2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

Pros: Peppy acceleration with V6 engine; versatile all-wheel-system; some rare-for-the-class features

Cons: Weak acceleration with 4-cylinder engine; third-row seat is cramped and uncomfortable for most adults; overly sensitive lane-departure warning system

CG Says: The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander gains new plug-in hybrid models. Otherwise Outlander is little changed—except for some shuffling of equipment. A multi-view camera and heated steering wheel are now standard on topline GT. SEL gains standard blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert, while the base ES gets a standard 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth. Outlander is a compact crossover SUV with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. The base powertrain is a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. GT has a 224-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. All other conventional gas models offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The PHEV plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with twin electric motors for a combined 197 hp. The PHEV is capable of up to 22 miles on electric power only. All PHEVs are all-wheel drive. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Multi-view rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, keyless access and starting, and LED headlights are among the other available features. 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.