Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4-Wheel Drive Sport Utility 4-door. Overall I liked this new crossover even though I haven’t been a big fan of Mitsubishi, this new model gave me pause to re-think my initial biased expectations.
However, one little complaint I must report is the unexpected noticeable wind noise that reminds me of the little squeaks of cars of a generation ago that were so common. So I try to overlook the little things in view of the fact that today’s cars are far and away better than those classic cars of the 50s and 60s.
General Info:
Parts – Japan 100%
Assembly – Japan
Class: – Special Purpose. SUV
Cars: – Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Outlander and Raider.
The first thing you’ll notice is a rather stiff ride, but that configuration allows for greater handling which is especially noticeable driving the winding mountain roads. It is really impressive for a high profile SUV. In addition I tested it without a load which of course softens the ride when carrying passengers and / or cargo. So this is not a negative since the overall handling is excellent. The 220 hp V6 is very responsive and still delivers 26 highway MPG. I can’t think of a better argument for moving away from more expensive brands, badges and logos.
The 4-wheel drive facility is unneeded, in my opinion, but if 4-WD is your thing you can easily switch on the fly from 2-WD to 4-WD and Lock positions.
Styling:
I like the crossover design that brings the two very popular SUV and the Mini Van together for a great result. They have designed a neat and innovative fold down rear bumper for easy loading of cargo. Nice touch.
On the other hand the design folks need to revisit the instrumentation and consider more conventional gauges. The orange lighting is ok at night but I found it difficult to read in daylight. The fuel gauge is a bar and although I don’t dislike that all that much I found it to be inaccurate. Heading out one morning over the mountain range between the desert and Los Angeles the gauge indicated distance to empty as 70 miles. Then after about 2 miles it adjusted to 60 then 50 then 40 within 10 miles. Then after concern if I would have enough gas to get over the 30 miles ahead of me, the DTE indicator display was magically back to 70 miles to empty. If they want to include that feature it really needs to be more accurate.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Competitive.
Conveniences and comfort:
I really like the new satellite radio systems like XM Radio and Sirius but the nod goes to XM. I find the Sirius to be unstable and reception cuts in and out very often which is annoying.
Of course the big draw for these kinds of vehicles which have evolved over the years is the roominess for 5 passengers and generally the many features that seek to make the driving experience one of comfort with comfortable seating, handy storage, lots of cup holders, great sound systems with CD players and seating that is flexible.
Consumer Recommendation:
If the crossover SUV is of interest for your need, look seriously at the Chrysler Town and Country for 2008. It stretches the limits for family vehicles with seating options of Stow and Go (where seats fold easily down into the floor), or a Swivel and Go configuration (that uses the third row seats and second row to face each other around a table) that may better suit your family needs than an SUV.
Recognized Competition:
Mitsubishi Outlander $21-25,000, Mazda Tribute $19-26,000, Saturn Vue $21-29,000, Kia Sportage $16-23,000, Mercury Mariner $21-26,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000, Subaru Forester $21-28,000, Nissan Xterra $20-28,000, Jeep Liberty $20-26,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-25,000, Chevrolet Equinox $22-29,000, Honda CRV $21-28,000, Toyota RAV4 $21-27,000.
Good News:
Nice performing V6 and better than expected handling, roomy.
Bad News:
More wind noise than expected, difficult to read digital gauges in daylight, irritating interruptions of Sirius satellite radio,
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter 220 hp V6 engine, 6 speed auto transmission, front and side air bags and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, child latch seat system, day time running lights, security alarm and immobilizer system, electronic 4-WD system with driver selector 2/4 and lock, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, air conditioning, rear privacy glass, stereo with CD / MP3, power door and tailgate locks, power windows and mirrors, cruise control with steering wheel controls for cruise and audio, keyless entry, flap folding tailgate, intermittent wipers, 8-way power driver seat, 60/40 split fold / tumble rear seats, prewired for Bluetooth, 16” allow wheels, auto off headlights, and roof rails.
Options: LS sun and sound package including added speaker, Punch sound system upgrade, SIRIUS satellite radio with 6 months included, 6-CD in dash changer, power glass sunroof $1740; Entertainment package including DVD rear seat 9” monitor, remote control, wireless head set $1150.
$2.85/ Gal avg. October 9, ‘07
for more information.
19 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,770 / $27,285 with options.
