The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t necessarily come to mind as one of the front-runners in the popular SUV dash, but it did win Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Award for 2019. With a starting price in the mid $20,000s, the Outlander is a cost-effective alternative to big names like Honda and Toyota.

This 7-seater, 3-row compact SUV still has a lot to offer in terms of options and features. We’ve gathered the facts on this model to give you a better idea of what the 2019 Outlander has to offer.

Performance Specifications

Mitsubishi offers 3 engine variants in the 2019 Outlander, including one plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) configuration. The base 2.4-liter engine is an inline-4-cylinder with 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Breaking the 200-horsepower mark means you’ll have to choose the 3.0-liter V6, which is capable of 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, you can also choose the hybrid powertrain, which features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine paired with twin AC synchronous motors. The gas engine alone makes 117 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque.

The 2019 Outlander can be purchased in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Transmission options on the newest model include a continuously-variable (CVT) or a 6-speed automatic.

Entertainment and Safety Features

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander high marks for safety.

The NHTSA gave the 2019 Outlander 5 out of 5 stars for the overall safety rating, and the IIHS rated it “Good” in all categories. In fact, the 2019 Outlander was a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS this year.

Let’s dig further into the safety features on the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander. Here are the 4 offered trim levels:

  • Base ES models feature standard equipment that includes LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
  • A step up from basic, the SE model features foglights, push button start, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • SEL models feature automatic headlights, power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, and leather seating. A Touring package adds in automatic high beams, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
  • GT models see via LED headlights. Chrome exterior accents and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are just the tip of the iceberg with this trim. The GT Touring package includes all the safety features Mitsubishi offers on the 2019 Outlander.

Mitsubishi also offers a Limited Edition trim package on the 2019 Outlander. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, black exterior accents, and a black headliner. Safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.  

Fuel Efficiency

With a new hybrid Outlander on the market, it’s easy to see that Mitsubishi is following the trend of going green. Boasting 25 EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) combined or 74 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe), the Outlander hybrid holds its own as the “only SUV in its class to offer such an electrified powertrain.”

However, if you prefer gas engines, the 2.4-liter and 3.0-liter do post some decent numbers as well. In front-wheel drive configurations, customers should see about 25 city and 30 highway MPG from the 2.4-liter, while all-wheel drive versions lose a point in both city and highway MPG. Outlanders equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 are only all-wheel drive, so they post a 20 city and 27 highway MPG rating.  

How the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Compares

Located somewhere near the low-cost end of the SUV spectrum, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander faces stiff competition from the likes of Honda’s CR-V and Pilot, Toyota’s RAV4 and Land Cruiser, and the Nissan Murano and Rogue twins. Only in its third generation, the Outlander can’t necessarily do what every other SUV in its class does, but it does present a respectable combination when it comes to the overall package.

For example, Mitsubishi offers a wide variety between the available powertrains. All-wheel drive is nearly required in the eyes of prospective (and current) SUV owners, and the powerful V6 engine in the Outlander GT holds its own. And the list of standard and optional safety and trim packages means you can add nearly anything to your new Outlander.

Pros

  • Lots of standard features to choose from
  • Both V6 and hybrid models available
  • Respectable comfort and handling

Cons

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander has much to offer to those looking for a capable SUV on a budget. Sure, it’s not the fanciest all-wheel drive automobile on the road and it might be Mitsubishi’s hail Mary to keeping the brand alive. But with an array of customizable features and the addition of a hybrid powertrain, the 2019 Outlander could be a saving grace in disguise.

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Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.