The Mitsubishi Outlander III, produced from 2013 to 2015, represents the third generation of Mitsubishi’s popular crossover SUV. Positioned as a mid-size vehicle, the Outlander III aimed to provide a practical and versatile option for families, offering seating for up to seven passengers. This generation marked a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and refinement compared to its predecessors, and was primarily marketed in Europe, Asia, and Australia. While not a major seller in the United States during these years, it offered an alternative to established American and Japanese competitors in the growing crossover segment.
Mitsubishi Outlander III 3.0 MIVEC V6: An Overview
The 3.0 MIVEC V6 variant of the Outlander III was a higher-specification model, distinguished by its more powerful engine and standard all-wheel-drive system. This model was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a blend of performance, capability, and family-friendly practicality. The Outlander III, in general, sought to balance fuel efficiency with usable space and a comfortable driving experience, making it a competitive offering in its class.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Outlander III 3.0 MIVEC V6 is a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the 6B31. This engine produces 224 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 292 Nm (215.37 lb-ft) of torque at 3,750 rpm. The engine features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) technology, optimizing valve timing for improved performance and fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive system. The drivetrain operates with a front-wheel-drive bias, engaging the rear wheels as needed for enhanced traction. The weight-to-power ratio of 7.2 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 5.5 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive driving experience. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers (23.1 US mpg) combined, with 11.8 l/100km (19.9 US mpg) in urban settings and 8.4 l/100km (28 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets LEV-II-ULEV emission standards.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Outlander III boasts a contemporary SUV/Crossover design, characterized by its sleek lines and relatively compact dimensions. The body style is a five-door SUV with a spacious interior designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, although the third-row seating is best suited for children or shorter adults. Key features of the Outlander III include a comfortable ride, a well-appointed interior, and a range of standard and optional equipment. Safety features, crucial for family vehicles, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis design. The interior offers a practical layout with ample storage compartments and a user-friendly infotainment system. Trunk space is configurable, offering 292 liters (10.31 cu. ft.) with all seats in place and expanding to 1792 liters (63.28 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4656 mm (183.31 in) in length, 1801 mm (70.91 in) in width, and 1679 mm (66.1 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2670 mm (105.12 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Outlander |
| Generation | Outlander III |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 MIVEC V6 (224 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | LEV-II-ULEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 224 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 292 Nm @ 3750 rpm (215.37 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 6B31 |
| Engine displacement | 2998 cm3 (182.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.6 mm (3.45 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.9 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1620 kg (3571.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2270 kg (5004.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 292 l (10.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1792 l (63.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Length | 4656 mm (183.31 in.) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Height | 1679 mm (66.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives front wheels, rear wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 294 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 302 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 18 |
The Mitsubishi Outlander III 3.0 MIVEC V6 offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a versatile and capable crossover SUV. While its time on the market was relatively short, it remains a noteworthy vehicle in Mitsubishi’s history, representing a period of refinement and technological advancement for the brand.
