Sometimes evolution is better.
Japanese marque Mitsubishi has announced its updated Outlander SUV for the 2019 model year, which is set to receive a raft of small tweaks and updates that promise a better, more pleasant overall experience. While the brand hasn’t been afraid to reinvent itself and its products in the past, they’re taking a more careful approach with the Outlander this time round, perhaps because it’s a pretty impressive package as it is.
For the new model year, the Outlander will gain new 18-inch alloys, new bumpers on either end (with updated fog-light housings for the front), a new grille with dark mesh inserts, rear A/C vents for automatic cars, and an electric parking brake. LS & Exceed cars also gain refreshed interior trim choices, and a set of seat cushions of a new design.
Further exclusive to the LS & Exceed cars are things like leatherette upholstery, a rear spoiler, and electric seat adjustment for both the driver and passenger. However, one-touch up/down windows and illuminated switches are standard across the board.
The steering rack in the MY19 Outlander has been updated to improve responsiveness, while there are also larger rear shocks and larger front struts to improve body control and ride comfort. Rigidity is improved by “new structural bonding,” while engine noise has been reduced by modifying the catalytic converter. The new bumpers on either end also help to reduce wind noise, which wasn’t a big issue to begin with in the Outlander but we’re glad they made changes wherever they could.
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander model range continues to consist of ES, ES ADAS, LS, and Exceed models: The ES is available only with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder atmo petrol mill (110kW/190Nm), and is available with a five speed manual though front-wheel drive is mandatory. The rest of the range is available (depending on spec) with either the gutsier 2.4-litre atmo petrol (124kW/220Nm) or our favourite 2.2-litre turbodiesel (110kW/360Nm), with the petrol getting a CVT automatic and the diesel a 6-speed manual. The oiler is all-wheel drive only though, while the petrol gets either front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices begin at $29,290 for an Outlander ES 5-seater manual, while a top-spec Exceed 7-seater turbodiesel AWD auto will set you back $45,790. The 2019 model year Outlanders are available for purchase today.
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