Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2010 new car review

Sharp styling is always nice, and strong performance can be exciting, but nothing speaks to new car buyers as loudly as price. The Korean carmakers have known this for decades and now Mitsubishi has cottoned on and released a new entry-level model in its very successful Outlander range.

That’s a tempting sum to swap for NZ’s best selling medium SUV especially coming with Mitsubishi’s 5-year/10-year warranty. But in achieving this price what concessions have been made on this brazen base-model? We opened the packet on the Outlander LS to take a closer look at the contents within.

Good quality dark plastics are used for the main body of the dashboard and contrasting silver trim features throughout. There are areas where cheaper grade untextured black plastics have been used but everything feels well screwed together.

The switchgear is easy to use and although the stereo looks slightly dated and isn’t uniformed with orange illumination it functions well. The instrument cluster is large and has a screen that offers trip and economy information. For standard equipment, the Outlander LS does well with auto air-conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth telephone system and an immobiliser all included.

The front seats are firm but supportive and are finished in a hard-wearing black cloth with lighter grey panels. For space the front occupants are well looked after, the back seat is recline adjustable and provides decent head and legroom. 

Three can fit in the back fairly comfortably and if that’s not enough, there’s a third row of seating stowed in the hatch floor. This extra pew adds versatility and boosts Outlander capacity to seven people but it is quite small and best suited to kids.

With the third row of seats folded away cargo capacity is a very usable 882-litres. But to get more space the second row can be shifted forward and tilted upwards, doubling capacity to a cavernous 1,691-litres. A practical split tailgate makes loading large items easy and can double up as a seat when parked.

The CVT transmission helps with the economy but it can flare up and be slightly skittish when the LS is given too much gas. Under regular driving, though, it transfers power predictably and light pedal work will keep it smooth.

Dynamically the LS handles fairly well, there is some body roll when cornering sharply but not much more than you’d expect from any SUV. There is plenty of grip on offer and it bites into the corners with an appetite. On the road, there would be very few occasions where drivers would miss having a 4WD set up. Off road, the LS would struggle to keep up with its 4WD brothers but the increased ride height and long vertical suspension travel would still allow it some capability.

Ride quality is a fair compromise, and while it’s not pillow-soft, it easily absorbs bumps and dips in the road but is firm enough for steady cornering. It’s particularly good during suburban duties where the light steering and relaxed powertrain function admirably. It’s also nicely quiet in the cabin with very little engine noise entering and the 16-inch wheels keep it mellow as well.

No concessions have been made with safety and the Outlander LS is fitted with front, side and curtain airbags. There’s stability control, traction control and it’s achieved a 5-star safety rating.