Over the years, the attractive Outlander has become one of the best-selling crossovers in North America, outselling other more popular brands and accounting for the vast majority of Mitsubishi sales.

It is far from perfect though and does have a fair few flaws to look out for. The previous generation is now officially only available on the used market, with the all new 2022 model already in showrooms all over the world. This means there are deals to be had, as dealers look to shift new-old stock and the used cars also see a devaluation. All good news for buyers looking for a third generation Mitsubishi Outlander.

10 Check Validity Of The Warranty

Mitsubishi Outlander
Via cyclecarriage.com

All Outlanders came with a 10-year powertrain warranty, so as long as the previous owner played by the rules it will still be covered.

2021 mitsubishi outlander phev
via: Motor1

It is one of the most valuable parts of this vehicle, and having that kind of piece of mind on a used vehicle is pretty hard to attach a dollar value to. If it isn’t there, it can be a big negotiating point, as you might well be able to shop around and find one that has its warranty intact without much effort.

9 Dated Standard Infotainment System

2020-mitsubishi-outlander-dashboard-carbuzz-601549
Carbuzz

They first came out the best part of a decade ago, and although they had an update or two along the way, the infotainment in these is very much straight out of 2012.

Infiniti Apple CarPlay 4
via CarNaviPlayer

If you are going to get one, don’t even think about it, just budget for a more modern aftermarket system that can handle Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It really is that bad, and if you think it might be worth keeping to preserve the backup camera, that was also something of a let-down, so either do without it or look to the aftermarket once more.

Related: 8 Most Advanced Auto Technologies In 2021

8 Several Recalls

via DigitalTrends

It is not uncommon for a modern car to get a couple recalls, but it needs to be made clear that the Outlander had a fair few recalls.

Outlander-1
Via cnet.com

This is the main reason that warranty is so important. It is something that can basically provide you with a safety net in case the previous owner missed a recall or the local dealership simply didn’t do the necessary work.

7 2016 Update

Outlander
Via wheels.ca

It got its first (and only) major update in 2016 and most of those concerns would have been seen to, the majority of those recalls relate to software, not concerning and easily dealt with at a dealership.

It also got a cosmetic upgrade, although depending on your preference, you might prefer the looks of the early versions. More importantly, the suspension received some work, improving the ride and handling.

Related: Beware: The Mazda CX-5 Is Probably The Safest Crossover In North America

6 Spacious Interior

2020-mitsubishi-outlander-interior-overview-carbuzz-601547
Carbuzz

One thing it has on its side is space, with the rear seats able to fold away when needed, as is customary for any modern people carrier.

A 2017 Outlander PHEV
netcarshow.com

For most small families this will be more than enough and will do school runs with ease, then also pick up whatever necessary items along the way too. It is a very good family vehicle, that much there is no denying.

5 Third Row Only For Kids

mitsubishi-outlander-02
motorinfo.org

It is important to note that it does have its limitations, although it is listed as a 7 seater, those seats at the back are, to say the least, cramped.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
via MitsubishiCars

In fact, we would not recommend letting any adult go back there unless in a pinch, the back is very much designed for kids, at a stretch, a couple of short teens maybe.

Related: These Are The Best SUVs And Crossovers You Can Buy Right Now

4 Problematic CVT Transmission

cvt
Carfax

A big hiccup for the Outlanders was the at times infuriating CVT transmission. It hasn’t failed on anyone, but it does struggle to find the right gear.

via GoodCarBadCar

This was at least helped to some extent with a software upgrade, but any vehicle equipped with a CVT and a more powerful engine (anything with more than 100 horsepower) will be susceptible to this kind of hunting. It just so happens the Outlander is particularly bad.

3 AWD A Little Thirsty

Mitsubishi Outlander
Via carmagazine.co.uk

Most modern cars are exceptionally efficient, unfortunately Mitsubishi did not get that memo and have been lagging behind in this department for quite some time.

via Edmunds

If you opt for the V6 with AWD, then you might be in for a bit of a shock as it will get you similar gas mileage to a full size pickup!

Related: These Were The 10 Best Compact Crossovers In 2021

207 RTJ Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sand dunes
Via Mitsubishi

It is for good reason that not many would go in the V6 direction, the inline 4 makes similar power and delivers far better economy, but still won’t hold a candle to the PHEV.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug in hybrid charging

It came around a little later (2018 on) but has been one of the most affordable hybrids on the market ever since its introduction and as a direct result has become the most popular choice. It makes the most practical sense but bear in mind it will need more specialized maintenance compared to the regular front drive inline-4 when it gets older.

1 Refined But Flawed Vehicle

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Via mitsubishicars.com

Over the years the Outlander has improved, but one must remember this is not a luxury vehicle, we wouldn’t even consider it a value for money option, it is very much a budget option.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Via mitsubishicars.com

If you look at it like that and temper those expectations just a little, you can still come out with a pretty good vehicle at a great price. The PHEV might be the most popular, but over time its running costs will go up. The front drive inline 4 just makes the most sense to us, just be sure it still has some of that powertrain warranty leftover, so you can drive with some peace of mind.