Mitsubishi Outlander SE 2.4 S-AWC Offers Good Bang For Your Buck

The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the least expensive small SUVs offering three-row seating, all-weather-capability, lots of features, and safety tech for growing families, and still offers plenty of value. In this super-competitive segment, there are a lot of choices for consumers. See if it’s a good fit for you.

This week we drive the refreshed 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 2.4 S-AWC trim.

What’s new for 2019?

For the 2019 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander gets refreshed styling including new headlights, steering and suspension tweaks for better ride comfort and handling, and new rear-seat climate control vents.

Features & Options

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 2.4 S-AWC ($27,695) comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, second-row air vents, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat that slides and reclines, a 50/50-split third-row seat, a rearview camera, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and a USB port.

SE also comes with fog lights, keyless ignition and entry, power-adjustable front passenger seats, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a second-row USB port, and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio. The SE also has an optional Convenience package that includes a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

This tester came with the optional Convenience Package ($1,000) including a power glass sunroof, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change assist, and Rear Cross Traffic alert, and power-folding side mirrors. Total MSRP including destination ion: $29,825.

Interior Highlights

Stepping inside the Outlander SE revealed comfortable leather-trimmed seats and plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The front seats are supportive with lower cushions just long enough for tall people, and outward visibility is excellent. Unlike many crossovers in this class, the second row doesn’t feel flat and hard, and it’s comfortable enough for adults.

The 60/40 split fold-down second-row seats offer a slide and reclining feature making it easier to access the third row. You can slide the second row fore and aft, like other three-row models. Both the second and third rows fold flat, creating a very useful cargo floor with a low load height. There are small side boxes just aft of the wheel wells, plus a small under-floor storage compartment that can hide a laptop. Behind the third row, there is 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space and 63.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The Outlander SE is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This tester comes with Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel-drive system that’s ideal for those living in cold weather climates.
Mitsubishi Super All Wheel Control offers four different modes (Eco, Normal, Snow, Lock) that affect the system's parameters, with Lock being the high-traction mode for off-road driving.

EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 24/29 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an undemanding crossover that’s quiet, comfortable, and well-mannered on the open road. It can seem a bit soft and detached from the driver, and the 2.4-liter has enough power for most driving situations. We pushed it hard going up I-70 at 9,000 feet elevation and it held it’s own while hauling two people. Add a full complement of kids and gear and it will struggle, however. If you drive in the city, which most families will, it will supply your needs well.

Families who want the security of all-wheel-drive will benefit from Mitsubishi’s many years of rally racing where they perfected the system. The system is called S-AWC, which sends the optimum torque split in every situation, including when just one wheel is on ice. We were able to test the SEL on a dirt trail in the mountains and we felt confident in the Outlander’s ability to get us anywhere safe and secure.

Even though the optional electronic safety lane-departure warning is a bit annoying, it worked almost too well as we traveled the two-lane mountain roads. It also features a forward collision mitigation system that notifies the driver if you are following a vehicle too closely. If the driver fails to react, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the severity of an impact.

Conclusion

If you need an affordable 3-Row seven-seat family crossover, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander SE S-AWC gives you a good bang for the buck. If you live in a cold weather climate and need all-wheel-drive, Mitsubishi has one of the best. We see the advantages of the Outlander to be, it’s all-weather capability, excellent outward visibility, safety technology and three rows of seating.