Buying Used: Mitsubishi Outlander (2014-2023)

The third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander left our market a few years ago, but is it worth considering as a used buy?

Mitsubishi Outlander

Image: CAR Magazine

The Mitsubishi Outlander is somewhat of an under-the-radar player in South Africa’s midsize-SUV segment. However, it still offers seven-seat versatility and a reputation for durability that suits our diverse roads. Built in Okazaki, Japan, the third-generation model (ZJ/ZK) launched locally in 2014 and was phased when the fourth generation arrived in 2023 – the latter ushering in sharper styling and improved efficiency to the Outlander package. For buyers in the second-hand market, it’s a value-packed choice – spacious and capable of towing, and later models should still be under Mitsubishi’s five-year/100 000 km warranty.

Introduced to South Africa in 2014, the third-gen Outlander replaced the second iteration with a sleeker, coupé-like roofline and a monocoque platform shared with the Nissan Rogue. The Outlander sported a usable 215 mm ground clearance. The seven-seat layout became standard, with the 477-litre boot expandable to 1 625 litres. A facelift arrived in 2017.

Related: Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 GLS 4WD CVT Road Test

A rundown on the Mitsubishi Outlander

Unveiled globally at the 2012 Geneva show, the third-gen Outlander blends crossover comfort with light off-road ability. Measuring 4 695 mm long, front to rear, with a 2 670 mm wheelbase, it seated five adult occupants comfortably, with the third row remaining reserved for children, and offered a 1 900 kg braked towing capacity. The range comprised only the Outlander GLS Exceed at launch, maintaining the status quo for its tenure in South Africa. A facelift arrived in 2018, but the 2.4-litre petrol engine (123 kW/222 N.m) remained the only power source, and was paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and the brand’s Multi-Select 4WD system.

Exceed spec included leather seats, touchscreen infotainment, and a reverse camera. The suite of safety items included seven airbags, stability control, and hill-start assist as standard, with the facelift adding forward collision warning. The cabin used durable plastics with ample cubbies, though third-row access was fiddly. Fuel use was a claimed 8.2 L/100 km for the petrol engine.

What to look out for when buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander

  • Service History: Full Mitsubishi records ensure warranty transfers.
  • Transmission: CVT can hesitate or overheat in traffic; test for judder or slipping.
  • Suspension & Steering: Bushings and shocks wear fast. Listen for clunks or rattles. Uneven tyre wear signals alignment issues.
  • Electronics: Infotainment glitches or faulty sensors (e.g. adaptive cruise control) in early models; test all.
  • Body & Interior: Rust on the underbody in coastal areas; check panels for crash repairs. Worn third-row latches are a common occurrence.

Which one to get?

Budget and needs dictate, but the 2.4 GLS Exceed CVT AWD (2017–2023) is the standout for most South Africans. Later models should still be covered by the service plan and warranty. We noted in our 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander road test:

“Mitsubishi tends to stick to tried-and-tested methods, which is also the preferred philosophy in Japan. It’s not a bad thing, either, almost always ensuring reliability and longevity. In the case of the revised Outlander, that means the changes which have been affected are mainly cosmetic, with the old-school 2.4-litre engine remaining in service. Balance shafts help keep it relatively smooth, and it should be dependable, but the pistons are large and the engine does not rev freely and uses more fuel than the latest, smaller, turbocharged engines.”

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Buying Used: Mitsubishi Outlander (2014-2023) appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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