Skip advert
Advertisement

New Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 review

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hybrid might take all the column inches but how does the standard diesel Outlander shape up?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mitsubishi Outlander
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

On paper, the facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander diesel struggles to match its PHEV brother’s impressive fuel economy and low overall running costs, but the diesel makes more sense. It’s good enough to drive and the tweaks to the exterior are welcome, but if you want a diesel SUV with seven seats, the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are far more accomplished all-rounders, despite being marginally more expensive to buy.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When the current Mitsubishi Outlander launched in 2013, Mitsubishi made a big thing about how the PHEV plug-in cost the same as the equivalent diesel spec-for-spec. 

And amazingly, that’s still true. We’ve already tested the facelifted hybrid, but can the revised 2.2-litre diesel make a compelling argument in the UK’s emissions-driven new car market? 

On paper, it’s off to a bad start. The diesel returns 53.3mpg economy (versus the updated PHEV’s 156mpg figure). To add insult to injury, the plug-in car is also exempt from London’s Congestion Charge and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

• Best SUVs on the market now

Running costs aside, the Outlander is easy to live with. It’s simple to manoeuvre at low speeds and there’s a well judged, supple ride. Plus, as the diesel is 245kg lighter than the battery-laden PHEV, it rides better. 

On the motorway, the car remains refined, with only a little wind noise, but the suspension struggles on undulating roads and has a tendency to wallow at times. The steering doesn’t offer much feedback, either, yet it’s accurate and nicely weighted.

• Best hybrids on sale now

The engine is quiet, although it’s not the strongest in the class and quickly runs out of puff. With 148bhp, the 2.2-litre diesel delivers 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, yet the instant torque of the PHEV’s electric motor means the diesel doesn’t feel as quick. Still, there’s enough grunt through the gears, and the six-speed manual is slick and easy to use.

Our mid-spec GX3 test car benefited from the same aesthetic changes as the refreshed hybrid. All models are four-wheel drive, and get LED daytime running lights on the outside and a USB socket inside, while this GX3 adds smart 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless go, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth and leather.

Seven seats are standard – that’s two more than in the PHEV due to its boot-mounted electric motor – although there’s not as much room in the third row as you’ll find in rivals like the Kia Sorento.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,053 off RRP*Used from £14,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,625 off RRP*Used from £12,000
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

At last! Ford Puma Gen-E is first electric car to get full EV Grant discount
Ford Puma Gen-E - front

At last! Ford Puma Gen-E is first electric car to get full EV Grant discount

The electric Ford Puma probably gets the higher-level grant because it is partly made in the UK
News
27 Aug 2025
New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
Confirmed: New Renault Clio reveal set for 8 September at Munich Motor Show
Renault Clio design render - front

Confirmed: New Renault Clio reveal set for 8 September at Munich Motor Show

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio supermini will get a clean look and hi-tech kit. Our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
28 Aug 2025