Pros: Peppy acceleration with V6 engine; versatile all-wheel-system; some rare-for-the-class features
Cons: Weak acceleration with 4-cylinder engine; 3rd-row seat is cramped and uncomfortable for most adults; overly sensitive lane-departure warning system
CG Says: The Mitsubishi Outlander was redesigned last year, gaining 3-row seating and a host of new technology features. For 2015, it sees handful of minor updates. Styling tweaks include a new upper front grille design, new roof rails, and, on GT models, LED taillights. All Outlanders now get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with Mitsubishi’s FUSE Hands-Free Link System with USB/IPod port and Bluetooth connectivity. Mitsubishi also claims improvements in sound insulation, suspension tuning, and the calibration of the continuously variable transmission. Though its overall refinement doesn’t match some class competitors, the Outlander is nevertheless a worthwhile entry in the compact SUV segment. The GT, with its standard V6 power and exceptional handling, is surprisingly fun to drive. Outlander should appeal to three types of shoppers: those who want a sporty SUV at a reasonable price; those who covet 3-row seating but don’t want to drive a larger vehicle; and those who place heavy emphasis on crash-preventative safety technology but can’t afford a premium SUV.
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | 2WD ES: $23,195 2WD SE: $24,195 AWD SE: $26,195 2WD SE Premium: $26,795 AWD SE Premium: $28,795 2WD SE Touring: $30,295 AWD SE Touring: $32,295 AWD GT: $28,195 AWD GT Premium: $30,795 AWD GT Touring: $34,295 |
| Base Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 166 |
| Std. Transmission continuously variable transmission |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-31 |
| Optional Engine 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 224 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
