There’s no doubt consumers love vehicles that fall into the category of “SUV-lite.”
Known alternately by such vague labels as “crossovers” and “sport wagons,” these are products like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 that provide many of the benefits of a bigger sport utility vehicle — like a panoramic view of the road — but with fewer of the hassles — like a rough, truck-like ride or a tall step-in height.
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp., so beloved by hip young buyers, is somewhat late to this party with its 2003 Outlander, which is based on the same compact passenger car platform as the Lancer sedan. Still, the Outlander is a contender that should be given more than a passing glance, largely because it manages to avoid “cute-ute syndrome.”
We test-drove an XLS model with two-wheel drive priced at $23,170.
She: I would never describe the Outlander as “adorable.” And that’s good. But it is a word I would use with the CR-V and the RAV4. As good as those two Japanese SUVs are, they have a little bit of a teenybopper image. I can imagine some 18-year-old dressing them up with zebra seat covers and dashboard appliques. Not so with the Outlander. The new Mitsubishi has a lot more presence — almost a kind of seriousness — and that’s a rare commodity in the compact-ute class. For that alone, I give it extra credit. But they could have skipped the gray plastic trim on the bumpers and side sills. Now that is beginning to look dated.
He: I don’t find the Outlander attractive in the least, but then I hardly fit the Mitsubishi demographic of “young and hip.” For the money, I’d rather be driving a nicely equipped Pontiac Vibe or a Chrysler PT Cruiser. In fact, I’d have money left over. While we’re on the subject of money, why does the $23,000 Outlander XLS seem to fall short in so many categories — like power? You get more horses in the CR-V and RAV4, to name just two competitors that cost thousands less. And why doesn’t a vehicle that projects such a sporty image come with a manual transmission?
She: I’m going to get on my mom soapbox for a minute and argue about how Mitsubishi handled the safety features on the Outlander. Our top-of-the-line XLS model came equipped with front disc brakes and the more old-fashioned rear drum brakes. Anti-lock brakes cost an extra $500 and are not available on the base LS model. You can get side air bags for front-seat passengers on the Outlander XLS, but they are bundled in a $1,450 luxury package that includes heated front seats and an outside temperature display. And you can’t get side bags on the base model. I would argue that both anti-lock brakes and side air bags should be standard equipment, especially on a smaller SUV, and one whose base price is close to $20,000. I would gladly give up less critical features, like the rear spoiler and the alloy wheels in the XLS, to get the additional safety equipment.
He: It seems like we ‘re beating up on Mitsubishi, when in fact the Outlander has some likeable features. The basic Lancer chassis is really sturdy, so the Outlander’s driving dynamics are pretty good for the class. Ride and handling seem well balanced. The second-row seats are the split-folding variety, but there is less cargo space in the rear than you get in the CR-V or the RAV4.
She: I was a little disappointed that the Outlander gets only 21 miles per gallon in city driving. The CR-V has the same size engine — a 2.4-liter four-cylinder — that makes 20 more horsepower and gets one more mile per gallon. The RAV4 comes with an even smaller engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but it also makes more power and returns 23 miles per gallon in the city.
He: If you set aside the issue of styling, which is purely subjective, and just compare the Outlander with some of its main competitors in the compact-SUV segment, it doesn’t measure up, in terms of equipment, performance, room or value. If you do the same comparison, you’ll probably wind up with the same conclusion we did — that you’re paying the extra bucks for image and looks.
Paul’s rating: Subpar
Likes: Decent ride and handling. Flexible seating with split, flat-folding rear seats. Choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Dislikes: Ludicrously overpriced for a 2WD crossover based on a compact car (Lancer). Not nearly as much appeal or personality as a Pontiac Vibe. Quality takes a back seat to Honda and Toyota. No manual transmission available. Underpowered — competitors such as CR-V and RAV4 have more guts. Less cargo capacity than you get in the Honda or the Toyota.
Anita’s rating: Acceptable
Likes: A compact sport utility that avoids being too cute. No awkward step-in height. You get the benefits of an SUV without feeling like you’re driving a truck. Comfortable seating for five passengers. Standard air conditioning, cruise control, rear defroster, CD player, height-adjustable steering wheel.
Dislikes: Cabin has a plastic, cheap look. Controls should be bigger. Gas mileage isn’t as good as some competitors with more power. Three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty seems paltry next to competitors. Side air bags and anti-lock brakes not available on base models, cost extra on XLS.
Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2WD
Type: Front-engine, two-wheel drive, five-passenger compact SUV
Price (Includes $580 destination charge): $19,490; as tested, $23,170
Engine: 2.4 liter I-4; 140-hp; 157 lb-ft torque
EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Key competitors: Chevrolet Tracker, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Rodeo, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Vibe, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Matrix, Toyota RAV4
12-month insurance cost (Estimated by AAA Michigan. Rates may vary depending on coverage and driving record): $1,358
Where built: Japan
