Is the Mitsubishi Outlander’s Third Row Actually Usable for Adults?

Looking for a family-friendly SUV that offers both comfort and flexibility? The Mitsubishi Outlander third row could be precisely what you need. With the ability to seat up to seven passengers, this versatile SUV is ideal for occasions when extra space is essential, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a busy day with the whole family.

But here’s the big question; Is the Outlander’s third row actually usable for adults? While it offers seating for seven, it’s essential to consider the practicality, comfort, and space limitations of the third-row seats before making a decision. In this review, we’ll dive into the details to help you understand how well the Outlander’s third row works for adult passengers.

Key Highlights

• Third-row usability for adults: Although the Mitsubishi Outlander’s third row isn’t ideal for long trips, it can accommodate adults for short journeys.

• Comfort and space: The limited legroom and headspace make it less suitable for taller adult,s but workable for shorter trips.

• Convenience features: The Outlander has easy access to the third row and offers a flexible seating arrangement.

• Ideal for families: Best suited for families who occasionally need the third row, rather than for daily use with adult passengers.

Understanding the Outlander’s Third Row

The Mitsubishi Outlander is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an attractive option for larger families or those who often need extra seating. The third-row seats are part of what makes the Outlander versatile, giving you the ability to carry more passengers when necessary. However, while the third row expands the vehicle’s seating capacity, it’s essential to understand that it’s not designed for extended comfort, especially during long trips.

The Outlander’s third row is best suited for occasional use rather than for regular, long-distance travel. It provides additional flexibility for family outings, carpooling, or when you need to transport a larger group. That said, the space in the back can be tight, particularly when compared to other SUVs in the same class.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Outlander’s third-row seats stack up in terms of legroom, headroom, and accessibility, and how it fares when it comes to practical use in daily life.

What’s the Space Like in the Third Row?

When it comes to comfort, the third-row seats in the Mitsubishi Outlander offer a mixed experience depending on the passenger’s height.

Legroom, Headroom, and Seat Width

• Legroom: With just 28.2 inches of legroom, the Outlander’s third row is a little tight compared to its competitors. Taller adults may feel cramped, but it should work fine for children or shorter adults (under 5’10”) on shorter trips.

• Headroom: At 35.3 inches, the third-row headroom is manageable for most adults on quick drives. However, taller passengers (over 6’) may find themselves a bit squished, especially in the rear seat.

• Seat Width: The third row is designed for three passengers, but with a narrower width, adults may feel a little crowded, especially on longer rides.

Access to the Third Row

One of the standout features of the Outlander is its easy access to the third row. The second-row seats can slide forward, creating a clear path for passengers to get to the back. This feature makes it easy for families with children or anyone who frequently needs to access the third row. But, even with the handy sliding seats, adults might still struggle a bit when entering or exiting, as the space is still compact.

Is It Comfortable for Adults?

The burning question is whether the third row is comfortable enough for adults. Let’s break it down based on height:

• Shorter Adults (5’6″ to 5’10”): For those in this height range, the third-row seats should work just fine for short trips. The legroom and headroom are enough for quick drives or errands around town.

• Taller Adults (Over 6′): Taller adults will find the Outlander’s third row a bit cramped, especially on long trips. With limited legroom and headroom, it’s more suitable for occasional use rather than long journeys.

Practical Use for Families

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid option for families who occasionally need extra seating. While the third row is not ideal for long-distance trips with adults, it works well for short urban drives or for children. Families that occasionally need to transport seven passengers will find the third row handy, but if you’re frequently needing to use the third row for adults, other vehicles with more space might be a better fit.

What About the Competition?

It’s always a good idea to compare the Outlander with other popular SUVs in the same category. Here’s how it measures up against these models:

As you can see from the comparison, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers decent third-row legroom. Still, it falls short compared to the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander, both of which provide more space for adults in the back row.

What Does This Mean for You as a Buyer?

If you’re considering the Mitsubishi Outlander for its third-row seating, here’s what you need to know:

• Great for families with small children or occasional adult passengers: The third-row seating is perfect for quick trips when you need to carry more passengers.

• Not ideal for taller adults: If you plan to use the third row regularly for adult passengers, consider larger SUVs, such as the Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander, which offer more spacious seating.

Tips for Making the Most of the Outlander’s Third Row

To get the best out of the Outlander’s third row:

• Adjust the second row: Slide the second-row seats forward to maximize legroom for the passengers sitting in the third row.

• Limit long trips: Use the third row for shorter city drives instead of long-distance travel to keep your passengers comfortable.

• Consider alternatives for frequent use: If you plan to transport adult passengers in the third row regularly, larger models in the same segment will provide better long-term comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the third row comfortable for adults?

A1: The third row can accommodate adults for short trips, but taller passengers might feel cramped due to limited space.

Q2: How does the third-row seating compare to other SUVs?

A2: Compared to larger models in the same category, this vehicle offers less legroom and headroom in the third row, making it less suitable for long journeys with adults.

Q3: Is this SUV a good option for large families?

A3: The vehicle seats up to seven people, but the third row is better suited for children or smaller adults. If you need regular adult seating in the back, consider larger options in this category.

Q4: Can adults use the third row for regular trips?

A4: The third row is fine for short trips but may feel cramped for taller adults. For more details on car ownership in the UAE, visit the Road & Transport Authority (RTA) website.

Conclusion: Is the Third Row Usable for Adults?

In summary, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s third-row seating is usable for adults, but it comes with limitations. The space is adequate for short trips and younger passengers, but it may feel cramped for taller adults on longer drives. If you’re looking for an SUV that can regularly accommodate adults in the third row, it’s worth considering larger vehicles with more spacious third-row seating. However, for occasional use or for families with small children, the Outlander’s third row does the job.

If you’re still weighing your options, consider exploring more in-depth reviews and comparisons on the ArabWheels Blog. Which SUV would you choose for your family? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the Outlander’s third-row seating or any experiences you’d like to share!