesel powered variant is sourced from either Peugeot or Renault I think.. since one or both of them share the Outlander platform with one of their SUVs. 2.2L from memory.

Door trims look similar. Luxury variant is welcomed… looks great too but I think it won’t account for much sales as the doors are rather… lacking in quality. I think its time Mitsu changed the freakin’ doors on the Outlander.. I’ll gladly update mine when they do.

Seems from the website climate air con is standard together with alloy wheels. Great value I say..
Lcat

The Peugeot diesel is available for the Outlander in Europe only with a 6 speed manual. Maybe Mitsu Aus are waiting for a compatible auto box?
jake02

can someone tell me why the triton is a bad car? yes the aussie specs are a little shitty and u cant buy the top spec GLS in a manual but its so much better than the boxy navara and better value than the hilux. what the hell is wrong with people?

i love this upgraded outlander. i saw it on mitsubishi japan coz thy have just introduced the V6 over there so they upgraded it. i think its good that u can get leather on the XLS as some people want these features but u can only get them on VRX 7-seater so it has better value than before! the outlander has been my fave car 4 a while now after seeing the Airtrek Turbo R in malaysia! oh btw im 13 years old and i know heaps about cars! im a car nut! i cant see why mitsu thinks that we want auto’s? why? a diesel with a manual is fine! dont change it!
BoB

Because the market will demand an Auto car… it is easier to drive, especially when they start getting big and fat. Hill starts (I live in an area which has more hills and slopes than the number of bacteria under your fingernails) are a nightmare unless it has hill ascent control… which it doesn’t!
Ev

I am looking to replace my 05 CRV and must admit the new Outlander looks great. I am however really unhappy with the tinny feeling especially in the doors. Plus the plastics inside is hard and ugly. Wish they would improve it. Then i would not hesitate in purchasing one……
Mathew

I have been comparing RAV4 Cruiser to Outlander 4Cyl XLS. Outlander wins with its Triptronic Gears, Bluetooth, sliding 2nd row & 7 Seats. No Rear Aircon, radio & clock display is hard to read with red background. Aircon controls are too low. Radio controls on steering – should change preset stations & not go into SEEK mode & should have MUTE button. Antenna should be on the body similar to RAV4. The XLS should come STD with electric seats, DUAL Climate Air & an Optional Upgrade to Leather & SATNAV.
Nitram Rotciv

2008 Mit. Outlander is an absolute beauty!!! The look, the feel, everything you’re looking for a medium-sized but spacious SUV. Especially the VRX series, you’ll love it! I think this is the when Mitsubishi recovers from near closure. Keep it up!
Shaun

For what its worth here’s some feedback from our 3-4 month decision on a 7 seater
I looked at several different SUV 7 seaters and in the end went with the Captiva (Diesel). The Outlander rear seats are only temporary seating at best as they have little or no padding! They are really just thin mesh cloth – pretty wierd. There was no way an adult could sit there or a kid for that matter on anything longer than a trip to get milk down the street. Options were pretty good though, not as good as the 60th Captiva though. The others we looked at were the Mitsu Grandis was a better 7 seater option but we questioned the quality of the build as the demo model had a faulty electrics which was bad for a demo. We also looked at the Toyo Avensis (low on features, not too good for fuel and underpowered), Hyundai Sante Fe (the tape player really put us off!), Kia and Honda Odessey (all good apart from Fuel eco and was also underpowered)
In the end went with a captiva as it was the best value, features and a good 7 seater.
The Outlander would make a great 5 seater, but if I was in the market for a 5 seater SUV, I couldn’t go past the new Subaru Forrester to be honest – we looked at that also, with the mind to try to compromise on a 5 seater – because it drove better than everything above, without exception.
John

Thanks guys for the comments, just bought a used 24k 2007 Outlander LS ZG based in part on the comments and experience of others here – our first SUV. My initial view confirms what others are saying, the car does not sound as solid due perhaps to efforts to make it lighter than some other SUVs, and the plastics used/interior fittings could be better. However, it drives and handles well, love the CVT and sports mode gear shifting, reasonably equipped (though would have liked audio input for my media player) and is very stylish, quieter than I was led to believe by some reviewers and more spacious than most other comparably priced SUVs inc. the Forester that we looked seriously at. Hence, we’re pretty pleased overall (early days) and saved a few grand as well. The big test will be when we take it off the bitumen and also really assess its fuel economy.
Ross

I have had our red 2009 ls for 6 weeks and have traveled just over 3000k. We looked at and drove the 2009 forester(too small) the Rav4(chunky and rear spare mount) the X Trail(boxy) and a few others and kept coming back to the Outlander. It looks great and goes great is very quiet and not bad on fuel. The outstanding thing we found are the seats and for those that get a sore back after traveling give it a try. An hour used to be our limit,now we can travel for hours. Cant fault the auto or the 2.4lt motor. Its very easy to park and it tows the pop top van without a problem. Space saver spare is a niggle but if you get a flat the standard wheel fits underneath if you handy extension bracket. Audio inputs are included but they are at the rear of the console. Economy best has been 7.9lt to 100k but average 9.3 combined. Also tried the Captiva but the seats suck.
Infinite Wisdom

