Mitsubishi Outlander VRX 2022 Car Review

Strong looks

The latest Outlander features a more powerful looking dynamic shield, which wraps around the grille on both sides, this is much more pronounced than before and looks like thick chrome ribbons that add a muscular appearance to the vehicle. The headlights are now located in the bumper in a modern stacking configuration. The LED daytime running light is located where the headlights would usually reside, just below the high bonnet line.

Enhancing this bold appearance further, there are powerful swage lines which run the full length of the SUV. In the rear the style contrasts with the front and is a far more reserved affair, which looks like something more from a European family, with just a touch of ruggedness. There are also thoughtful touches added like a power operated tail gate and chrome bumper protectors for when you are loading and unloading items.

Another unusual touch we noticed was that the front quarter panels were constructed from flexible plastic, making them a friendly feature in the supermarket carpark as added protection against wayward trolleys.

Smart and Spacious

Dimensionally, the Outlander sits an extra 52mm wider when compared to the outgoing Outlander. It’s also longer, edging out some of the competition including the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage.

The power adjustable seats with memory function were optioned with a grey leather trim, this creates an element of class, especially with the quilted leather touches on the door panels, and stitched leather dashboard, we feel this optional extra is well worth the $1000 premium.

The seatbacks also include a clever small pocket to store your objects such as a smartphone. There were two USB ports including a type C in the rear of the console for charging.

Another neat feature for the rear passengers is the pull up sunshades, which are conveniently located within the rear door panels and neatly hook into the top of the window.

Conveniently your smartphone can be charged wirelessly by simply placing the phone on the tray in the centre console, it has a large max power output of 15W, compared to the standard 5W which many of the competition offer.

The new SDA navigation system features a large crisp 9-inch screen that offers accurate information using internal maps and navigation functions.

The driver’s cluster is a modern sharp 12.3-inch full digital driver display. The display is paired with a vibrant 10.8-inch Heads-Up Display (HUD), which adds to the upmarket feel, even the buttons and switch gear all feel like they have been jazzed up, notably the thickness of the window switches has been increased.

The new cameras provide enhanced visibility by using higher quality digital cameras and is enhanced with Moving Object Detection (MOD). This allows you to detect pedestrians and obstacles when parking more easily.

The VRX is also equipped with a wonderful BOSE premium sound system. The front three-way system is optimally laid out. There are also large door woofers in the door panels that enrich the sound quality further.

Smooth operator

Equipped with a newly developed 2.5-litre petrol engine, this inline four-cylinder engine produces 135kW @6,000rpm with a fuel economy of 8.1L/100km and a C02 output of 185g/km.

There have been a few tricks to enhance the economy, such as using a variable displacement oil pump and mirror bore coating, all of which contribute to higher fuel efficiency by reducing friction.

An eight-speed sport mode CVT is matched to the 2.5-litre petrol engine on all models and uses a shift by wire system so there is no traditional gear shift lever. In sport mode, quick shifting is possible by operating the paddle shifters should you wish to drive more exuberantly.

The VRX also features an AWD System S-AWC which improves performance by integrated control of engine, drivetrain, and brakes. The latest system is now around 15% lighter than the current Outlander. This technology was developed in the rally field and improves traction and handling regardless of the situation.

We tested this model around town and on the open road. It delivered a smooth and comfortable ride. Although on acceleration onto the motorway we did feel a slight delay from the CVT, but when accelerating from cruising speeds this wasn’t apparent.

Verdict

The new Outlander VRX offers a lot of comfort and refined space. It has grown up dimensionally and in style over the previous model. The Outlander also offers a competitive package to take on its rivals.

The VRX is the top of the range model and at $54,990 + ORC. It may be pricy for some but there is plenty more on offer with a price point to appease most tastes. If we compare it to its nearest competitor the RAV4, which sits just behind the Outlander in terms of sales, their top of the range topping 2.5-litre petrol Adventure RAV4 model come in a tad cheaper at $52,990 TDP. However, the RAV4 doesn’t currently have the versatility of being a seven-seater, which could be one of the reasons the Outlander is currently doing so well.

Outlander petrol range pricing in full:

• 2WD LS $41,990 + ORC
• 2WD XLS $44,990 + ORC
• 2WD VRX $49,990 + ORC
• 4WD LS $44,990 + ORC
• 4WD XLS $49,990 + ORC
• 4WD VRX $54,990 + ORC

Safety systems

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA)
• Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA)
• Forward Collision Mitigation (with pedestrian / cyclist detection & Junction Assist)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Emergency Lane Assist (ELA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR)
• Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• Parking Sensors (Front & Rear)
• Rear Seat Alert

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