Highlight: Three rows of seats are standard on this midsize crossover.
Test Vehicles MSRP: $34,160 (Base MSRP: $24,940)
Seating Capacity: 7 (realistically 5)
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; turn indicators on the mirrors; a hill start assist system; a stability control system; a traction control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment GT: 3.0-liter engine; 224-horsepower engine; premium gasoline; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a super all wheel drive control system; an active front differential; paddle shifting on steering wheel; chrome grille accents; a windshield wiper de-icer; LED headlamps; automatic headlamps; power folding sideview mirrors; silver roof rails; GT badging; power driver’s seat; leather seats; driver’s seat map/seatback pocket; heated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel;a power sunroof; drive mode selections; 7-inch infotainment system; a 710- watt, 9-speaker audio with SiriusXM and Apple CarPlay/Android; dual; usb ports; a multiview rear camera; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a power remote liftgate; a blindspot warning system; a rear traffic cross alert system; a lane changing assist system; electric parking brakes; and an auto hold feature
Options: a forward collision mitigation system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; an automatic high beam; and floormats
Other Trim Levels:
LE
SE
SEL
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder/166-hp
Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:
25-city/30-hwy
What’s New: With the exception of a few tweaks to the interior packaging, the Outlander is basically unchanged.
Why:
Mitsubishi has
one of the best
bumper to
bumper
new-vehicle warranties in the
industry. The Outlander
is available in a front wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration, with either a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder
engine. The crossover is available in a variety of
trim levels.
The
Outlander also joins the growing phase of crossovers, offering three rows of
seat. At a price point of approximately $25,000, there are not
too many vehicles offering seven seats. The Mitsubishi is literally in
a class by itself. Ironically, the compact Nissan Rogue is available with a
third row.
Mitsubishi’s three row crossover, which offers a road friendly ride, can be outfitted with some of the latest safety driving aids,
depending on the trim. These safety driving aids can be added on for a mere $1,000. The safety package consists of a
forward collision litigation warning system, a lane departure warning system, a
radar activated cruise control system and automatic high beam headlights that
turn on and off at night when on a stretch of dark roads, without any vehicles
or lights within the vicinity.
But:
Like a number of automakers
these days who are stuffing three rows into crossovers, Mitsubishi has joined the fray.
And, just like, with some of its competitors, the third row is not designed for
adults or cross country trips. Its literally for short trips to lunch with the
co-workers or for small kids. Cargo space is severely limited too, when the
third row is in use.
Furthermore, we would have preferred knobs and buttons, as opposed to touchscreen-controlled heat and ventilation system. In fact, the Japanese automaker should consider upgrading the design of the audio and ventilation systems, so that it has a more premium look and feel.
Verdict:
Mitsubishi has
taken a page from the Koreans, offering not only an industry best warranty, but
a value packed vehicle that is priced below the competition. The Japanese brand,
which has struggled in the US market, seems to have finally found its footing. For
those on a budget and seeking a lot of bang for the buck, the Outlander could
be one’s savior.
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