Is the engine of the 2019 Outlander still imported?
4 Answers
The engine of the 2019 Outlander is not imported; it has been replaced with a domestically produced one, making it a joint-venture engine. The 2019 Outlander is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, which delivers a maximum horsepower of 166 HP, a maximum power of 122 kW, a maximum torque of 201 Nm, a maximum power speed of 6,000 rpm, and a maximum torque speed of 4,200 rpm. In terms of body dimensions, the 2019 Outlander measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. For the suspension system, the 2019 Outlander features a McPherson independent front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension.
I've read many owner reviews of the 2019 Outlander, and they all find the engine quite reliable, likely due to its localization. Earlier models had imported versions, but in 2019, GAC Mitsubishi mass-produced them at their Changsha factory, with engines mostly locally assembled from the MIVEC series, featuring well-tuned performance. The advantage of domestic production is easier maintenance, better parts availability, and more affordable prices. Although a few people still prefer imported engines, there's little practical difference in daily use—the engine is responsive and fuel-efficient. When buying a used car, check the VIN code, as domestically produced engines have different starting numbers. If unsure, just ask the 4S store—they can provide production details. Overall, localization has made it more user-friendly, lowering costs without compromising the user experience.
With years of experience in auto repair, I've worked extensively with the engines of the 2019 Outlander, most of which were domestically produced by then. GAC Mitsubishi began localizing engine production after 2018, making imported units quite rare. Initially, some had concerns about the reliability of domestic engines, but their actual failure rates proved low—for instance, the ignition systems showed greater stability. The advantages include significantly lower maintenance costs and readily available domestic parts inventory. Identifying an imported engine is straightforward: check the engine nameplate or VIN prefix—'J' indicates import origin, though such units are seldom encountered in practice. My advice to new owners: don't fixate on manufacturing origin. Domestic engines undergo rigorous testing and deliver long service life with proper oil changes and coolant maintenance. Ironically, vehicles with occasional imported components often prove harder to maintain, with expensive and hard-to-source replacement parts.
I use the 2019 Outlander as my daily commuter car, and the engine runs very smoothly. The salesperson told me it had already been localized for domestic production. After localization, the car became a few thousand yuan cheaper, and the maintenance costs also dropped—engine oil changes aren't expensive. Although some people worry about a decline in quality, I've driven it for three or four years without any major issues, with reasonable fuel consumption and low noise. In the import era, parts had high import taxes, but now with local production, the supply chain is stable, and replacing broken parts is easier. To check if it's imported, look at the purchase invoice or consult the manufacturer. Overall, the domestically produced engine is worry-free and cost-effective, perfectly adequate for ordinary users—no need to dwell on the past imported versions. Just choose a reliable seller when purchasing.
