Review and Test Drive: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 SEL AWD
The Mitsubishi Outlander first made its appearance in 2001 in Japan as the Airtrek, a vehicle that promised “footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure.” It arrived in the States in 2003 as the Outlander and that name replaced Airtrek in all markets, including Japan, by 2005.
Now in its third generation, the Mitsubishi Outlander has been updated since its launch in 2013 and heavily revised for 2015 with the automaker’s new design language, “Dynamic Shield.” The front end received LED daytime running lights with an option for LED headlights and Mitsu made significant improvements to the steering wheel, headliner, rear folding seats, and door controls.
The 2018 version comes with a 7” touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, a redesigned and far more useful center console up front, a new gear shift lever, and automatic climate control. The top-of-the-line SEL variant that we received includes a brilliant panoramic sunroof, radar-controlled emergency braking, a lane-departure warning system that worked quite well, and automatic high beams. Up front there’s a new grille with black inserts and new front and rear bumpers.
Our Octane Blue Metallic Outlander arrived at our garage on a warm sunny morning causing several wags to promptly feign surprise that Mitsubishi was still distributed in the United States. It was good looking although utilitarian, not a bad thing in our opinion, and one of the most unfussy cars we’ve had in a long time, also not a bad thing.
DRIVING THE 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SEL
Perhaps to the great surprise of many, the Outlander is a true Goldilocks car. Everything is “just right.” The seats are extremely adjustable and very comfortable (although one staffer complained they lacked support on longer drives). The interior was Spartan but well thought out. It wasn’t posh by any means but the choice of materials was excellent.
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