Updated Outlander has wow factor
The terms"cute-Ute" and "crossover
utility vehicle" began some ten years ago
with when Toyota introduced the RAV4, and was
followed shortly after by Honda CR-V.
Since then almost every manufacturer has one,
including Mitsubishi who introduced the Outlander
in 2002 as a 2003 model. With an oversized schnozola,
and a pitiful 140 horsepower, the Outlander was
neither cute nor utilitarian, and wasn't
fun to drive or competitively priced to attract
buyers away from Toyota or Honda.
Thus far in 2006, Outlander sales have averaged
less than 800 units per month- compared
to almost 14,000 CR-Vs and 13,000 RAV4s in that
same time frame. It's no secret that Mitsubishi
is struggling with vehicles consumers don't
want.
So with both Toyota and Honda upping the ante
this year by completely redesigning the RAV4
and CR-V, now would seem to be a good time for
Mitsubishi to introduce a model that distinguishes
itself from the crowded crossover market segment.
To not just play catch-up, but give to buyers
something they want to drive.
The 2007 Outlander not only overcomes the sins
of its past, it seems to outclass the competition
in just about every measurement. OK, RAV4 does
offer more horsepower with their optional V-6
engine.
Outlander even goes so far as to offer market
segment "firsts" like a unique two-piece "flap-fold" tailgate,
odor-absorbing headliner (something we've
never heard of before), six-speed automatic transmission
and steering wheel paddle shifters.
Outlander even offers third-row seating, which
is standard on the XLS model. But you would have
to be hallucinating to think there's room
for anyone older than single digits.
The Outlander is available in three trim levels - ES,
LS and XLS - all with the same 220-horsepower
V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
This is a welcome upgrade from the current 160-horsepower,
and I found it quiet and satisfying, with enough
punch to avoid second-guessing a decision to
pass on a two-lane highway.
Prices range from $20,615 including $625 destination
charge for ES FWD to $25,635 for XLS 4WD. All
are four-door front-wheel drive with all-wheel
drive on either LS or XLS models.
The new Outlander is larger than the first-generation
model, and is wider and higher, allowing for
additional interior room. The vehicle's
roof is made of aluminum and weighs just 11 pounds.
Mitsubishi says this helps lower the center of
gravity, aiding in stability and helping to prevent
rollovers. Standard electronic stability and
traction control also help the cause.
The "flip-fold" two-piece tailgate
has the larger portion flipping up like a traditional
tailgate and has a fixed rear window. The lower
section is smaller and drops down. A flap covers
the hardware, making a smooth cargo floor for
sliding boxes and packages into the cargo area.
It can also be used as a seat for tailgating
and can hold up to 440 pounds. It reminds me
of the tailgate on the Volvo XC90 SUV.
And the headliner? Mitsubishi says it absorbs
cigarette smoke and other odors. We'd appreciate
reader feedback to see if this actually works.
Nice if it did.
Styling is the obvious change and the new design
is a major improvement. It has cleaner lines,
athletic fender flares (thankfully not as pronounced
as those on the sibling Evolution) and a rear
treatment that reminds us of the BMW X3. We didn't
like look of the reverse-angle D-pillar though.
Up front, gone is the hideous protruding nose
in favor of a sleeker, smooth rounded look. It
is almost identical to the new 2007 Suzuki XL7
crossover utility vehicle.
Inside, the Outlander's interior looks
and feels more like a sedan than a utility vehicle.
The dashboard has a textured grain treatment
lending a more expensive look. Brushed metallic-finished
vertical air vents flank the center stack. Redundant
audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel
continue the brushed metallic theme. I was very
impressed with the flawless fit and finish quality,
both inside and out.
Front seats are roomy, bolstered and comfortable.
Second-row legroom seemed tighter than the RAV4
and CR-V I recently tested.
Cupholders are everywhere: on the center console,
sliding out on either side of the dash, integrated
into the doors. Even the center armrest between
the rear seats sports two.
Safety gear includes dual-front, front-seat-mounted
side and full-side-curtain airbags, four-wheel
anti-lock disc brakes, and LED rear taillamps
and keyless entry with panic alarm. Crash test
results are not yet available.
Outlander comes with a segment-best 10-year/100,000-mile
powertrain warranty. Only three colors (silver,
gray and white) and cloth seats are offered on
the ES. Black, blue and aqua are additional options
on LS and XLS. Is Outlander the only vehicle
built that doesn't come in red?
Overall the new Outlander is a major improvement,
drives beautifully, is more powerful, spacious,
comfortable and not only catches up to the segment
leaders, in most ways surpasses them. There's
little to fault here. But Mitsubishi products
don't carry the same resale value as Toyota,
Honda or Nissan making them less desirable if
you trade vehicles every few years.
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