2021 Outlander Review: Still Worth Purchasing?

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is a high-performing compact crossover SUV on the mainstream auto market. This compact crossover SUV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that offers high performance on the road and is practical, comfortable, and reliable.

Since its release on the mainstream auto market, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has been a popular choice for drivers within the ultra-competitive compact crossover SUV segment. For the 2022 model year, however, Mitsubishi has now released an all-new redesigned Outlander model that marks the beginning of a new generation for this plug-in-hybrid compact crossover SUV.

The release of the next-generation 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has left many drivers wondering if the 2021 Outlander is still a good option for their next vehicle. When all is said and done, the 2021 Outlander continues to be an excellent choice for many drivers. Even though it is the last model year for the current generation of this compact crossover SUV, the 2021 Outlander comes with a variety of updates, upgrades, and new features that keep it relevant in the mainstream auto market.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander if you are currently in the market for an electrified compact crossover SUV as your next vehicle.

State-of-the-Art Hybrid Powertrain

The plug-in-hybrid powertrain of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is tough to beat. Every Outlander comes equipped with a 2.4-L four-cylinder engine that pairs with two electric motors, which generate a combined 221 horsepower on the road. This powertrain pairs with responsive all-wheel drive that allows for a fun and engaging driving experience. The steering and braking systems of the 2021 Outlander are responsive and allow for a smooth and quiet ride for both drivers and passengers of this plug-in-hybrid compact crossover SUV.

The Outlander uses Level 3 fast charging, which is the current fastest type of charging available for hybrid and electric vehicles and is able to recharge the Outlander’s battery at a rate of up to 20 miles of range per minute of charging. Level 3 charging uses a direct current that allows it to charge the batteries of hybrid and all-electric vehicles safely at a high speed.

The top speed of the 2021 Outlander is 83 MPH when it is operating on a fully electric basis, which is impressive among plug-in-hybrid vehicles. The all-electric driving range of the 2021 Outlander is an impressive 24 miles—which represents an increase from the 22-mile all-electric range of Outlander models from previous model years.

Comfortable Interior

The interior of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is comfortable, spacious, and practical for both drivers and passengers. It is ultra-quiet to ensure a peaceful ride over even the bumpiest roads.

The seats of this compact crossover SUV are very comfortable, and this SUV offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. This plug-in hybrid vehicle is able to fit up to nine carry-on suitcases when both of its rows of seats are upright and up to 26 carry-on suitcases when its second row of seats is folded down. The Outlander is also designed with ample interior cubby space that makes it easy to keep this compact crossover SUV’s cabin well-organized.

Advanced Safety Tech

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a variety of advanced, high-tech safety and driver-assistance features that help it measure up to current standards for new vehicle safety on the mainstream auto market.

Safety and driver-assistance features that come standard or are available options for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander include but are not limited to automatic high-beam lights, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control—although it is important to note that the adaptive cruise control feature is only available for the top-tier GT trim level of the 2021 version of the SUV.

This wide range of high-tech safety features helps keep drivers and passengers as safe as possible on the road by minimizing the risk of collisions and other accidents in the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Multiple Trim Level Options

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three different trim levels that offer drivers a variety of different options for features and amenities and also allow drivers within a wider range of budgets to afford a new Outlander of their own.

This plug-in-hybrid compact crossover SUV is available in three different trim levels—the base SEL trim, the mid-tier LE trim, and the top-tier GT trim. The starting prices of these trim levels are $37,490 for the SEL trim, $39,190 for the LE trim, and $43,190 for the GT trim—all of these starting prices include destination charges.