With its low driveaway prices, reliable and robust 2.4-litre petrol and a frugal hybrid barely sipping fuel, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a family favourite. The mid-sized SUV is a rare option in the segment with seven seats and large cargo capacity offering the best combination of space, thriftiness and practicality. Though recently outshined by newer models, it has endured on the Aussie market since 2003 and is now in its third generation. The long-awaited replacement is just around the corner, with new tech and safety features, and a lower RRP than most rivals.
Thousands of decent and well-maintained Outlanders are currently on the used market. Early first-gen models make for decent second cars and hover around $5000 with high mileage but regular servicing. The top of the price scale is the latest 157kW PHEV with consumption less than 2 litres per 100km, good if you average high distances. All Outlanders come well equipped, but a range of aftermarket accessories enhances general driver feel, and throws in a few missing necessities from the option list.
Accessorizing your Mitsubishi Outlander
A range of Mitsubishi Outlander accessories will provide for a little more protection, simple but effective styling cues, added practicality and comfy items in the interior. These round out an already reasonable vehicle. Accessories can be purchased cheaply aftermarket, or for newer cars you can splash some cash at the dealership for OEM parts.
Vehicle Protection
Keeping paintwork unscathed and body panels intact will save you a few dollars, and add peace of mind. Stainless steel nudge bars are an ideal accessory item that shields both engine parts and front panels from mishaps in the driveway, car park or in low-speed collisions. Aftermarket Outlander nudge bars are cheaply available, well-built, comply with all standards, and are quickly installed. Besides protection, they also give your tame Outlander a more rugged look and even provide for some off-roading fun in the 4WD variants. LED light strips fit across the nudge bar for better visibility. If you miss out on the rear cameras in the older cars, a cheap solution is to get a rear bar in place of the stock bumpers. In newer cars, you can also get rear bumper protectors.
Combine nudge and rear bars with other protective gear if you’re frequently driving on dirt roads. Weathershields are installed along the windows, giving welcome shade and the ability to drive in bad weather with the windows down. They’ll keep heat levels inside to a minimum and also drone out wind noise at highway speeds. An added benefit is the interior cleanliness in dirt trails, or from debris in daily driving.
To scuff away rocks or other smaller items, a cheap bonnet protector installed along the front end of the bonnet, will keep expensive repairs to windshields and other parts at bay. This keeps out rocks and insects from ruining an otherwise clean windshield. Tinted or clear bonnet protectors are available as OEM or aftermarket Mitsubishi Outlander accessories. You can also go with better-looking headlight protectors to avoid any damage to the lights or side blinkers. Mudflaps along all four-wheel arches are good at keeping rocks from hitting the coilover suspension, brakes or the underbody.
Better Styling
The Outlander isn’t famed for its looks, in the first cars anyway. These come with smallish steel wheels giving a functional if somewhat bland look. Swap these out for something bigger and flashier. New alloys are lighter, add some grip and give you a better feel behind the wheel. In addition, a few simple styling changes can liven up an outdated look. Go for chrome accents on the door handles and door mirrors. Aero and exterior packs, including rear spoilers, front, rear and side air dams and scuff plates are sold as OEM options.
Practicality
Though all models are far from short of space, you can do better. Mitsubishi Outlander accessories that maximise storage and cargo capacity can keep all seven occupants happy. Cars come with either flush roof racks or channel systems for adding decent aftermarket racks in the type of your choice. Roof baskets attach to flush rails, while crossbars give you more flexibility. Luggage boxes free up space inside, especially with all seats taken.
If you’re towing a trailer, a towbar kit is necessary. Some cars might have these already fitted and others might just need a tow ball. Inside the boot, you can organise the space when the last row of seats is down. Cargo boot liners in either plastic or rubber keep the interior clean and dry, and cargo nets, barriers and hooks keep anything you load in a safe, designated place. Another nice touch is adding side steps for easier access for the kids or parents, and these look good too.
Interior
Older models can benefit from the newer tech. Cheap navigation is readily available, now that most cars have integrated satnav systems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can also liven up drab, dark interiors with silver panels accents, changing the shifter to an aluminium gearshift knob, and brighter lining in the door switch panels. To get the most of your seats, get a complete set of seat covers and combine these with matching rubber floor mats.
These are just some Mitsubishi Outlander accessories available, until the new model hits the showrooms. Throttle response can be improved with a new throttle control and you can get a few more horses with some exhaust upgrades, but honestly not worth the hassle. Shop for aftermarket accessories online for the best deals, or visit your dealership for OEM genuine parts.