Really wanted an X-Trail.Test drove a top spec Diesel engine fantastic performance but noisy when idling and even slow acceleration. Then test drove the 2.5 litre petrol, smooth and quiet. Both with the CVT box. Did not like the poor seats lacking in support. Having 2 Nissan Pulsars for 10 years in the family could not live with unsupporting seats any more. Interior layout all over the place. Wing mirrors inadequate for side/rear vision. False floor may be flat but limits the load height. Have to dismantle the false floor to get at the spare wheel. Extras are way overpriced. Overall dated and very disappointing. Nissan update and lift your game.
Then drove the Mitsubishi Outlander. Great seats, driving position, front and rear visibility, engine and transmission. Quet and well built, plastic ok.
2009 Activ package included bluetooth, a necessity for mobile phones to avoid hefty fines, a very expensive addition to even an X-Trail XL-S. Also looked at Captiva, Korean build, GMH 3.2litre gas guzzler. Forester, Rav-4, Suzuki Grande Vitara, Hyundai Santa Fe.
Down side to Outlander? spacesaver spare but underneath cradle holder can be modified to take a realspare without being lower than the rear muffler.
Overall “Love that car”
Outlander?

I’ve been researching reliability, since I am in the market for a new 7 seater. Seems the outlander is the way to go, since the captiva has loads of problems.
Can anyone shed more light on this.
Jayne Bryant

Just purchased an Outlander VRX Luxury 2008 model. Very happy with it. Good to hear that the space saver can be modified. That was the main thing we weren’t happy about. Lots of plastic but that seems the norm these days. Checked out the XTrail Mazda, and Suzuki Prestige but came back to the Outlander. The XTrail didn’t seem to have any of the qualities bit gutless Suzuki was good motoring but lacked refinements inside and the Mazda was purely a SUV for the city. We’re looking to go out on the dirt tracks a bit. Mazda is a lovely car to drive and drive in. All the refinements a really lovely car but not for off road.
RYau

Was thinking about getting the Outlander so hired one for the week to try it out.
All in all a decent vehicle, but has anyone else noticed the awful seats? Driving the car short distances, the seats were fine just to rest your rear on, but over long distances, the front seats were only just tolerable and the back seats were diabolical. Sure, by sliding them back the leg room is fantastic, but I found them flat with no support and the seat fabric was like sitting on a greased toad.

After 1600 kms, something had to give and unfortunately it was my and my two passengers backs.
Infinite Wisdom

RYau I find the seats extremely comfortable and supportive. I am at the age where backs become an issue.
Much better than the X-Trail or Captiva.
Nothing wrong with the cloth seats, better than in our current Corolla. If you want leather, buy leather.
A friend with chronic back pain also likes them.
It is the only car I have been in that I actually enjoy being a rear seat passenger as I find the seats supportive, legroom fantastic and view nearly as good as the front seats. I am 183 cm tall,my wife 160 cm and she also likes the seats. Long trips are a delight.
inXs

Have had my 2008 Outlander VRX luxury for nearly 3 years, getting close to 100,000km, and havent had any problems at all with it. Has all the mod cons, auto lights and wipers, heated front seats, leather all around, sunroof, dvd player, bluetooth, keyless entry, reversing sensors and great sound system to blast the music out of.
Has gear paddles/manual mode if you really want to take control of the gear changes.
A pleasure to drive around the city and with its clearance height is useful for basic dirt tracks and creek crossings where normal vehicles would struggle to go.
mark lane

Hi. I just bought an 08 LS for my wife. pretty pleased with it overall. Was a fairly easy choice in the end, given mitsi`s track record with 4wd/AWD technology (paj, Evo etc) Little concearned about the cvt auto. and bummed about the ipod input..surely there must be after market parts for connectivity?? anyone know

main thing though is that the mrs is happy.
Kara

Have been looking and can’t decide between the XLS Luxury or the VRX. Would probably quite happily go for the 4cyl but concerned if down the track I need to tow a small to mid size camper trailer. Also have had conflicting advice on the CVT Auto and its reliability. Is the MMCS system any good? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
sheena williams

Have had my 2008 outlander for just over 3 years now.
just wanting to know if anyone has had a problem with rust? I have 5 rust spots on front and not sure if company will cover. Also seats in the back lock up alot.
cesar galvez

my mits outlander 2008 series gls is a nice car. however I encountered problems on the auto breaking system which broke down after three years with only 30000 kms mileage. it took time to replace due to non availabilty of parts from my auto dealer and its costly. iwant to know if there are same problem occurence from other owners