2010 Mitsubishi Outlander - Styling Review

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Shopping for a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander? MSRP: $20,840 - $29,250

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A subtle set of design changes takes the Outlander in a more carlike direction on the outside for 2010, with fewer rugged SUV cues and the sharklike "jet fighter" snout inherited from the Evo. Along with the front-end changes, the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander gets new aero work in front, a mesh grille, a new rear fascia, redesigned hood and fenders, and on most models chrome-accented side-sill extensions.

Motor Trend says that the Outlander “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." In a follow-up report on the 2010, Car and Driver remarks that "this latest Outlander is a minor progression of the current model introduced in 2006."

Taking an up-close look at the changes for 2010, Kelley Blue Book asserts, "From most angles it's the same softly styled, second-generation Outlander we've known since the 2007 model year. Move around to the front, though, and you'll now see the chiseled face you know from the Mitsubishi Lancer lineup."

Jalopnik notes that the new 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT "has the same refreshing sparseness and black-coffee simplicity found in all current Mitsubishis."

Within the cabin there are some much-needed soft-touch materials, including, for the top trims, soft double-stitched synthetic leather padding where elbows go and for some of the dash. The vents and dials also get new bright accents, and all but the base model get a new multicolor LCD instrument display. Altogether, the Outlander now looks sportier on the outside and doesn’t feel nearly as cut-rate inside.

Autoblog cites the interior changes as most noticeably improved in the 2010 Outlander GT: "A quick glance around reveals much time and attention to detail went into sprucing up the joint. The previous Outlander's huge tracts of plastic are now covered with beautiful, thick-stitched leather."

Not all impressions are positive about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander; 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."