2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Heads in Right Direction
Mitsubishi's revamp of the 2016 Outlander gives this crossover SUV a significantly more modern appearance. Debuting at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, it's the first application of the brand's new design language, and it turns a relatively forgettable crossover into one that's more memorable.
More 2015 New York Auto Show News
The completely restyled front end accomplishes this. It's heavy on chrome and has a larger twin-bar grille, a piano-black bumper treatment bordered by boomerang-like design elements and LED-accented headlights on the top-level GT trim. There's a new sportiness to the look that the previous model lacked.
It's too bad Mitsubishi didn't give the Outlander's cabin the same level of attention. The overall design theme is mostly unchanged, so it still has the dated look of its predecessor.
Mitsubishi says the 2016 Outlander benefits from more than 100 engineering and design improvements. Many of them are chassis changes you can't see, but the automaker claims they improve handling, provide better performance and reduce noise. We'll know how effective they are once we drive it, but the new exterior is a step in the right direction.
