2009 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD
01/16/2009
Shahed Hussain
Available since 2007, the second-generation Outlander is Mitsubishi's entrant in the overcrowded compact SUV market. Like the Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi equips the Outlander with a choice of a 4-cylinder or V-6 powertrains. Available transmissions include a CVT (2.4L) or a 6-speed automatic (3.0L). For 2009, the midlevel Outlander SE is available with an optional 3rd row seat, formerly exclusive to the XLS model.
We tested the Outlander 3.0 XLS 4WD, with a base price of $25,780. Options included the Luxury Package ($1,650), Premium Navigation Package ($1,850), and Sun & Sound Package ($1,610). The grand total for our test vehicle is $31,705, including the $715 destination charge. Given a choice, we would skip the expensive Premium Navigation Package and replace it with a portable GPS navigation unit instead. The less expensive Outlander SE offers similar equipment levels and options as the XLS, but substitutes the 2.4L inline-4 in place of the V-6. At the bottom of the lineup is the $21,095 Outlander ES 2WD, positioned to attract cost-conscious customers.
For an SUV priced over $30K, the Outlander's stiff plastic dash and door panels are somewhat surprising, especially when other compact SUVs use soft-touch trim more generously. The instrument binnacle has a 140-MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer; in between is a multi-function dot-matrix display that shows fuel level, transmission gear selection, drivetrain mode (e.g. 4WD), and outside temperature. A deep center console bin stows CDs and DVDs, and includes an auxiliary 12V DC as well as an 110V AC power outlet. A shallow secondary compartment above the bin holds smaller items. On the dash above the audio controls is another storage compartment for a mobile phone or sunglasses. The huge glove box will hold a 6-pack. Dual cup holders are located behind the gated shifter for the 6-speed automatic. Additional drinks will fit in the front door panel pockets. The simple array of climate control knobs and buttons are easy to manipulate while driving, without undue distraction.
Leather seats are standard on the Outlander XLS, while the SE and ES models get cloth upholstery. The driver's seat includes power adjustments, but the front passenger seat has manual controls. Both front seats will accommodate passengers up to 6' tall in reasonable comfort. Rocker buttons for the seat heaters are inconveniently hidden between the seats and the center console, but the seats warm up rapidly on cold winter days. Second-row passengers have limited headroom due to the sunroof, so anyone above 5'-10" will find his or her head brushing the headliner. However, the second row seats will slide back 3.15" and recline, so passengers can relax or nap. Mitsubishi managed to package a tiny rear bench that pops out of the floor (Outlander XLS and SE models), although these cloth-upholstered seats are suitable for small children only. To access to the third-row seats, the 60/40 split rear seats will fold and tumble so that passengers can clamber back. We don't think that these seats will get any more than occasional use, but owners will be able to haul seven passengers in a pinch. The rear cargo area expands to 72.6 cu. ft. once the 2nd row seats flip out of the way. A 2-piece lower tailgate folds down to support items up to 440 lbs., or as a convenient table for picnics.
The optional Premium Navigation Package includes a 7-inch LCD touch screen to control audio and trip computer functions. Press a button, and the articulating LCD screen flips down to reveal a CD/DVD slot. The audio system will rip CDs to store as MP3 files on the built-in 40 GB hard disk music server. The touch screen interface is complex, so we recommend that owners spend time understanding its many functions. To really impress passengers, put the transmission in "P" and insert a DVD to watch a movie in surround sound. The video display turns off while driving, but the movie audio continues to play through the speakers. With a ready supply of DVDs, the Outlander becomes a mobile movie theater. XLS models are available with the Bluetooth wireless cellular interface, so users can pair up their mobile phones for hands-free calling. Mitsubishi also includes a remote control fob (FAST: Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) that allows keyless entry and engine start.
