Considering buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? here are some

this Mitsubishi Outlander Although competition from rivals is fiercer than ever, it has been a family favorite for many years.

Last year, the Outlander sold 27,613 units, making it the second-best-selling car in the segment, behind the popular Toyota RAV4. In fact, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the fifth best-selling car in Australia in 2024.

While this Japanese midsize SUV offers seating for five, it’s one of the few SUVs in the segment to offer a third row of seats.

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Two powertrains are available across the range: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with front- or all-wheel drive, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with all-wheel drive.

Currently, Outlander is the only mainstream mid-size SUV that offers both a plug-in hybrid system and seven seats. There is of course the Kia Sorento PHEV, but according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) it is classified as a large SUV.

Next, members car expert The editorial team shares why they should either buy a Mitsubishi Outlander or choose another midsize SUV.

Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Mitsubishi Outlander

Marton Pettendi: Nissan X-Trail

I would not buy a Mitsubishi Outlander but a Nissan X-Trail because the current model is one of the most dynamic, comfortable, refined and high-tech mainstream mid-size SUVs on the market.

But since I don’t need seven seats and want all-wheel drive, I’ll spend about $5,000 more for the cheapest e-Power version, which costs about $50,000 before on-roads.

It’s slightly less efficient than the similarly priced Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but is more fun to drive, thanks to an excellent ride/handling package and a clever, torque-extending hybrid system that drives like an electric car most of the time.

The latest Honda CR-V is also great, but it only comes in a hybrid version, and it’s $10,000 more expensive. Since the Kia Sportage Hybrid is front-wheel drive only, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid would be my second choice.

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More: All things Nissan X-Trail

James Wong: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

While a bit more expensive than rivals, the plug-in Outlander is the only option in the range to offer electrification and three rows of seats in Australia.

I really like the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Honda CR-V e:HEV, but sadly, they both miss out on the three-row interior configurations offered by their ICE counterparts.

We’ve been praising the new Outlander PHEV for some time now, including its achievable EV range, practical interior and broad lineup.

It’s about to get better, too, with an upcoming running update bringing better tech and a bigger battery with more range.

Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Mitsubishi Outlander

Sean Rand: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Tough choices this week. I really like the Outlander PHEV, but when you start driving long distances (i.e. more than 150km on the motorway), the battery drains quickly, leaving only a wheezing petrol engine to pull you along.

This is the Outlander PHEV I experienced first-hand in 2023 when I drove my long-term car for about 10,000 kilometers.

This is where the X-Trail e-Power really shines. The e-Power powertrain is a close relative of the Outlander and is essentially an electric vehicle with a range extender. Electric motors power the front and rear wheels, and a 1.8kWh battery is charged by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

It’s comfortable, quiet and fairly economical. Granted, you only get five seats in Australia, but that’s fine for me personally, and for most buyers it’ll get the job done.

What’s really missing are ventilated seats, as the leather seats in my current Ti-L e-Power long-term car aren’t suitable for summer. Beyond that, you’d be a fool to ignore the X-Trail e-Power.

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More: All things Nissan X-Trail

Jack Quick: BYD Hiace 6

Of course, the Outlander is the only vehicle to offer both seven seats and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but the third row does suffer in terms of space and is only suitable for short trips with small children.

I also admire the Sealion 6’s gorgeous technology. The Outlander’s 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, in particular, looks small now in 2025. Thankfully, an update is coming soon.

When driving the Sealion, it’s just as quiet as the Outlander PHEV, and in top-spec Premium AWD guise, it offers a similar range to an actual electric car (around 80km).

Jordan Mulak: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Nissan seems to have nailed that with the electric X-Trail, delivering a vehicle with all the benefits of an electric car but without the worries of charging or range anxiety.

Power delivery is smooth, as you’d expect with an electric motor, but you don’t have to worry about spending time plugging in to charge the battery, which is handled by the gasoline engine that acts as a generator.

As great as the hybrid technology in the Toyota RAV4 is, this could be a way to add another lane to the bridge between gasoline and electric power.

Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Nissan X-Trail

Max Davis: Honda CR-V

Maybe not the obvious choice, but hear me out.

The Outlander and X-Trail are great cars, but there’s a lot to like about the Honda CR-V. First, it’s available in an impressive range of specifications: there’s front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, five-seat, seven-seat and even a hybrid variant.

Honda’s hybrid technology is good, and the CR-V e:HEV hybrid produces more torque than the electric versions of the Civic and ZR-V.

Then there’s the internal technology, which is well structured and logical. The infotainment, climate controls and instrument cluster all have a clean look, which means it’s easy to use even for someone not used to Honda vehicles. It looks nice from the outside too.

When the current CR-V launches in 2023, its starting price is shocking, but over time its competitors have reached that level. Currently, the car starts at $41,900 and goes all the way up to $59,900, which seems like a good deal.

Interested in buying a Honda CR-V? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about Honda CR-V

William Stopford: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Outlander is the most impressive car Mitsubishi sells, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to buyers.

But its Nissan X-Trail platform mate is better to drive, and the model’s e-Power variant gives you the fuel-saving benefits (though not the full benefits of pure electric driving) at a lower price than the Outlander PHEV.

However, my choice would have to be the Hyundai Tucson – but only in hybrid form. It gives you similar fuel economy to the X-Trail e-Power, if not all-electric driving like the Outlander PHEV, plus an attractive interior and a competitive driving experience.

I wouldn’t bother with any other Tucson models, especially now that the diesel is dead. Its Kia Sportage platform mate is a tempting runner-up, but it comes with far fewer hybrid options—no all-wheel drive, for example, and don’t go looking for green interior trim (yes, you can in the Tucson! )

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More: Everything about Hyundai Tucson

Josh Nevitt: BYD Hiace 6

Even in base Dynamic trim, the Sealion 6 comes with two huge interior screens, heated and ventilated power seats, synthetic leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.

It will quietly complete daily commutes with an electric driving range of 92 kilometers and remain efficient even when the battery is depleted.