Market Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester.
Key Features:
Offered with a choice of 2.0L or 2.4L engines, available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations. Known for its practical interior and comfortable ride.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts looking for in-depth service information.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, engine removal/installation.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (5-speed), automatic transmission (4-speed INVECS-II), clutch, driveline, transaxle, transfer case (AWD models).
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (standard/optional ABS), parking brake, hydraulic system, brake system bleeding, ABS diagnostics.
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (Multi-link beam axle), power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows, power locks, audio system, wiring diagrams.
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, climate control unit, refrigerant handling.
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, chassis component torque specifications.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, safety restraint system diagnostics.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant checks and flushes, brake fluid replacement, tire rotation, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, fault code interpretation (OBD-II).
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Technical Depth:
Detailed repair procedures, torque specifications, component diagrams, wiring schematics, diagnostic information, specifications and tolerances for most mechanical and electrical components.
Engine Code And Type:
4G63/4G64 SOHC/DOHC (depending on market and trim)
Displacement:
2.0L (1997cc) / 2.4L (2351cc)
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 126-135 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 135-140 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (market dependent)
Horsepower 2.4L:
Approx. 140-150 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 2.4L:
Approx. 150-155 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (market dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Proprietary Mitsubishi ECU with OBD-II diagnostics
Transmission Type FWD:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type AWD:
4-speed automatic transmission (INVECS-II)
AWD System:
Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system available on some models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (manual transmission)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond ATF SP-II M or equivalent (automatic transmission)
Length:
Approx. 4590 mm (180.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1775 mm (69.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 195 mm (7.7 in)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 1430 kg (3153 lbs)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 1490 kg (3285 lbs)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (2003 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (2003 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags, check specific trim)
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others.
Traction Control:
Available on AWD models with specific configurations.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side-impact airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (Iridium type recommended for optimal performance).
Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil:
API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 certified, SAE 5W-30 (preferred), or SAE 10W-30. Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (with filter).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent ATF (check specific manual for exact type).
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (especially on earlier automatic transmissions), front suspension wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), catalytic converter failure, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window regulators), timing belt replacement interval for 4G63/4G64 engines (critical).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: 4G63/4G64 engines are interference engines. Timing belt replacement recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure to do so can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Brand Reputation:
Mitsubishi has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its diverse range of vehicles, including rally-bred performance cars and practical SUVs.
First Generation Launch:
The first generation Outlander was introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini (in some markets) and competing in the burgeoning compact SUV segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Production Years:
First Generation: 2003-2006