Fourth-gen 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Revealed: SUV Styling With Crossover Roots

• Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 181PS 2.5-litre petrol engine.
• Notable features include connected car tech, semi autonomous driving, and Bose sound system with dual subwoofers.
• Priced from $26,990 (Rs 19.63 lakh) in the United States.
• Rivals the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V.

Mitsubishi, a carmaker that gave us cult cars like the Lancer, Cedia, Pajero, Lancer Evo, is not very popular in India. But it is up and running in other markets. It has now taken the wraps off the fourth-gen Outlander crossover, which will go on sale initially in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in April. 

 

Unlike the previous model, the fourth-gen Outlander with its boxy proportions and upright stance looks properly SUV. A large honeycomb mesh grille with three sleek chrome slats dominates the front end and is flanked by a sleek pair of split LED headlamps. The chrome surrounds also neatly flow from the DRLs and merge the projector fog lamps. 

The blacked-out elements on the A-, B-, and C-pillars give the roof a floating effect. The sharp shoulder line gives it a distinct character while the large wheel arches are nicely filled by dual-tone alloy wheels. Things at the rear are tidy thanks to the sleek split-LED tail lamps and a faux skid plate. Overall, the Outlander looks classy rather than blingy.  

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The classy theme continues on the inside thanks to the minimalist dashboard design. It’s split into two by the AC vents, whose design is similar to an Audi, that run through the width of the dashboard. A 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is perched on top while the physical climate control knobs are placed below. 

Features include a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, connected car tech, a 10.8-inch head-up display, a Bose sound system with dual subwoofers, three-zone climate control, rear sunblinds, and MI-Pilot assist. The last one combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist for semi-autonomous driving. Safety is covered by 11 airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, and electronic stability control.

 

Powering the Outlander is a 2.5-litre petrol engine that puts out 181PS of power and 245Nm of torque. Drive is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via an 8-step CVT. Unlike the Pajero though, the AWD system in the Outlander is more road biased. It gets off-road modes such as Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud if the going gets tougher. A greener hybrid variant could follow later, but a diesel engine is highly unlikely.  

Prices of the Outlander begin at $26,990 (Rs 19.63 lakh) in the United States. Chances of seeing it are slim in India, considering Mitsubishi’s tiny sales network in the country. Mitsubishi currently sells the fully imported previous-gen Outlander in the country.