Reviewof the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander LS: Middle-sized SUV Thorough Examination in the 8th Round of Testing
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has made a notable comeback with significant improvements in design, driving dynamics, interior quality, and fuel efficiency.
Design and Dynamics
The 2018 facelift has brought a more refined driving experience, with retuned suspension offering a softer initial response to bumps and reduced "head toss". This, along with a narrower front sway bar, results in better balance and comfort on rough roads. The cabin has also become quieter with extra insulation, and the steering gained more heft, improving overall driving dynamics and comfort compared to prior models.
Interior Quality
The interior saw upgrades in materials and technology, with larger touchscreen displays and enhanced connectivity. The cabin ambiance improved through better sound insulation, creating a quiet environment that reduces engine and road noise. Higher trims offer quilted leather upholstery and three-zone climate control, enhancing comfort for all passengers.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2018 Outlander achieved better fuel economy partly due to a lower drag coefficient (Cd 0.33). This aerodynamic improvement helped enhance efficiency over previous versions with similar engine options. The tested 2025 and 2026 models maintain an EPA rating of around 30 mpg, hinting that improvements made since 2018 have maintained good fuel economy standards.
Safety
The 2018 model introduced advanced driver aids like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and adaptive cruise control, contributing to excellent safety ratings including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when equipped properly.
The Outlander LS, one of the models tested in the Medium SUV Megatest, is equipped with a CVT automatic transmission and weighs 1430kg. It comes with a 1998cc 4cyl, sohc, 16v engine, delivering 110kW of power at 6000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4200rpm. The Outlander LS can accelerate from 0-100km in 10.8 seconds and has a fuel economy of 10.8L/100km (tested).
The Outlander LS competes against other medium SUVs such as the 2018 Haval H6 Premium, 2018 Toyota RAV4 GXL, 2018 Hyundai Tucson Active X, 2018 Kia Sportage SLi, 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L, 2018 Ford Escape Trend, 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Trendline, and 2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport.
The LS Safety Pack in the Outlander offers active driver tech like AEB, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise, and auto high-beam, comparable to the Tiguan and CX-5 newbies. The rear-seat cushions in the Outlander can be tipped forward to create a long, low load bay, enabling greater storage and hiding several underfloor compartments, plus a full-sized spare.
The Outlander's steering lacks feel and consistency, and handling becomes ragged as roads roughen up, with the relatively soft suspension causing a constant pitter-patter motion in certain conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a more comfortable, safer, and economical SUV option than previous Outlander versions.
The Outlander LS is priced at $32,000 and is available for purchase now. For more information and detailed results from the Medium SUV Megatest, visit our website.
Automotive Industry and Finance
Priced at $32,000, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander offers competitive pricing in the automotive market, appealing to buyers seeking a budget-friendly, economical SUV option.
Lifestyle
With improvements in fuel economy and interior quality, the 2018 Outlander is more suited to modern lifestyles, catering to drivers who value comfort, safety, and economical transportation.
Transportation and Industry
The fine-tuned fuel economy of the 2018 Outlander, contributed by aerodynamic enhancements, positions it as an economically strategic choice within the transportation industry.
