By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National December 30, 2008Vehicle Overview
For 2009, Mitsubishi's smallest SUV receives only minor interior changes, and it's available in ES, SE and XLS trims. The Outlander retains 2008's addition of a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. An electronic stability system is standard on all models. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered, and the Outlander can seat up to seven people. Outlanders compete with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
New for 2009
The Outlander received minor tweaks to its interior for 2009, including third-row seating availability in the four-cylinder SE model and increased capacity on an available hard drive. The LS V-6 model has been discontinued.
Exterior
Though not especially distinctive, the Outlander's front end is relatively pleasing. Wraparound headlights flank a trapezoidal grille. A gaping intake below the front bumper is covered with a mesh screen. The wheelbase measures 105.1 inches, and the Outlander is 182.7 inches long.
- Rear taillights feature LEDs, which illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs
- Standard fog lights (optional on ES)
- Standard rear liftgate
- Small rear tailgate flips down to make loading easier and supports up to 440 pounds
- 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels
- Available chrome-accented side sills
- Aluminum roof provides lower center of gravity
Interior
The Outlander ES can seat up to five people on front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding second-row seat that can also tumble forward. SE and XLS models achieve seven-person capacity with an optional two-person third-row seat that can fold into the floor.
- Air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; and a six-speaker CD stereo standard
- Automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth technology available
- Optional 40GB hard-drive-based navigation system
- Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system
- XLS-only Luxury package includes first- and second-row leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power driver's seat
Under the Hood
Four-cylinder Outlanders make 168 hp and are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Outlander's 3.0-liter V-6 engine makes 220 hp and 204 pounds-feet of torque and drives a six-speed automatic transmission.
- The six-speed automatic incorporates a clutchless-manual mode that's separate from the XLS' paddle shifters
- Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with an optional package
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for the first and second rows
- Electronic stability system
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | February 27, 2009 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | December 30, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Lori Hindman | Mother Proof | December 29, 2009 |
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | March 7, 2009 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Mitsubishi Outlander
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
