The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a popular compact SUV, but not all model years are equal. We’ve analyzed various sources to bring you a comprehensive review of the best, neutral, and worst years.
Our deep dive covers reliability, maintenance costs, safety ratings, and expert reviews.
Ready to investigate which Outlander years excel and which ones fall short?
Let’s explore this SUV’s voyage through the years.
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Mitsubishi Outlander Generations
The Mitsubishi Outlander has evolved significantly over the years, with each generation bringing its own set of improvements and challenges. Some iterations hit the mark, while others missed by a mile.
Let’s break it down:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation (CU/ZE/ZF) | 2003-2006 |
| 2nd Generation (CW/ZG/ZH) | 2007-2013 |
| 3rd Generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL) | 2014-2019 |
| 4th Generation (GM/GN/ZM) | 2022-Present |
This generational roadmap gives us a bird’s-eye view of the Outlander’s evolution. Remember, big changes between generations can make or break your driving experience, so keep this in mind as we delve deeper.
Mitsubishi Outlander, Best, Neutral and Worst Years
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of Outlander’s highs and lows, let’s talk data. Our rankings aren’t just pulled out of thin air – they’re based on cold, concrete facts from reliable sources. We’re talking:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds.com owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory.com owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
We’ve crunched the numbers and compiled a graph that paints a clear picture of each model year’s performance across all these factors:
Here’s a brief rundown of how each generation fared:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (2003-2006) | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 2004 |
| 2nd (2007-2013) | 2008 2011 | N/A | 2007 2009 2010 2012 2013 |
| 3rd (2014-2019) | 2016 2020 | 2014 2015 2018 | 2017 2019 |
| 4th (2022-Present) | 2023 | N/A | 2022 |
Now, when we talk about ‘Neutral Years’, we’re not talking about boring or mediocre. These are the years that didn’t set the world on fire, but also didn’t leave owners pulling their hair out. They’re the steady Eddies of the Outlander world.
Keep in mind, factors like NHTSA recalls can really ding a car’s reliability score and, by extension, its ranking. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the best and worst Outlander years, generation by generation.
Best & Worst Years for Mitsubishi Outlander 1st Generation (2003-2006)
The Outlander’s initial generation kicked off in 2003, marking Mitsubishi’s entry into the burgeoning compact SUV market. Like any newcomer, it had its growing pains, but it also laid the groundwork for the Outlander’s future success.
The Best Years: 2006
2006 was the Outlander’s victory lap for the first generation. While it wasn’t flawless – suspension niggles and exterior lighting quirks still lingered – it was a huge improvement over its predecessors. The serious airbag issues that plagued earlier models were largely resolved, resulting in a more reliable and enjoyable ride.
The Neutral Years: 2005
The 2005 Outlander was the automotive equivalent of a dependable B student. It didn’t set any records, but it didn’t flunk out either.
This model year struck a decent balance between reliability and functionality. Sure, it had its share of minor issues, but nothing that would make you want to trade it in for a bicycle.
The Worst Years: 2003 and 2004
The early years of the Outlander were… rough, to put it mildly. The 2003 and 2004 models were plagued with a host of problems that would make any car buyer think twice.
We’re talking airbag malfunctions that turned safety features into potential hazards, suspension issues that made smooth roads feel like off-road adventures, and exterior lighting problems that left drivers in the dark (sometimes literally). These issues didn’t just annoy drivers – they scared them away in droves.
Best & Worst Years for Mitsubishi Outlander 2nd Generation (2007-2013)
The second generation saw Mitsubishi upping its game, transforming the Outlander from an also-ran into a serious contender in the compact SUV arena.
The Best Years: 2008 and 2011
2008 and 2011 were the years when Mitsubishi really hit its stride with the Outlander. These models showed significant improvements in reliability and performance, addressing many of the earlier issues.
The result? Fewer customer complaints and higher satisfaction ratings. In fact, the 2008 model year boasts the highest Car Smite overall score of any Outlander year. With beefed-up engine performance and cutting-edge safety tech, these models won over many skeptics.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013
Despite the overall improvements in this generation, some years were… less than stellar. The 2007 model, for instance, grappled with steering and suspension issues that made driving feel more like wrestling. The 2009 and 2010 models decided to keep things interesting with engine cooling and electrical problems, turning reliability into a bit of a gamble.
And let’s not forget the 2013 model, which seemed to be going for some sort of recall record. These issues turned what should have been enjoyable rides into frustrating ordeals for many owners.
Best & Worst Years for Mitsubishi Outlander 3rd Generation (2014-2019)
The third generation marked a significant leap forward for the Outlander. In fact, the Outlander PHEV even snagged the Technology Car of the Year Award in the 2021–2022 Japan Car of the Year Awards. Not too shabby!
The Best Years: 2016 and 2020
The 2016 and 2020 models stood out as the cream of the crop in this generation. These years hit the sweet spot, balancing performance, reliability, and tech features like a well-oiled machine. Owners and critics alike raved about their smooth handling, cozy ride, and state-of-the-art tech. If the Outlander were a student, these would be the years it made the honor roll.
The Neutral Years: 2014, 2015 and 2018
The 2014, 2015, and 2018 models were… okay. They had some powertrain and transmission hiccups, sure, but they still delivered a solid driving experience overall. Think of them as the “meets expectations” years – not outstanding, but not disappointing either.
The Worst Years: 2017 and 2019
The 2017 and 2019 models, unfortunately, stumbled where it counts. Powertrain and transmission issues reared their unsightly heads, affecting performance and dependability.
Even more vexing, some owners reported that these problems kept coming back, like a bad penny, even after repairs. This led to a lot of disappointed drivers and a dip in trust for these model years.
Best & Worst Years for Mitsubishi Outlander 4th Generation (2022-Present)
The fourth generation, kicking off in 2022, represents Mitsubishi’s latest effort to push the Outlander to new heights in design and technology.
The Best Years: 2023
The 2023 Outlander is like that straight-A student who’s also captain of the debate team and volunteers on weekends.
It’s got sophisticated safety features, a refined design that turns heads, and driving dynamics that make you actually look forward to your commute. With high owner satisfaction and fewer reported issues, this model year is setting a new elevated bar for the Outlander.
The Worst Years: 2022
Now, the 2022 model… well, let’s just say it’s still finding its footing. As the initial year of a fresh generation, it’s hit some early hurdles in the road.
While we’re still gathering data, initial reports suggest there might be some reliability issues lurking under that shiny new exterior. It’s a reminder that even with all the planning in the world, sometimes the first pancake still comes out a little wonky.
Mitsubishi Outlander Average Resale Value
This graph shows the average list price for each Mitsubishi Outlander model year. It’s an excellent way to see which models are holding their value and which ones… well, not so much. Use this as a guide to spot the most coveted (and potentially reliable) Outlander years.
Conclusion
Armed with this information, you’re now prepared to make an informed decision when shopping for your Mitsubishi Outlander.
But we’re inquisitive – which year would you choose, and why? Are the issues we’ve highlighted for the worst years deal-breakers for you, or do you think they’re manageable?
Remember, every car has its peculiarities, but it’s about finding the one that fits your needs and budget.
So, which Outlander season has captured your interest?
Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts!
