The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander last week was updated with extra safety kit and a little price rise, the second time the mid-size SUV has been updated since its current generation’s introduction.
New styling and updated tech, plus an extensive ad campaign, have started to position the Outlander as being a cut above the rivals, but does it still hold up as a good value proposition?
Against two key rivals, the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5, both recently updated and both very popular, in fact popular enough to be the only two models standing in the Outlander’s way to leading the medium SUV segment.
So far in 2022, to the end of November, the RAV4 has sold 32,652 units, while Mazda has shifted 25,425 CX-5s, and Mitsubishis trails with 17,494 Outlanders. Interestingly, the Kia Sportage is hot on its heels with 17,341 sales.
Since the current Outlander’s introduction, its price has crept up to that of its rivals, now costing $36,240 before on-road costs at its front-wheel drive entry-level form, the ES 2WD. Another $2500 nets you the all-wheel drive version.
Compare that with a base Toyota RAV4, the GX 2WD at $36,550, which is the entry point to a much broader range of variants compared to the Outlander – there are nine Outlander variants to the RAV4’s 13.
Meanwhile the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at a lower $35,390, despite Mazda having positioned itself as a more premium alternative to its rivals.
While the CX-5 is ageing, the most recent update includes tech upgrades such as a larger 10.25-inch screen replacing the older 8.0-inch version, capable of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Toyota RAV4 has a similar feature in its higher XSE, Cruiser, and Edge variants, a 10.5-inch multimedia display, as well as a customisable digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches. Entry grades have an 8.0-inch screen, though the multimedia software is updated.
The Outlander, though, has had its screen downsized for lower variants in the recent update due to parts shortages, meaning a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen replaces the 9.0-inch multimedia display, and loses wireless phone mirroring capabilities.
At the top of the range in $50,990 Exceed, or $53,490 Exceed Tourer specs, the Outlander gains the brand’s Mi-Pilot assisted driving feature which advances the Outlander’s adaptive cruise control system, bringing with it features like lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, and speed limit assistance.
The CX-5’s assisted driving functions remain very simple, however even a base model CX-5 has a fairly extensive list of features including blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention alert, forward collision warning with AEB front and rear, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, active cruise, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert.
The RAV4 has a similarly extensive list of features, but no rear AEB or head-up display.
For drivetrains, the Outlander features the same throughout the range, a 135kW/245Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with CVT, though the CX-5 comes with more options.
Most of the range runs on a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine making 140kW and 252Nm, via a six-speed automatic gearbox, though the top-spec Akera gets a diesel option, and the sportier GT SP scores a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 170kW and 420Nm.
However, the most affordable CX-5 continues with a 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre engine.
The Toyota RAV4 is the only one that features a hybrid drivetrain, if we exclude the much more expensive Outlander PHEV starting at $55,490. A RAV4 GX hybrid 2WD can be had from $39,050, with a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a 160kW output. AWD versions have a 163kW output.
Other non-hybrid 2WD grades feature a 127kW/203Nm 2.0-litre engine, and the petrol AWD Edge has a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre drivetrain.
In terms of comforts, all three feature a similar progression of equipment as the variant grades rise in price. Leather seats for CX-5 and RAV4 come in at around the low-to-mid $40,000s mark, for example, but up in the $50,990 Exceed variant for the Outlander.
While the Outlander is an overall newer car, its higher pricing to access some features might push buyers to a RAV4, in which the high-spec Cruiser can be had $5000 cheaper than the equivalent Outlander Exceed, as long as you don’t mind front-wheel drive.
But the base model Outlander still gains its updated styling, even if the creature comfort list is short, and at a cost on par with its rivals. It’s also overall newer than the Mazda CX-5, which was introduced in 2017 in its current generation, though it shares a platform and overall design with the first generation from 2013.
The Toyota RAV4 also suffers from infamously long wait times, especially for grades with premium features, so an Outlander might be worth checking out if you’re willing to pay more to wait less.
Another point to consider is that Mitsubishi offers its Outlander with a conditional 10-year warranty, versus the five years of assurance from Mazda and Toyota.
Keyword: With the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander prices increasing, is it still good value next to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4?