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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

April 17, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling
Car and Driver

Smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times
ConsumerGuide

Sporty styling with useful rear tailgate/liftgate design
Edmunds

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com reveal that the styling of the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is a hit with the automotive press. The interior styling also scores well, but doesn't receive quite the same praise as the sheetmetal on the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Motor Trend proclaims it “handsome, decidedly dashing next to its predecessor” and “has an air that's all SUV.” Edmunds simply states it has a “stylish, distinctive-looking exterior.” Car and Driver declares that "Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling." Cars.com reviewers describe the major exterior styling elements on the Mitsubishi Outlander as "wraparound headlights" that "flank a trapezoidal grille," along with "a gaping intake below the front bumper" and a roofline that "terminates at angular D-pillars."

According to Edmunds, the "2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and XLS," though the external differences are minimal, as the ES "comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels," and the SE and XLS both offer standard "18-inch alloy wheels."

The interior of the Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander is redesigned, along with the rest of the vehicle, for the 2007 model year, and is unchanged entering 2009.

Not all impressions are positive about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, as reviewers at ConsumerGuide say that "the smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times" and lament "the climate controls are mounted too low for easy access while driving." Other than those few gripes, the Mitsubishi Outlander wins praise for a gauge cluster that Cars.com notes "is reminiscent of motorcycles." Reviewers generally approve of the interior design, with Motor Trend calling it "contemporary" and Edmunds adding "the Outlander's interior is attractive looking."

Conclusion

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a handsome, flowing exterior, though a not entirely problem-free interior.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's stylingCar and DriverSmallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at timesConsumerGuideSporty styling with useful rear tailgate/liftgate designEdmunds Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com reveal that the styling of the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is a hit with the automotive press. The interior styling also scores well, but doesn't receive quite the same praise as the sheetmetal on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Motor Trend proclaims it “handsome, decidedly dashing next to its predecessor” and “has an air that's all SUV.” Edmunds simply states it has a “stylish, distinctive-looking exterior.” Car and Driver declares that "Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling." Cars.com reviewers describe the major exterior styling elements on the Mitsubishi Outlander as "wraparound headlights" that "flank a trapezoidal grille," along with "a gaping intake below the front bumper" and a roofline that "terminates at angular D-pillars." According to Edmunds, the "2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and XLS," though the external differences are minimal, as the ES "comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels," and the SE and XLS both offer standard "18-inch alloy wheels." The interior of the Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander is redesigned, along with the rest of the vehicle, for the 2007 model year, and is unchanged entering 2009. Not all impressions are positive about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, as reviewers at ConsumerGuide say that "the smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times" and lament "the climate controls are mounted too low for easy access while driving." Other than those few gripes, the Mitsubishi Outlander wins praise for a gauge cluster that Cars.com notes "is reminiscent of motorcycles." Reviewers generally approve of the interior design, with Motor Trend calling it "contemporary" and Edmunds adding "the Outlander's interior is attractive looking." ConclusionThe 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a handsome, flowing exterior, though a not entirely problem-free interior. 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: " Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling" ConsumerGuide: "Smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times" Edmunds: "Sporty styling with useful rear ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The driving position in the Outlander—like in the Subaru Forester—seems a bit lower to the road; thus, the Outlander feel sportier than most small SUVs. Compared to the Forester, the standard four in the Outlander doesn’t come across nearly as strong as the standard flat-four in the Subaru even though their power figures are close, but the Outlander has it beat with its V-6. For a few thousand dollars more, the Mazda CX-7 seats only five, but it's perceived as a more complete performance package, with very comfortable seating, sporty suspension tuning, and a rorty turbocharged engine. The Forester and CR-V remain the best for those who are safety-minded; they're both IIHS Top Safety Picks. Like the Toyota RAV4, the Outlander offers a small third-row seat that will probably go unused most of the time but is nice to have; like the Honda CR-V, its interior is very spacious. The Outlander has more spirited performance and sportier handling than the Toyota and Honda, though the ride is firmer and less comfortable on some surfaces.

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See the Mitsubishi Outlander in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Comments (1 total)

  1. By CCC #1, Posted: 8/1/2009

    Its annoying at how the outlander is continuously underated by supposed experts. Its always the negatives that are pointed out first against its competitors as in the other choices review. More emphasis is put on how poor the 4 is against the Forrester and briefly mentions that the V6 kills it.
    The CX-7 comparison is "a few thousand more". That depends which model we are now comparing too. If its the Outlander four its more than just a few thousand and we conveniently forget to mention the CX-7 is very thirsty, which is what put me off it.
    We comment on how much better the Forrester and CRV rate in safety. Why? Didnt this Outlander just get a 10/10 for safety as well. It gets a 5star safety rating with all side, curtain and front airbags you could require.
    We cant go by with giving a complement to it without a vague negative implication when mentioning the handling. The outlander handles very well and does feel sporty. I would suggest that the CRV & RAV4 are just as uncomfortable "on some surfaces" and would expect the outlander is much better in conditions closer to real 4wd situations due to its superior ground clearance and full lock 4wd mode.

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