by Greg Zyla
Mitsubishi's restyled 2010 Outlander, a 4-door SUV available in ES, SE, XL and GT model choices. With seating available up to seven passengers, the entry level ES 2-wheel drive starts at just $20,840, and then escalates up to the top class and all new GT S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) the latter.
Outlander's new exterior features an impressive and attention getting huge mesh front grille with blackout bar and chrome surround, more aerodynamic touches and a host of other tweaks that makes this Mitsubishi stand out in the crowd. From the side, the front fenders look somewhat "Volvo-like," although any resemblance quickly fades thanks to Outlander's new rear fascia, touches of chrome, and integrated lightweight aluminum roof panel which shares space with a power sunroof.
The cabin upgrades are a mix of opulence and muscle, with leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals and trim, paddle shifters, 60/40 split seats, fold under third row seating, and new instrumentation. Our tester came with one option, a $3,000 Premium Navigation and Leather Package which really takes the interior to "top line" categorization. Included in this option are a rear backup camera, 40-gig hard drive Navigation with music server and real time traffic, leather seats in the first two rows, power driver seat, heated seating, and an auxiliary video input jack.
ES and SE trim Outlanders utilize an Inline 4-cylinder engine, while the upper class XL and GT versions rely on the more powerful V6 which comes in 3.0-liter design. The "premium fuel recommended" V6 puts out 230-horsepower and dishes up 18-mpg city and 24-mpg highway while a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Overall, Outlander ran very well and has more than enough in the power range, although I feel the mpg numbers may be a bit on the high side, both city and highway. In Mitsubishi's defense, however, I did do a lot of mountain and city driving during the test, which lowers overall numbers.
As for the four wheel drive system, ES, SE, and XLS models come with a center differential locking AWD, while the new GT is officially the first Outlander to use Mitsubishi's "Super-All Wheel Control" system that features electronically controlled active front differential. A choice of Tarmac (dry highway), Snow, and Lock modes can be selected with the flip of a switch on the console. Overall, and thanks to some great fully independent suspension components, Outlander is a more than capable handling vehicle that is easy to drive in any situation.
Overall, don't expect a cushion like ride, as the bumps will be felt but is in no way a negative trait for a GT model. One negative is its seven passenger classification, as any adults who have to sit in the third row will surely know the small third seat is built for pets and or small children. I do like the fold down rear tailgate, something other SUV's have disregarded and now opt for an "upward only" design. Sans the third row, there's lot of room inside for passengers.
On the safety side, 5-Star government crash ratings in both front and side impacts along with a 4-Star rollover make Outlander a top choice. Outlanders come standard with front side airbags, side curtain airbags for the first two rows, front active headrests, active stability control, rear window wiper/washer/defroster, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, hill logic, daytime running lamps and 18-inch tires with alloy wheels on SE, XL and GT models.
All Outlanders come with a host of standard features, including air conditioning, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo, and keyless entry. Our top line GT adds steering wheel audio controls, remote start, cruise, fog lamps, automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers, heated mirrors, Xenon headlights, and a "rockin'" 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system that holds six CDs, is MP3 compatible and then adds Sirius Satellite pumped through 9-speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer! (Very impressive). Also notable is a standard FUSE hands-free link system that features voice recognition, Bluetooth, automatic phone book transfer and USB for iPod integration.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 105.1 inches, from 36.2 to 72.6 cu. ft. of cargo space, 3,500 lb. tow capacity, 3,780 lb. curb weight, 8.5-inches of ground clearance, 15.8 gallon fuel tank, and a great 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Overall, Outlander looks better, delivers reliability and convenience and is priced right. It's worth a closer look at your Mitsubishi dealer.
Likes: New design, power, go anywhere durability, suspension, interior.
Dislikes: Third seat is very tight, fuel mileage somewhat suspect.
SOURCE : thedailyreview.com
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