Mitsubishi Outlander

At a glance: class, platforms and where it is built

The Outlander is Mitsubishi's compact to mid-size crossover, with front- or all-wheel drive. It sits above the smaller Mitsubishi ASX and, from 2017, the Eclipse Cross, while the larger Mitsubishi Pajero covered serious off-road work.

"Outlander Sport" is not a trim level: it is the US name of the ASX. The Outlander itself was first called Airtrek in Japan and Montero Outlander in parts of South America.

The Outlander is built at Mitsubishi's Okazaki plant in Japan; some second-generation cars for Europe came from NedCar in the Netherlands. For context, see the history of Mitsubishi Motors and all Mitsubishi models.

Four generations compared

Mitsubishi has built four Outlander generations, coded CU, CW, GF and GN; some catalogues list only three, so check the code when comparing data.

First generation: CU / Airtrek (2001–2006)

The first Outlander was launched in Japan as the Airtrek on 20 June 2001, based on that year's ASX concept. It reached North America in 2003, replacing the Montero Sport, and Europe from spring 2003. European buyers got a 2.0 with 100 kW (136 PS) and a 2.4 with 118 kW (160 PS). The fastest version was the 2.0 turbo: 148 kW (201 PS) and 303 Nm (223 lb-ft) for export, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, while the Japanese Airtrek Turbo-R was rated at 177 kW (240 PS).

Second generation: CW (2005–2012)

The CW went on sale in Japan on 17 October 2005, in the US in October 2006 and in Europe in February 2007. It used a stretched GS platform, shared with the Peugeot 4007 and Citroën C-Crosser. It brought diesel engines and an optional third row. A major facelift for the 2010 model year added S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) on the top versions.

Third generation: GF (2012–2021)

The GF was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012 and went on sale in Europe that autumn. It is quoted as about 90 kg lighter than the CW, with a drag coefficient of 0.33. Facelifts in 2015 (with the Dynamic Shield front design) and 2019 kept it in production until about 2021.

Fourth generation: GN (2021–present)

The GN debuted on 16 February 2021 as a 2022 model. It is built on the Nissan CMF-CD platform shared with the Nissan Rogue and X-Trail (T33), developed after Nissan took a 34% stake in Mitsubishi. Europe received only the PHEV, built at Okazaki and on sale from early 2025. It was named Technology Car of the Year in the 2021–2022 Japan Car of the Year awards.

Engines and powertrains: from 4G63 to plug-in hybrid

The Outlander has offered petrol engines in every generation, diesels in the CW and GF, and a plug-in hybrid since 2013.

Early European CW diesels used a Volkswagen 2.0-litre unit-injector engine with 103 kW (140 PS), followed in November 2007 by the PSA 2.2-litre with 115 kW (156 PS) and in September 2010 by Mitsubishi's own 4N14 2.3-litre with 130 kW (177 PS). The 2.2 could be paired with the TC-SST six-speed dual-clutch gearbox from 2010; petrol versions used the INVECS-III CVT. In the GF, the 2.2 DI-D gives 110 kW (150 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). A UK listing quotes 58.9 mpg (4.8 L/100 km) for the front-drive 2.2 DI-D on the older NEDC cycle.

How the Outlander PHEV works

The PHEV is not just an electric car with a petrol generator. The 2013 car combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two 60 kW electric motors, one on each axle, and a 12 kWh battery. The rear wheels are driven only by electricity, while the petrol engine can charge the battery or drive the front wheels directly. Official range at launch was 52.3 km (32.5 mi) on the NEDC cycle.

The 2018–2019 update fitted a 2.4-litre engine and a 13.8 kWh battery, raising NEDC range to 65 km (40 mi); under the stricter WLTP cycle the UK quoted 28 miles (45 km). The GN PHEV for Japan and North America is quoted with a 20 kWh battery and 188 kW (255 PS). The 2025 European version has a 22.7 kWh battery and about 225 kW (306 PS). By September 2024, more than 370,000 Outlander PHEVs had been sold across both generations.

All-wheel drive: AWC and S-AWC

The CW used AWC, an electronically controlled 4WD system, with S-AWC on top versions after 2010. The GF offered 4WD ECO, AUTO and LOCK modes but no mechanical centre-differential lock, so it is built for slippery roads rather than serious off-road driving.

Dimensions, space and seating

Each generation has grown, from about 4.55 m for the CU to 4.72 m for the European GN PHEV.

With the rear seats folded, the five-seat GF offers up to 1,754 L (61.9 cu ft).

Key specifications: Outlander PHEV (Europe, 2025)

Safety ratings by year and organisation

Every Outlander generation has been crash-tested; ratings only make sense with the test year and organisation.

We could not confirm a dedicated Euro NCAP rating for the fourth generation.

Reliability, recalls and ownership

Independent reliability data is thin, so this section sticks to documented events and warranty terms.

• In March 2013 a PHEV battery pack overheated at a dealership; production and sales of the PHEV were paused until 19 August 2013.
• In June 2016 Pen Test Partners showed that the PHEV's Wi-Fi app link could be attacked and the alarm switched off. Our report on this Wi-Fi security finding of 2016 has the details; unpairing devices in the app removes the risk.
• In the UK Driver Power survey of 2019 the GF finished 88th of 100 models.
• The 2014–2021 PHEV in the UK is serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles (about 20,000 km), with an 8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty.

For the European GN PHEV, a warranty of 5 years / 100,000 km (62,137 mi) is quoted in Germany, while the UK offers 8 years / 100,000 miles.

Which generation suits which buyer

The choice depends on budget and on whether you want diesel or a plug-in hybrid.

• Older budget 4x4: a CW with the 2.2 or 2.3 diesel, with four adult stars from Euro NCAP in 2007.
• Used family SUV: a GF 2.2 DI-D with 110 kW (150 PS) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2012.
• Used plug-in hybrid: a GF PHEV, ideally after the 2018–2019 battery update.
• New car in Europe: the GN PHEV, the only Outlander now offered there.

The GN's closest rival is its platform twin, the Nissan X-Trail. For heavier off-road use, Mitsubishi's own alternative is the Pajero Sport.