The all-new Outlander was launched in October 2005 and was designed to replace the Airtrek as our mid-size SUV. It was based on a new platform that offered greater rigidity and better impact safety. It had a low consumption, high-performance aluminium block 2.4L V6 MIVEC engine, with INVECS-III Sport Mode 6-speed CVT transmission.

It had electronically controlled 4WD and used many of the features developed in the Lancer Evolution, such as aluminium roof panels and mono-tube rear shock absorbers. Inside, it had paddle shifters for easy gear changing without moving your hands and a superior Rockford Fosgate® sound system.