Mitsubishi updates Outlander for MY20

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released its MY20 Outlander mid-size SUV, which is highlighted by an increase in standard specification and corresponding price rises.

The non-PHEV Outlander line-up is still comprised of 10 variants across four grades – ES, ES ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assist Systems), LS and Exceed – with the availability of five or seven seats and front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Now $200 dearer, the five-seat ES FWD opens the line-up from $29,490 plus on-road costs with a 110kW/190Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and a five-speed manual transmission.

The alternative ES FWD – with a 124kW/220Nm 2.4-litre unit, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and seven seats – commands a $2300 premium, with AWD adding another $2500. Either way, it is now $500 more expensive, like all other ES, ES ADAS and LS variants.

The ES ADAS grade is exclusively available with the 2.4-litre engine, CVT and five seats, either with FWD ($33,290) or AWD ($35,790).

The seven-seat LS is offered with the 2.4-litre unit and CVT in FWD ($34,290) and AWD ($36,790) forms, while the latter can be upgraded to a 110kW/360Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission for $3500.

Assuming flagship responsibilities and moving $1000 upstream, the seven-seat Exceed AWD is available in two guises – the 2.4-litre unit and CVT ($43,290) or the 2.2-litre engine and six-speed transmission ($46,790).

In terms of upgrades, the two ES variants with the CVT now come with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard, while their manual counterpart continues to go without the key active safety technology. All other Outlanders already had AEB.

Dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also now standard on the ES grade.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been added range-wide, while the Exceed grade also gets TomTom satellite navigation that sends speed-limit information to its multi-function display. Map data can be updated at home via USB.

Exceed variants have also been upgraded to the latest generation of the Japanese brand’s AWD system, dubbed Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which features active yaw technology and four drive modes (Eco, Normal, Snow and the newly added Gravel).

Other range-wide upgrades include redesigned air-conditioning controls, power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a redesigned second-row bench with improved cushioning, and an extra rear USB port.

A new overhead console has also been introduced, with it incorporating the seatbelt reminders, passenger airbag cut-off indicator and a sunglasses holder, although the latter is absent in the Exceed grade due to the space its standard sunroof requires.

“Outlander drivers are looking for an SUV they can use for their daily drive, but (also one) they can count on for their next adventure,” said MMAL deputy director of marketing and operations Derek McIlroy.

“The Outlander is equipped with excellent handling through the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, in addition to ample cargo space.

“This year, we’ve strengthened the range by taking customer feedback and adding additional safety, comfort and infotainment features. It’s a flexible and great-value SUV.”

Sales of the Outlander have improved considerably in 2019, with 10,558 examples sold to the end of July – a 14.9 per cent increase over the 9187 deliveries made during the same period last year.

The Outlander is currently placed fifth in the sub-$60,000 mid-size-SUV segment, trailing the Mazda CX-5 (16,116 units), Toyota RAV4 (13,878), Nissan X-Trail (11,208) and Hyundai Tucson (10,851).

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs