Used Mitsubishi Outlander
Buying a used SUV is a smart move in a market where new car prices keep climbing. The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a staple on Australian roads for decades. It appeals to families who want reliability without the premium price tag of a Toyota or Mazda.
But not every Outlander is built the same. Some models are bulletproof, while others might leave you stranded on the side of the Monash Freeway. If you are looking for a used Mitsubishi Outlander, here is what you need to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the best value for your money.
What Makes the Outlander a Popular Choice?
The Outlander sits in the "Goldilocks" zone of SUVs. It is larger than a compact crossover like an ASX but easier to park than a massive Pajero Sport. For many Aussie families, the big drawcard is the seating.
The Mitsubishi Outlander 7 seater Australia market is one of the few mid-sized SUVs to offer an extra row. While those rear seats are strictly for kids, having that flexibility makes it a winner for school runs and weekend sports
Is Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol or Diesel?
One of the first questions buyers ask is: is Mitsubishi Outlander petrol or diesel? The answer depends on which generation you buy.
The Petrol Engines
Most Outlanders you find on the used market will feature a 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. These are simple, honest engines. They use a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). If you do mostly city driving, the petrol 2.4L is the pick of the bunch. It has enough grunt to move a full carload without feeling too strained.
The Diesel Option
Mitsubishi offered a 2.2-litre turbo diesel for several years. This engine is great for long-distance highway driving or if you plan on doing some light towing. It offers more torque and generally comes with a traditional automatic transmission rather than a CVT. However, diesel versions are harder to find and require strict maintenance of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) if you only drive short distances.
The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)
We can't talk about Outlander engines without mentioning the PHEV. Mitsubishi was a pioneer here. It uses a petrol engine combined with electric motors. If you can charge it at home and your commute is under 50km, you might barely ever visit a petrol station.
Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid Australia
No car is perfect. If you are browsing through car sales listings, you need to know which years had the most "teething issues."
When looking at Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid Australia specifically, stay away from the early 2013-2015 models with high-kilometre CVTs. The first few years of the third generation (the ZJ series) had some reports of transmission shudder and loud whining noises. While Mitsubishi improved the CVT software in later years, these early ones can be a gamble if they haven't been serviced perfectly.
Another era to watch is the 2006-2008 models if they haven't had their timing belts changed. These older engines are interference engines, meaning if the belt snaps, the engine is usually toast.
Key Generations: Which One Should You Buy?
2012 – 2021 (The Third Gen)
This is the most common model on the used market. It received several facelifts (ZJ, ZK, and ZL).
- The Pro: Parts are cheap and every mechanic in Australia knows how to fix them.
- The Con: The interior tech feels dated compared to a Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson from the same era.
2022 – 2025 (The Current Gen)
This model was a massive leap forward. It shares its platform with the Nissan X-Trail and looks much more imposing on the road.
- The Pro: A massive leap in safety tech and interior quality. The 2025 update specifically improved the ride and handling with an Australian-specific suspension tune.
- The Con: Higher spec models (Exceed and Exceed Tourer) from 2025 onwards actually dropped the seven-seat option to fit a full-size spare wheel. If you need 7 seats in a newer model, you have to look at the LS or Aspire trims.
The Reality of the 7-Seater Layout
If you are specifically hunting for a Mitsubishi Outlander 7 seater Australia variant, keep your expectations in check.
The third row is tight. There is almost zero boot space left when the back seats are up. It’s perfect for "emergency" transport when your kids' friends need a lift home. If you need to carry seven people and luggage for a road trip to the Gold Coast, you should look at a Kia Carnival or a larger Mazda CX-9 instead.
Common Problems to Check Before Buying
Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, run through this checklist:
- CVT Health: During the test drive, look for "surging" or a feeling like the transmission is slipping. Listen for any high-pitched whining.
- Paint and Trim: Mitsubishi paint can be thin. Check the roof and bonnet for "crow’s foot" cracking or clear coat peel, especially on cars kept outdoors in the Aussie sun.
- Service History: This is the most important factor. These engines are reliable, but they hate old oil. If the logbook is empty, walk away.
- Suspension Noise: Listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps. The front strut tops can wear out, leading to noisy steering.
Fuel Economy
Mitsubishi claims impressive fuel figures, but real-world driving in Australian suburbs tells a different story.
- 2.4L Petrol: Expect about 9.5L to 11L per 100km in the city.
- 2.2L Diesel: You can get this down to 7L per 100km on the highway.
- PHEV: This varies from 0L to 8L depending on how often you plug it in.
Interior and Technology
If you buy a 2017 model or newer, you will likely get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a must-have. It bypasses the somewhat clunky Mitsubishi factory interface and keeps your maps updated.
The cabin is practical. There are plenty of bottle holders and the seats are comfortable for long stints behind the wheel. It isn't "fancy," but it is built to survive toddlers and muddy boots.
Safety Ratings
Most Outlander models from 2012 onwards carry a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Later models include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning. If safety is your priority, look for the Exceed trim level, which usually packs in all the sensor-based tech.
Comparing the Outlander to Rivals
Why choose a used Outlander over a RAV4 or a CR-V?
- Price: You will almost always get a newer Outlander with lower kilometres for the same price as an older Toyota.
- Warranty: Mitsubishi offered a 10-year warranty on newer models (if serviced at the dealer). This warranty is transferable, which provides great peace of mind for second-hand buyers.
How to Get a Good Deal
- Look for Ex-Lease Vehicles: Many Outlanders are used as company cars or government fleet vehicles. These usually have high kilometres but perfect service records.
- Private vs Dealer: Buying privately will save you $2,000 to $4,000, but you lose the statutory dealer warranty. Given the CVT risks, a dealer warranty might be worth the extra spend.
- Check the VIN: Always run a PPSR check to ensure the car hasn't been written off or has money owing on it.
The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't the most exciting SUV on the road. It won't turn heads at the lights. But as a tool for a busy family, it is hard to beat. It is honest, spacious, and affordable to run.
Avoid the early ZJ models with sketchy service history, stick to the 2.4L petrol or the PHEV if you have a charger, and you will likely have a trouble-free ownership experience.
FAQs
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a true 4WD?
No, it is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD). It can handle dirt tracks and snowy roads to the ski fields, but it is not designed for heavy rock crawling or deep sand.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander require 95 or 98 octane fuel?
The standard 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines are happy to run on 91 octane Unleaded or E10. This helps keep your running costs down.
How long does the battery last in an Outlander PHEV?
Most batteries show some degradation after 8–10 years. If buying a used PHEV, check the "state of health" of the battery through a specialist or a Mitsubishi dealer.
Is the 7-seater version available in all trim levels?
In Australia, the 7-seater layout is usually found in the LS, ES (some years), and Exceed trims. The base models and some PHEV variants are 5-seaters only.
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