Mitsubishi Outlander Review

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS SUV Shown

Debuting a few years after the start of the new millennium, the first-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was a late arrival to the small-SUV segment. Like many of its peers, it had a car-based design that translated into good handling and a comfortable ride on paved roads, but limited off-road capability. With so many competitors, Mitsubishi tried to set the Outlander apart with distinctive styling and a sporty demeanor. Compared to popular models from Honda and Toyota, however, the older Outlander models offered less interior space, and their breathless four-cylinder engines failed to live up to Mitsubishi's sporting image.

These problems were addressed in the larger second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which gained a third-row seat option and an available V6 engine. Even so, the Outlander still lives in the shadows of its more successful contemporaries, whose reputations for affordability and reliability are well-known to consumers. In spite of its lower profile, the second-generation Outlander is a competitive small SUV. It has the available all-wheel-drive system, high driving position and versatile cargo space consumers have come to expect in this segment, and sets itself apart with distinctive styling, advanced technology and a lively personality.

Current Mitsubishi Outlander

The current Mitsubishi Outlander was introduced for the 2007 model year. A total redesign targeted traditional segment leaders with increased size, a host of new features and a thorough makeover inside and out. Notably, the Outlander gained 4 inches of length, which made third-row seating possible while adding 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Mitsubishi's small SUV is available in four trims: ES, LS, SE and top-of-the-line XLS.

The entry-level four-cylinder ES includes many must-have accoutrements as well as a full array of safety features. Moving up to the midlevel, V6-powered LS adds nice features like alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a roof rack. The SE has the base four-cylinder engine but includes upscale features like a Rockford Fosgate audio system. The high-end V6-powered Outlander XLS offers Bluetooth, keyless ignition, automatic climate control and a fold-flat third-row bench seat.

With the standard third-row seat, all Outlanders have a seven-passenger capacity, though the rear seat is strictly for small children. The Outlander can also be outfitted with high-tech options like a navigation system, a special 30-gigabyte hard drive that can store MP3 audio files and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes with one of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 220 hp and 204 pound-feet of torque. Four-cylinder Outlanders are outfitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while six-cylinder models feature a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. Outlanders come with either front-wheel drive or AWD. Notably, the advanced AWD system has three settings, including a fuel-saving two-wheel-drive mode, an all-weather four-wheel-drive Auto mode and a 4WD Lock mode, which locks the front and rear axles together for maximum traction in extreme conditions.

In our reviews, we've praised the Mitsubishi Outlander for its energetic V6 engine as well as its family-friendly design and moderately sporty handling. Negatives include a ride quality that may be too stiff for some and interior controls that still lack the solidity of the switchgear in Honda and Toyota offerings. Overall, buyers seeking value, style and fun-to-drive characteristics in a package that doesn't sacrifice daily usability will find the Mitsubishi Outlander a solid contender.

Changes since the Outlander's debut include the addition of the SE model for '08 and the simultaneous introduction of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to the Outlander lineup. The '07 Outlander came in three trim levels -- ES, LS, XLS -- and was available only with the V6. Also, '07 Outlander ES models were front-wheel-drive only.

Past Mitsubishi Outlander Models

The first-generation Outlander was sold from 2003-'06. Dropped into the highly competitive small-SUV category, the Outlander had bold styling, a carlike ride and comfortable seating for four, but offered few advantages over the more established competition.

In its first year of production, the Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 140-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. Around-town power was adequate with this setup, but Mitsubishi's compact sport-utility proved quite sluggish in passing and high-speed merging situations. A jump in hp to 160 for the 2004 model year helped somewhat, but the Outlander's engine still wasn't a match for the smooth and potent four-cylinders in small SUVs from Honda and Toyota, much less V6-powered Ford and GM models. Throughout the first-generation Outlander's run, both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions were offered.

In addition to the LS and the XLS trims, Mitsubishi added a high-line Outlander Limited trim in 2005, with unique interior and exterior trim enhancements as well as leather seating. Also significant for '05 was the addition of a five-speed manual as the standard transmission on the LS. Highly observant customers may also notice the slightly revised rear styling introduced during this model year.

In 2006, the midlevel XLS was replaced by the SE trim level, while base LS and high-end Limited trims remained. That model year also saw antilock brakes and side airbags find their way to the list of standard equipment for all trims. Models prior to 2006 reserved those safety features for premium models, making older LS-trim Outlanders less desirable for used car buyers. In general, we would advise used-car shoppers to look at '04 and newer Outlanders -- unless, that is, you find that you like the less powerful original engine more than we did.

SELECT A SPECIFIC MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.