2021 Mitsubishi Outlander detailed: New Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 rival emerges as Nissan X-Trail twin with cutting-edge tech

Mitsubishi has revealed the fourth-generation Outlander, with the new mid-size SUV due in Australian showrooms later this year, when it will look to outperform the best-selling Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Set to launch in the US first in April, the Outlander rides on a newly developed platform, including multi-link suspension and electric power steering, which it shares with the rivalling fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail that’s due locally in 2022.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, although a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option is expected down the line, with it likely to pair a 2.4-litre unit with two electric motors.

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Either way, the former produces 135kW of power (+11kW over the previous 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine) and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight simulated steps.

As reported, the Outlander introduce the latest version of Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as well as a regular AWD set-up. That said, front-wheel drive is standard.

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

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All Outlander variants get at least five drive modes (Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud), with AWD versions getting an extra one.

The Outlander’s exterior design is no surprise whatsoever, given it got an early mark last December, but it’s still worth noting its alloy wheels measure up to 20 inches in diameter.

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Inside, surprises are in store, with the Outlander steps up with much more premium styling, while upholstery (cloth, and/or regular or semi-aniline leather) covers the seats, door inserts, upper dashboard and knee-rests.

Interestingly, it appears the new Outlander is only available with a seven-seat configuration globally, with the 40/20/40 split-fold middle bench able to slide and recline. However, a five-seat option could also become a reality in Australia.

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The Outlander’s interior also features a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, a 7.0-inch multifunction display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, seat heating, three-zone climate control and rear sunshades.

Advanced driver-assist systems in the Outlander extend to lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality and speed sign recognition, while autonomous emergency braking is a certainty. Of note, 11 airbags are fitted, including a front-centre.