If the modern SUV market were a school playground, Mitsubishi’s Outlander would be the kid who quietly aces the maths test, plays decent footy, and never once shouts “look at me!” across the oval. The new Aspire petrol version continues that tradition — unflashy but solid, with enough equipment to keep the family happy and enough engineering sensibility to keep the fuel bill from getting out of hand.
First Impressions
In Aspire trim, the Outlander’s sheet metal is neither bland nor brash. The oversized grille still polarises, but the slimmer LED headlights and squared-off wheel arches keep it looking current. The proportions are neat, if not adventurous, and the Aspire’s 20-inch alloys give it just enough stance to look like it belongs in the upper-mid SUV crowd.
Inside, Mitsubishi’s designers clearly raided the “sensible choices” cupboard. You get a clean dash layout, soft-touch materials in the right places, and supportive leather-appointed seats. The 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is easy to read without feeling like you’re poking at an iPad glued to the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay works smoothly; Android Auto has been upgraded from a cable to wireless. The Aspire also picks up a 8-speaker Yamaha audio system, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display — nice touches that make the cabin feel more premium than you might expect at this price point.
On the Road
The Aspire’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (135 kW / 245 Nm) is teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. CVTs can make some cars feel like they’re stuck in treacle, but here it’s tuned to simulate gear changes under heavier throttle, so you don’t get the constant droning soundtrack. Acceleration is adequate rather than brisk — fine for school runs and freeway merges, less inspiring if you’re in a hurry.
Ride quality is where the Aspire leans into comfort. The suspension is tuned for suburban life: it soaks up speed bumps, patchy bitumen, and driveway edges with calm assurance. The 20-inch wheels do introduce a bit of patter on coarse chip surfaces, but nothing to make you turn the stereo up. Steering is light and predictable, parking is a breeze, and Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) adds a layer of stability when the weather turns damp.
Practicality & Space
In seven-seat layout, the third row is very much for occasional use — kids only (small ones, preferably without legs). The middle row has good adjustment for excellent legroom, but only if you don’t intend to use the back row.
With those rearmost seats folded flat, the cargo bay offers 478 litres of space, which is enough for a big grocery run or a pram and a week’s worth of family gear. Second-row legroom is generous, and the wide-opening rear doors make it easy to load child seats. A nice touch – a lever on each side near the hatch flips the rear seats forward without having to walk around the side and make the change via the rear doors.
Fuel economy is officially 8.1 L/100 km combined. Expect more like mid-nines if your driving is mostly urban, and low-eights if you’re gentle on the highway.
Safety
The Outlander wears a five-star ANCAP rating (tested in 2022) and comes stacked with safety tech: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Lane-keeping can be a little overzealous on narrow country roads, but it’s easily switched off.
Verdict
The Outlander Aspire isn’t about drama. It’s about competence — doing the everyday stuff without fuss. The petrol version won’t thrill enthusiasts, but it’s quieter and more predictable than the hybrid in some situations, and it saves you a chunk of change up front. If you want an SUV that’s comfortable, well-equipped, and easy to live with, the Aspire is worth a look.
Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire (Petrol) – Key Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $45,740 + on-road costs |
| Engine | 2.5 L naturally aspirated petrol, 4-cyl |
| Power / Torque | 135 kW / 245 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT (8-step simulation) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (S-AWC) |
| Wheels / Tyres | 20-inch alloys / 255-45 R20 |
| 0–100 km/h | ~9.7 sec (claimed) |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 8.1 L/100 km |
| Towing Capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg |
| Seats | 7 |
| ANCAP Rating | 5 stars (2022) |