Buying Used: Mitsubishi Outlander (2014‑2023)
Why the third‑generation Outlander might still be a smart choice on the second‑hand market
The third‑generation Mitsubishi Outlander – the ZJ/ZK model – rolled off South Africa’s production line in 2014 and was quietly phased out in 2023 when the fourth generation arrived. Though not the headline‑grabber of the midsize‑SUV segment, the Outlander is a practical, seven‑seater that’s built to last on South Africa’s mixed roads. It offers plenty of space, a decent towing capacity and, for the later models, a five‑year or 100 000 km Mitsubishi warranty that can still be transferred to a new owner.
The Basics of the 2014‑2023 Outlander
- Launch & Platform – Introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the third‑gen Outlander traded the older “tall‑roof” look for a sleeker, coupe‑like design and shared a monocoque chassis with the Nissan Rogue.
- Dimensions – The car measures 4 695 mm long with a 2 670 mm wheelbase, giving it a room‑y 215 mm ground clearance—enough for light off‑road or uneven highways.
- Seating & Storage – Standard is a three‑row layout that comfortably holds five adults, with the third row mainly for children. The boot holds 477 L of cargo, expanding to 1 625 L with the rear seats folded.
- Towing & Power – The GLS Exceed trim, the only version sold in the SA market, is powered by a 2.4‑litre petrol engine (123 kW/ 222 Nm) paired with a CVT and Mitsubishi’s Multi‑Select 4WD system. It can tow up to 1 900 kg behind the wheel.
- Interior & Tech – Leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a reverse camera are standard. Safety comes with seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill‑start assist, and a facelift‑added forward‑collision warning. The cabin uses durable plastics with plenty of cubbies, though accessing the third row can feel a bit fiddly.
- Fuel Economy – The petrol plant has a claimed 8.2 L/100 km, which is modest for a vehicle of this size but still reasonable for everyday use.
Things to Check When Buying a Used Outlander
| What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Service History | Full Mitsubishi records help confirm warranty transfer and gauge maintenance discipline. |
| CVT Transmission | CVTs can suffer from hesitation or overheating in heavy traffic. Test for judder or slipping. |
| Suspension & Steering | Bushings, shocks and struts wear unevenly; look for clunks, rattles or uneven tyre wear that might signal alignment issues. |
| Electronics | Early models had infotainment glitches or faulty sensors—test everything from the touch screen to adaptive cruise control. |
| Body & Interior | Scan for rust on the underbody (especially in coastal regions), board repairs or damaged panels, and worn third‑row latches. |
Which Trim Is Best?
If budget and needs line up, the 2.4 GLS Exceed CVT AWD (2017‑2023) is the sweet spot. It retains the same powertrain and layout as earlier models but comes with the later‑model warranty and service plan, adding extra peace of mind.
In our 2017 road‑test we found that the outgoing Outlander’s big, naturally aspirated 2.4‑litre engine is reliable but a bit thirsty in the city. The rev‑range is modest and the engine doesn’t quite respond like the newer turbocharged units, which is fine if you’re more interested in durability than outright performance.
“Mitsubishi tends to stick to tried‑and‑tested methods, which is also the preferred philosophy in Japan. It’s not a bad thing, either, almost always ensuring reliability and longevity.” – Charlen Raymond
Bottom Line
The Outlander may not be the flashiest SUV in South Africa, but it delivers on the essentials: space, towing, and a proven chassis that keeps running year after year. With a solid warranty still in place for the latest models, it represents a practical, cost‑effective second‑hand option for families or businesses that need a versatile, reliable vehicle. If you’re in the market for a used SUV, give the Outlander a look—you might be surprised by what it still has to offer.
