Tow Test: Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Aspire 2.2

Mitsubishi’s Outlander has always been a sensible choice if you’re in the market for a mid-sized SUV, so the arrival of the significantly improved, third-generation model in late-2012 simply adds to its family-friendly appeal. 

Boasting more equipment as well as fresh styling inside and out, the ZJ Outlander introduces more variants including a new entry-level, sub-$30,000 front-wheel drive model.

But the biggest news for those planning to use the Outlander as a tow tug is the introduction of a turbo-diesel engine to the line-up, which also includes 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.

Producing significantly more torque than either of the petrol variants, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is capable of towing up to 2000kg (versus 1600kg with the petrol engine), which makes it equal best with the Nissan X-Trail in the mid-size SUV category.

Also good news is that the Outlander oiler uses a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, rather than the CVT (continuously variable transmission) in the petrol Outlanders, which can be more prone to overheating.

PRICE & EQUIPMENT

Pricing for the Outlander now starts at $28,990 for the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol manual FWD variant. With 10 variants available, the range tops out at $50,990 for the Outlander Aspire Premium 2.2-litre turbo-diesel automatic, which was tested here.

As well as diesel and petrol powerplants, buyers have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, five or seven seats, and three equipment grades: ES, LS and Aspire.

The cheapest turbo-diesel Outlander starts at $40,990, and comes with the additional third-row seating, AWD and mid-spec LS trim.

For the money the standard feature list is pretty strong and includes leather steering wheel and gear shifter, dual zone climate control, 6.1-inch colour touch screen audio interface, steering wheel mounted audio, phone and cruise controls, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking sensors and camera, six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo, USB port, plus electric windows and mirrors, tinted rear windows, seven airbags, plus front fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Aspire-equipped Outlanders also get faux leather door inserts, chrome door handles, woodprint accent panels, smart proximity key fob with keyless start, automatic headlights and wipers, heated leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, 18-inch alloy wheels and exterior chrome accents.

Our test vehicle also came with the optional ‘Premium’ pack. Priced at $5500, it adds hi-tech safety features such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation, as well as a Rockford Fosgate premium stereo with eight speakers and sub woofer, power tailgate and sat nav on a larger seven-inch screen.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Compared to the previous generation Outlander, the latest model is a noticeable step up in comfort, refinement and overall driving experience.

Interior quality is much improved with the inclusion of such niceties as a soft-touch dashboard, elegant instrumentation, large hi-res dash touchscreen display and, in top spec variants, glossy piano black and woodgrain highlights.

Interior space and comfort is above average for its class, with excellent room in the second row, although the third row is squishy for anyone but kids.

The front bucket seats are reasonably comfortable and supportive, but the second row bench is a bit firm for our liking.

Although rattly upon start-up, the turbo-diesel quickly gets into its stride and in conjunction with the responsive six-speed auto provides zippy, lag-free performance around town.

With maximum torque from just 1500rpm it doesn’t need to be thrashed for decent acceleration, and remains relatively quiet and refined even at higher revs. It’s certainly quieter in the cabin across the rev range than the bigger Colorado 7 SUV we recently drove.

The electric steering is light but reasonably responsive, as are the brakes, and the Outlander grips well in corners, despite some body roll. 

The ride is suppler and less jiggly than its predecessor, with the locally-tuned suspension doing a good job of soaking up bigger bumps and potholes.

The AWD Outlander is capable of tackling some reasonably challenging dirt tracks thanks to a 4x4 ‘Lock’ mode and ‘L’ transmission option for low-speed off-road work.

However, the limited 190mm road clearance and lack of low-range gearing restricts how far you can take it off-road...

TOWING

With a Tare weight of 1650kg, or about 80 per cent of the diesel Outlander’s towing limit, the Jayco Expanda caravan we hooked up provided a decent test for the diesel Outlander.

Although the Jayco’s 130kg tow ball mass was well within the 200kg limit specified on the factory tow hitch, there was considerable sag in the rear suspension. While this didn’t adversely affect the rig’s handling out on the road, the fitment of load levellers or some other remedy to level the rig would have to be considered. 

Accelerating from standstill to 100km/h was little effort for the torquey turbo-diesel engine, and once up to speed we barely noticed the considerable weight behind. The auto ‘box responded quickly, kicking down a cog or two for safe overtaking or maintaining a decent speed up hills, without ever putting unnecessary strain on the engine.

Slightly irritating was the auto’s tendency to drop into a higher gear at very low speeds, both with and without the caravan in tow. The result was a serious case of drumming vibration and labouring of the engine at speeds below 1500rpm.

However, the paddle shifters conveniently located behind the steering wheel proved handy for manual shifts, particularly when downshifting to take advantage of engine braking on steep declines.

Given its impressive towing performance it wouldn’t have been surprising if the Outlander had also proved thirsty, but that wasn’t the case. Fuel consumption ranged from a low of 6.5L/100km solo, to an impressive 11.5L/100km while towing, ensuring decent range from the 60-litre tank.

We should also mention the wide-angle rear camera fitted to our test vehicle, which took the guesswork out of hitching up.

VERDICT

The turbo-diesel Outlander makes a lot of sense for those who want the convenience and comfort of a mid-sized, seven seat SUV that’s also capable of towing close to two tonnes quite comfortably.

While it’s not class-leading in many areas, including on-road dynamics, it makes up for it with a fuel-sipping towing performance that puts many of its SUV rivals to shame.

If the $50,000-plus for the range-topping ‘Premium’ Aspire is too much, the Outlander LS AWD has only a few less frills, saving $10,000 while doing a similarly good job of hauling your mid-size van.

* Thanks to Page Bros RV in Seaford, Victoria, for loan of the Jayco Expanda caravan for this test.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER AWD ASPIRE 2.2

Engine: 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Max. power: 110kW at 3500rpm
Max. torque: 360Nm at 1500-2750rpm
Transmission: six-speed auto
Length: 4655mm
Width: 1800mm
Height: 1680mm
Wheelbase: 2670mm
Ground clearance: 190mm
Kerb mass: 1610kg
Fuel: 60 litres
Towing cap. (unbraked/braked): 750kg/2000kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 200kg
Fuel economy (claimed): 5.8L/100km
Price as tested: $45,990 (MRRP) plus Premium Pack ($5500), metallic paint ($495), tow kit ($847)