Mitsubishi Outlander

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Shopping for a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander? MSRP: $22,345 - $27,895

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The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover vehicle that has a mix of tall-wagon and SUV attributes. In most respects, it compares to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Chevrolet Equinox, but especially in new Outlander GT form offers a sportier driving experience than most of its rivals.

With a little more aggressive styling than most other crossovers, the Mitsubishi Outlander also looks the part, thanks to flared fenders, a blunt front end, and a roofline and rear pillar—altogether giving out a strong sport-wagon impression. Yet the Outlander has the requisite stance—and more rugged-looking lower-body look—to match its name, even if off-roading isn't its forte.

The Mitsubishi Outlander was first introduced for 2003. At the time, it was only offered with a 140-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. From 2004-2006, the Outlander got a 160-hp version that made it a bit perkier, but both versions feel adequate for around-town driving though somewhat overwhelmed with a full load or on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission was introduced in 2005, but not many models were equipped with it. Overall, this generation of Outlander models is quite unremarkable to drive, with a rather soft ride, decent but uninspiring handling, and well-appointed but somewhat cheap-feeling interiors. Safety features are also rather slim, with ABS and side airbags only standard on the top XLS until 2006, and electronic stability control not available.

For 2007, the Outlander was completely redesigned, on the same platform as the new Lancer and Evolution models, and gained either a 168-hp, 2.4-liter four, with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic, or a 220-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, with a six-speed automatic. As before, front- or all-wheel drive were offered.

This time, the Outlander was a bit larger and offered a small third-row seat in back; don't count on putting adults in this seat, ever, but it might fit the bill if you very occasionally need space for a couple of extra kids. In general, this generation of Outlander looks and feels substantially more sporty and upscale, and the Lancer's sporty driving character finally carries over. V-6 models aren't quite as fast as you'd expect, but they're reasonably perky and capable of towing a small trailer. With a significant increase in weight, the four-cylinder is again overwhelmed, sounding even more coarse and boomy than in the previous generation—possibly because of the characteristics of the CVT. There's also a fair amount of road noise in the Outlander compared to competing vehicles, but the payback is superb steering and handling. Off-roading isn't so much in the Outlander's vocabulary, though it does just fine on muddy roads or plowing through snow.

For 2010, a new Outlander GT model was introduced. Finally tapping into the Outlander's performance potential, the GT adds the smart S-AWC all-wheel drive system from the Evolution and Ralliart models (with Tarmac, Snow, and Lock modes), combined the V-6, along with suspension and handling upgrades that make the Outlander everything short of a canyon carver. Throughout the Outlander lineup for 2010, the models get a version of the Lancer's even more blunt, shark-like grille, along with a more carlike air dam, plus some interior enhancements including a padded dash for top-of-the-range models along with an available navigation and entertainment system than employs a voice-command interface called FUSE.

Mitsubishi's plans for the Outlander are uncertain. It had announced that it would turn the Outlander name into a sub-brand, much like Subaru's Outback line. In the 2011 model year, it introduced the Outlander Sport, a smaller, more carlike and fuel-efficient model with some of the same styling cues. However, the larger Outlander isn't directly related, and is built in the U.S. in a plant with an uncertain future. A revamped Outlander was shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, but no plans for sale in America were confirmed.