Amongst the contenders, the Outlander is pitted against the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and the Toyota Rav-4.
Uniqueness as a 7-seater diesel SUV
The Exceed variant is an exception to the rule in the SUV line-up, because it is the only diesel powered option that is available in 7-seater configuration. Apart from the Nissan X-Trail whose 7-seater option is petrol-powered, the rest are 5-seaters only.
The improved facelift design is much more eye-catching and improves the aesthetics than the 2012 version. Additionally, the ‘Dynamic Shield’ design builds on the Outlander some road presence that gives it a lasting look. Also, it has LED headlights that add a polished modern touch, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels that complete the look.
Powertrain
Engine options include:
- 2.0L four-cylinder producing 110kW/190Nm coupled to either five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission;
- 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine producing 124kW/220Nm, available solely with CVT automatic; and
- 2.2L turbo diesel four-cylinder producing 110kW/360Nm with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.2L turbo-diesel engine produces 147hp of power at 3500rpm and 360Nm of torque, which could still use some oomph. Compare this torque to the 2.4 petrol version’s 220Nm and you will notice a considerable difference in power output.
Moreover, with that figure, you never have to work the engine hard to be in the sweet spot. You will be able to extract extra torque output low in the rev band between 1500rpm and 2750Nm. Additionally, its the consumption is quite manageable given its size, standing at 6.2L/100km.
The base model, LS, is available as a front-wheel drive model is packaged with a manual transmission, with five seats standard. However, there is also a 4WD option, which comes with the 2.4L automatic option.
XLS is the top-end model, which has the same 2.0-litre front-drive powertrain with the CVT automatic as standard, with 2WD. That model comes with five seats, too. Seven seats are standard on the XLS 4WD and Exceed 4WD models.
Price: Between KES 2.0m and KES 3.5m depending on the condition and model of the car.
