Teresa’s View
Since its introduction in 2003, flashier competitors have outshined the Mitsubishi Outlander. No more. For 2007, the Outlander stepped up to the plate and into the fray. Of course, the compact crossover gets a big leg up from Mitsubishi’s sporty sedan, the Lancer Its next generation athletic platform imbues the Outlander more than a splash of sass.
The addition of nearly 4 inches in length and 2 inches in girth gives the spry Outlander a pleasingly chiseled exterior and improved passenger and cargo capacity.
It also benefits from a serious power boost. Gone is last year’s four-cylinder engine. In its place sits a new 220-hourspower, 3.0-liter V-6. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, replaces the previous five-speed version.
Mitsubishi channeled the experience it’s gained as an 11-time Dakar rally winner into the new Outlander. A healthy dose of balance and stability complements the smooth driving characteristics of the car-based crossover. To keep the ride interesting, Mitsu engineers created a much more athletic Outlander than the one it replaces. Just to make sure Outlander owners got the message, they jazzed up the interior with sporty flourishes.
Speaking of flourishes, check out the added touches here — the optional navigation system includes space on the 30 GB hard drive to store and playback your own MP3 files. I also like the clamshell hatch that opens in two pieces for quick storage or a fabulous tailgate party.
Like a little green with your sport-ute? No problem. The Outlander uses a high-performance catalytic converter and innovative coating on the radiator to nearly eliminate harmful greenhouse gases. It works so well the government has awarded it “Partial Zero Emission Vehicle” status, which is a lot like “Nearly Guilt-free SUVing.”
What Is It?: The Outlander is a five- or seven-passenger compact crossover utility vehicle. Offered in three trims — ES, LS and XLS — the Outlander can be purchased in front-wheel-drive only for the ES, or in either FWD or all-wheel-drive for the LS and XLS. Prices start at $21K.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Standard features include cruise control, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Unfortunately, most of the options are only available grouped in packages. One of my faves is the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo upgrade. Demerits for small audio controls.
The Back Seat: The EX and LS come in a five-passenger package, but the top-of-the-line XLS offers third-row seating. Sort of. The “seat” consists of two thin slabs and a set of funky paddle-like headrests. Only tiny people fit easily into the space. The third-row seat can fold into the floor when not needed, although the process is unduly complex. Second-row seats recline, slide fore and aft and fold neatly for added cargo room.
Cheat Sheet: After nearly six years, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler formally dissolved their strategic alliance. The Outlander began as a group effort, but after the split, Mitsubishi completed the next-gen Outlander on its own.