Outlander SE and XLS models are equipped with unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Our test vehicle was shod with P225/55R18 Goodyear LS tires; these all-season tires, optimized for maximum tread life, sacrifice some foul weather traction at low temperatures. Brake rotors are ventilated 11.5" diameter (front), and solid 11.8" diameter (rear); the pedal has acceptable feel and progressive response. All Outlanders include 4-channel/4-sensor ABS with stability control.
Mitsubishi kept the Outlander's weight distribution relatively balanced at 56.4/44.6 (% F/R), which helps minimize the typical understeer of nose-heavy compact SUVs. Towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. for 4WD models, while 2WD variants are restricted to only 2,000 lbs. EPA estimated fuel consumption for the XLS 4WD is 17/23 MPG (city/highway), while the XLS 2WD ekes out one more MPG on the highway. We averaged just less than 20 MPG in mixed driving, but the unseasonably cold weather during our evaluation adversely affected fuel consumption. For comparison, Outlanders equipped with the 2.4L inline-4 are rated at 20/25 MPG (city/hwy.), which may be a worthwhile improvement for some customers.
From a driver's perspective, the Outlander's powertrain is exceptional: the refined all-aluminum
V-6 cranks out 220-bhp @ 6,250 RPM and 204 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM. A 3-stage air induction and MIVEC variable valve timing system enhances low-end torque significantly: 90% of peak torque available is at 2,000 RPM. Magnesium steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow fingertip control of the Sportronic(TM) 6-speed automatic. We didn't use the paddle shifters much, preferring to let the smooth-shifting automatic change gears, or using the leather-covered console shifter in manual mode.
Mitsubishi notes that the Outlander's full-time 4WD system is usable on dry or wet roads, rare among compact SUVs. For sporty handling, Mitsubishi recommends that the 4WD system knob be set to the "Lock" mode. Torque split front-to-rear varies according to driving conditions. The "Lock" mode will divert up to 70% of engine torque to the rear wheels at low speed, while up to 40% of torque will be sent rearward on the highway. Select the "Auto" mode, and the 4WD system will reduce the rear torque output, and adjust the torque split more frequently. In practice, the 4WD system worked flawlessly, with no wheel spin or torque steer at full throttle on dry surfaces. On wintry roads, the Outlander shows exemplary composure: we drove through blizzards and ice covered highways, but Mitsubishi's superb 4WD system pulled through with no drama.
According to Mitsubishi, the Outlander shares its platform with the Lancer sedan. While the Outlander is no Lancer Evolution, it handles curves with predictable mild understeer in 4WD mode. Understeer increases when only the front wheels are driving, so we preferred the balanced handling of 4WD mode. According to Mitsubishi, leaving the Outlander in 4WD mode nets a negligible fuel consumption penalty. The fully independent MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension provides a compliant ride quality similar to mainstream sedans; yet the damper settings are just firm enough to minimize pitching on the highway. Front and rear stabilizer bars keep roll in check, but the Outlander will never be mistaken for a sport sedan. We also noted moderate suspension dive and squat, typical for compact SUVs. Wind and engine noise are mostly unobtrusive at speeds above 80 MPH, but the Eagle LS tires are noticeably noisy over concrete surfaces, although the din subsides over asphalt. Although the rack-and-pinion steering is light and accurate at low speeds, reduced power assist on the highway would enhance directional stability.
Since the Outlander's 2007 introduction, the compact SUV segment has become packed with domestic, European, and Asian entrants. Against its Japanese competition, this Mitsubishi's interior design and materials fall behind the benchmark CR-V as well as the RAV4, whereas the popular Ford Escape is substantially less expensive than the Outlander XLS. Some customers may find the base Outlander ES better matched against other SUVs such as the Nissan Rogue and Saturn Vue. Ultimately, it becomes a matter of priorities: does the Outlander's sophisticated drivetrain and entertaining handling override its downscale interior trim? Although we think that the Outlander XLS is a capable compact SUV, we're not sure that most price-sensitive customers would agree.