Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mitsubishi ASX SUV review (2010-2021)

"The Mitsubishi ASX is a tough and practical small SUV but a recent facelift can't fully disguise its advancing years"

Carbuyer Rating

2.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.1 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Practical
  • Well equipped
  • Offered with four-wheel drive

Cons

  • Feels unsophisticated
  • Thirsty petrol engine
  • Rivals are better to drive

From a brand synonymous with big, rugged workhorses like the Shogun Sport and L200 pickup, the Mitsubishi ASX was a bit of a departure. It’s a small, family-friendly SUV that counts models like the Citroen C3 Aircross, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Kona and Renault Captur as rivals. Many buyers choose cars like these as an alternative to more conventional family hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The ASX was fairly forward-looking when it was launched but its second facelift comes as the model approaches its 10th birthday, and it still struggles to compete with newer rivals. Mitsubishi - which is now part of the Renault-Nissan alliance - is busy developing a new platform to spawn small SUVs but for now it has to make do with its existing hardware.

Styling-wise, everything ahead of the windscreen is new and there's a new rear bumper and LED lights. The bold front end certainly looks different to before, and has been designed to link the ASX with the new L200, with bold lines, square wheelarches and a clamshell bonnet.

The ASX isn't short of physical appeal: it looks good, especially in higher-spec trims, and most models are attractively priced. Plenty of its rivals offer a more pleasant driving experience, though, with nicer interiors and engines that are both more powerful and cheaper to run.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The ASX is available with just one petrol engine. It feels a little underpowered so you have to work it quite hard and that undermines its fuel economy. It’s available with front or four-wheel drive and the option of a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. We suspect a six-speed manual gearbox would improve fuel economy, and a lot of rivals like the Ford Puma now use a six-speed as standard.

The ASX has soft suspension that does a pretty good job of ironing out rutted tarmac and potholes, but leans when cornering at speed. The SEAT Arona is a better choice if driving excitement is on your priority list.

Interior quality has improved during the ASX’s time on sale, but it still feels dated compared to rivals. Its technology, design and materials aren’t up to the standard of contemporaries.

The Mitsubishi ASX range couldn't be more simple, with Dynamic and Exceed trim levels. It's well equipped, with heated front seats, climate control and infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Outside, 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED daytime running lights and privacy glass lend distinction.

Mitsubishi cars have a long-held reputation for toughness, and the brand came 16th place out of 30 manufacturers in our 2020 Driver Power satisfaction survey - not a bad result considering Mitsubishi is quite a small company. There's a generous five-year/62,500-mile warranty on every ASX sold in the UK.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range
Ford Explorer Carbuyer UK drive
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range

More on ASX

Show me:
2019 Mitsubishi ASX SUV: price, specs and release date
2020 Mitsubishi ASX driving
News
12 Jun 2019

2019 Mitsubishi ASX SUV: price, specs and release date

New Mitsubishi ASX on sale in September with new styling and optional four-wheel-drive
Facelifted Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Mirage unveiled
News
2 Mar 2016

Facelifted Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Mirage unveiled

Revisions announced for ASX crossover and Mirage city car
New Mitsubishi ASX line-up confirmed
News
18 Dec 2013

New Mitsubishi ASX line-up confirmed

The new Mitsubishi ASX gets an automatic gearbox and more equipment for 2014

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024