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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 2009 Mitsubishi OutlanderBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Mazda CX-7Browse Used Listings |  2008 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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Though the first-generation Outlander was often overlooked, the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has emerged as a well-rounded vehicle—and one of the sportiest-driving small crossovers. |
It’s significantly improved this year, but the 2009 Subaru Forester remains a unique all-wheel-drive crossover with less power and fewer features, but better carlike handling, than its competition. |
The 2008 Honda CR-V doesn't have hip style or performance on tap, but it has the security, utility, and frugality that many sensible moms want. |
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 is a good choice for single folks or couples who might not prioritize backseat or cargo space but want sport-sedan performance with a lot more utility. |
The 2008 Toyota RAV4 brings a little more space than most compact SUVs without a mid-size price. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $20,580 | $19,995 | $20,700 | $23,750 | $21,500 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 2WD Sport Utility | 4WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2WD 4-Door ES | 4-Door Manual X | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door 4-cyl 4-Speed AT (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4-Door Wagon | 4 Door | 5 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
| Transmission | ||||
| NA | Manual w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2009 Subaru Forester | 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2008 Honda CR-V | 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2008 Mazda CX-7 | 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
