By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National December 7, 2009Vehicle Overview
Mitsubishi's smallest SUV is available in ES, SE, XLS and new GT trims. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered for all versions except the GT, which only comes with all-wheel drive. The Outlander can seat up to seven people. It competes with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
New for 2010
The Outlander receives a midlife facelift, new interior materials and trim; 10 more horsepower for the V-6 engine; and a new all-wheel-drive GT model with a feature Mitsubishi calls "super all-wheel control." Introduced on the performance-oriented Lancer Evolution, it varies power to all four wheels depending on road conditions and includes yaw control to regulate power distribution to the left and right sides.
Exterior
Though it still resembles previous models, the Outlander sports a restyled front fascia, hood and fenders, and a new mesh grille, wraparound headlights, fog lights and outside mirrors. The rear quarter panels and rear bumper sides have been tweaked, and the roof antenna is shorter.
- Taillights feature LEDs, which illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs
- 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. All models have new seat fabrics, dashboard and door trim, and restyled information displays.
- 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 available
- Optional 40GB hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic info
- Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system
- Optional Luxury Package includes first- and second-row leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power driver's seat
Under the Hood
ES and SE Outlanders have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 hp and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter V-6 engine in the XLS and GT makes 230 hp (10 more than last year) and 215 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
- Optional upgraded all-wheel-drive system
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- All-disc antilock brakes
- 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
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | June 7, 2010 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | December 7, 2009 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Lori Hindman | Mother Proof | December 3, 2010 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | February 7, 2010 |
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