The 2021 Outlander remains one of Mitsubishi’s most practical and budget-friendly options in the compact SUV space. Though it doesn’t dominate headlines like its rivals, the Outlander has quietly earned respect for offering three rows of seating, decent technology, and Mitsubishi’s long warranty—all at a competitive price. If you’re considering the 2021 Outlander, this guide breaks down what’s good, what’s not, and what to know before you buy.
Why Consider the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
A Quick Snapshot
What It Is: A compact crossover SUV with available three-row seating
What’s Notable: Affordable pricing, standard tech, and all-wheel drive on most trims
Known Issues: Outdated powertrain, tight third-row, and dated interior
Trims Available: ES, SE, LE, SEL, GT
DIY Friendly? Basic maintenance is simple; CVT service and diagnostics need dealership tools
2021 Outlander Highlights
Available 3-Row Seating
One of the few compact SUVs offering three rows, the Outlander can seat up to seven passengers—ideal for families needing flexibility.
Pros: Extra passenger capacity in a smaller SUV footprint
Cons: Third row is very tight, best for kids only
Standard Safety Tech Across All Trims
Even base trims offer a suite of safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Pros: Good value at base price
Cons: No adaptive cruise control on lower trims
All-Wheel Drive Availability
Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) system is available on most trims, giving the Outlander decent light off-road and bad-weather handling.
Pros: Confident in snow and rain
Cons: Fuel economy drops slightly with AWC
Smooth Ride and Cabin Quietness
Despite being an older design, the 2021 Outlander has good ride comfort and noise insulation for highway cruising.
Pros: Calm highway demeanor, especially in SEL and GT trims
Cons: Handling is soft and uninspiring in corners
Long Powertrain Warranty
Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind for long-term buyers.
Pros: Among the best warranties in the segment
Cons: Some limitations apply for second owners
Common Issues with the 2021 Outlander
Underpowered Engine
Most trims come with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 166 hp, paired to a CVT. It’s fine for city driving but feels strained with full passengers or hills.
Fix: Drive conservatively and avoid overloading; consider GT trim with V6 if performance matters
Small and Cramped Third Row
The third-row seats are more of a marketing feature than a practical option for adults.
Fix: Use the third row for children or fold it flat for more cargo space
Dated Infotainment System
The touchscreen interface lacks the modern feel and responsiveness of competitors like Honda or Mazda.
Fix: Use Android Auto/Apple CarPlay to bypass most limitations
Average Interior Quality
Hard plastics dominate the cabin, especially on lower trims.
Fix: Opt for the SEL or GT trims with better materials and leather appointments
Limited Cargo Space with All Seats Up
With all three rows in use, trunk space is minimal—just around 11.7 cubic feet.
Fix: Fold third row when not in use for a flat loading floor and more usable space
Maintenance and Reliability Outlook
Routine Maintenance
- Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles (synthetic recommended)
- Tire Rotation: Every 5,000–7,500 miles
- Air and Cabin Filters: Replace around every 15,000 miles
- Brake Inspection: Every 10,000–15,000 miles
- CVT Fluid: Dealer inspection recommended every 30,000 miles
Fuel Economy
- 2.4L FWD: 25 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 2.4L AWD: 24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- 3.0L V6 (GT trim): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- Total Range: Up to 400–450 miles per tank in mixed driving
Reliability: Average to Good
The 2021 Outlander has an above-average reliability rating from most consumer sources, especially for its simple engine and proven transmission design.
Pros and Cons of the 2021 Outlander
Pros:
✔ Competitive base pricing with lots of standard safety tech
✔ Available third row is rare in this class
✔ All-wheel drive provides versatility
✔ Comfortable, quiet ride on highways
✔ Long warranty and solid reliability
Cons:
✘ Underpowered engine and sluggish acceleration
✘ Third row is only suitable for kids
✘ Outdated interior design and infotainment
✘ Limited cargo space with all seats in use
✘ Not as refined as rivals in design and performance
FAQs
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander a good family car?
Yes, especially for families that want 3-row seating in a smaller SUV. Just keep in mind the third row is best for younger kids.
How much does the 2021 Outlander cost?
Prices typically range from around $26,000 for the ES trim to $33,000+ for the GT V6 AWD version.
Does the 2021 Outlander have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both features are available from SE trim and above.
What are the main differences between trims?
Higher trims like SEL and GT offer leather seats, upgraded audio, power liftgate, and more advanced driver assists.
How does it compare to the 2021 Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4?
The Outlander offers a third row, which they don’t, but lags behind in performance, design, and infotainment sophistication.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is an underrated choice for buyers who value affordability, seating capacity, and warranty coverage over high-end tech and flashy styling. It won’t win every comparison test, but it holds its own for daily practicality—especially for growing families. If you can live with the aging design and occasional performance limitations, the Outlander delivers good value wrapped in a family-ready package.