Crossovers continue to remain a popular option for providing the
“higher-stance-on-the-road-feel”, with car like interiors and that extra
space for random weekend runs that require a bit more space than a
standard trunk. The second generation Outlander received an overdue
facelift and interior redesign with the 2010 model year to make it not
only a good looking CUV but with the features to fit right in with the
more popular choices of it the class.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is
offered in six trims; ES, SE, SE AWD, XLS 2wd V6, and the one we tested,
GT S-AWD. Our vehicle stickered at $30275, but pricing starts at
$21995. each Outlander comes with a 5 year, 60k miles, bumper-bumper
warranty with 5 years unlimited roadside assistance and a 10 year 100k
power train warranty. four star rollover crash rating from the NHTSA,
dual front and side mounted airbags, and Hill start assist (to name a
few safety features), ensure you will be safe traveling in any condition
the weather may present. Our GT S-AWD was powered by a 3.0-230hp V6
with 215 lb ft and a 6-speed automatic transmission that manages 0-60 in
less than 8 seconds for those who may feel the need to be off the line
first with 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. The v6 was paired
with the idiot proof AWD system that provided road gripping
capabilities during one of our daily Florida monsoons (and would make
driving in much nastier weather less stressful). Handling was not shabby
with the stiffer characteristics one would expect from a larger SUV yet
with car like comforts. The only room from improvement on the Outlander
would be the tire noise that occurred at higher speeds due the
Goodyear’s paired with the suspension that just didn’t mesh well
together. The Outlander GT S-AWD has the same front fascia as the
current Mitsubishi line up with the oversized wide mouth grill, sleek
headlights paired with Xenon lights, chrome accents and rear LED lights
making for a good looking CUV compared to other boxy options in its
class.
Our Outlander GT S-AWD’s offered a sporty black cloth
interior with aluminum accents that gave just enough of a polished look
to really contrast with the massive plastic amounts most interiors have.
The aluminum is carried to the pedals but an optional interior sport
package ($295) would provide a matching shifter knob and brake handle,
which I think would make more sense to be included as part of the GT
trim line to provide continuity rather than as an option. Seating
provided comfort to both front and second seats however the lack of a
driver front seat was somewhat disappointing in this price point, but is
featured along with heated front seats in the Touring package ($2700).
Both front and second row provide firm yet comfortable seating, more
than expected leg room with second row to seat two adults in comfort.
The third row rear seat produced immediate excitement from my little
guys; however if you are over four feet, the excitement will be lacking.
one negative aspect to the third row is the lack of air vents in the
rear seating area, so air flow isn’t great. and the cheap look and feel
to the third row seat left something to be desired. Cargo space is not
an issue, even with the third row in use. There is more than enough room
behind the seat due to the deep cargo area, which offers access with
either just the rear hatch lifted, or for larger items, there is a
drop-down tailgate. The only cargo issues were my inability to
completely stow the third row flush, despite my numerous attempts by
reading their step-by-step picture directions. The second row seats
didn’t compact as much as they should when folded either, so maximum
cargo space was compromised. But overall, space in general is not an
issue – it’s plentiful.
Along with basic standard equipment, there
were extras that ranged from heated exterior mirrors, rain sensing
wipers, fast Key entry, Sporttronic Paddle Shifters and a radio that
came equipped with an AM/FM/6CD/MP3 in-dash audio system, with six
speakers and a large yet basic display. Our Outlander GT S-AWD came with
the optional Sun and Sound package ($1700) that provided us with a
power glass sunroof, Sirius radio and the best part, a 710W Rockford
Fosgate Punch premium sound system with 9 speakers and a 10-in subwoofer
– to which I indulged my love for Led Zeppelin on numerous occasions
with much satisfaction (and also to help drown out the noise from the
tires at higher speeds). Standard on every Outlander is the Fuse
Handsfree Link system with steering mounted controls, but much like the
folding of the rear seats, the syncing to the Bluetooth provided to be
an eyelash pulling process. in other words, I just gave up on syncing my
Droid after numerous attempts. a simpler process would not only please
those like me who find technology at times to be more of a burden then a
necessity, but also those who simply lack patience. The only other
option available is Navigation ($2000) that provides a rear camera,
including a 40 gig hard-drive, music server, real-time traffic and an
auxiliary input.
Despite the road noise that could be an easy
manufacture fix and the unappealing construction of the third row seat
(also another easy fix); the Outlander GT S-AWD determined this is one
CUV that shouldn’t be looked over. You just may “go where you haven’t
gone before” behind the wheel of this competitive option.
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