Mitsubishi Outlander 2003–2006 car dimensions: 4545 mm long, 1750 mm wide and 1620 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,540 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
Air conditioning and cruise control come standard across the range. Higher grades add automatic climate control. A colour screen with navigation appears on top late grades in some markets, and a reversing camera joins the top Australian grade in 2006. Basic dual front airbags are standard, with side airbags and ABS on higher or later grades. No other modern driver aids appear in the published equipment lists.
The 60/40 split rear seats fold to open a flat-ish load floor. Published figures put space behind the seats at around 400 litres and the maximum near 1050 litres. The area takes everyday bags and weekend gear with a low liftover, though the opening narrows at the bottom and seats do not always lie fully flat.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1500 kg in several published specs, with some markets listing 1200 kg. Payload sits near 450-460 kg. The vehicle suits light trailers and family loads rather than heavy work. No heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages appear as standard equipment.
The cabin feels car-like with comfortable front bucket seats offering good side bolstering and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Rear seats provide generous headroom with reclining backs and 60/40 split folding. Higher grades add leather surfaces and heated front seats along with an available power sunroof.
Regular-grade unleaded fuel recommended.
Front-drive models rated 21 city/26 highway mpg.
NHTSA frontal crash 4 stars. side 5 driver/4 rear.
IIHS moderate overlap front Good. side Poor without side airbags.
Standard dual front airbags and RISE body structure with side-impact beams.
ABS and front side airbags optional early, standard by 2006.
The Outlander takes regular-grade fuel. Front-wheel-drive versions return 21 city and 26 highway mpg. All-wheel-drive models are close behind at about 20 city and 25 highway.
Oil and filter service falls every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or once a year. Four-wheel disc brakes arrived as standard in 2005.
Crash results show 4 stars front and strong side numbers from NHTSA. IIHS gives a Good score for moderate overlap front. The structure uses RISE design with crumple zones. Dual front airbags are always fitted. side airbags and ABS move from option to standard equipment by 2006.
Daily living is straightforward with standard air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control and a split-folding rear seat that opens 60 cubic feet of cargo space.
Length 4545 mm, Width 1750 mm, Height 1620 mm, Wheelbase 2625 mm (Outlander 2003–2006)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mitsubishi Outlander body repair manual 2004-2006, auto-data.net Outlander I 2.4 i 16V 4WD and autoevolution 2003 Outlander/Airtrek pages.