Yet my kids didn't mind at all and actually asked to me sit in the 3rd-row all the time. And if you use child booster seats, it doesn't matter how uncomfortable the cushion is. Bottom line, it's practical when you need it for short trips and doesn't compromise cargo space at all when folded.
The steering wheel includes perfectly-placed audio and cruise controls, and I was glad to see Bluetooth hands-free controls before I remembered that you must purchase the system as a dealer accessory, which our test truck doesn't have. The radio's volume and setting rotary buttons are too small, though, and the seat heater switches are awkwardly located between the cushions and center console. Not a big deal.
Three-litre six: just right
Base models get a 168-hp 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, but the fuel economy difference isn't that big between it and the 220-hp, 3.0-litre V6. The latter provides extra gusto to the Outlander and is smoother and quieter at the same time; the 6-speed automatic also helps. If I was choosing, I'd skip the base engine.
Zero to 100 sprints take 8.5 seconds with the V6, and we're averaging 11.6 L/100 km. The bigger engine effortlessly motivates the SUV, although on paper, it's a few ponies short of V6 units in the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Dodge Nitro R/T.
The Outlander's four-wheel drive system includes a driver-selectable transfer case that you can leave in 2WD mode when the weather is cooperative. In 4WD mode, the truck proves quite capable in snowy weather and makes us pretty confident at the wheel. Mitsubishi resisted installing 17-inch wheels on the mid-level LS, which suits us fine since 16-inch winter tires are obviously less expensive. The loaded XLS gets 18-inchers, though.
Competition
The Outlander's base price is $24,998 for the ES 2WD, and this LS 4WD starts at a very low $27,998. You can also get a 9-speaker, 650-watt sound system and a sunroof for an extra $2,250.
Similarly-equipped compact SUVs with V6 engines if available and all-wheel drive that rival the Mitsubishi are:
Chevrolet Equinox LS with options, $31,290
Dodge Journey SXT with options, $28,045
Dodge Nitro SXT, $29,945
Ford Escape XLT V6, $29,599
Honda CR-V LX, $29,790
Hyundai Tucson GL V6, $28,795
Jeep Liberty Sport, $29,245
Kia Sportage LX-V6, $29,235
Mazda Tribute GX-V6, $28,090
Nissan Rogue SL, $28,998
Pontiac Torrent with options, $32,825
Saturn Vue XE, $31,660
Subaru Forester 2.5X Touring, $29,095
Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX V6, $31,695
Toyota RAV4 V6, $29,170
Volkswagen Tiguan Trendline, $30,975
Conclusion
The Outlander LS 4WD is an extremely good deal, as it boasts an unbeatable price/equipment ratio. There isn't much to dislike in this SUV, and it also includes a 10-year powertrain warranty for extra peace of mind.
For every Outlander currently sold, Toyota sells three RAV4s and Ford moves out five Escapes. Mitsubishi's dealer network is much smaller, but finding one is worthwhile, because the Outlander deserves to be on any compact SUV shopper's list.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The steering wheel includes perfectly-placed audio and cruise controls, and I was glad to see Bluetooth hands-free controls before I remembered that you must purchase the system as a dealer accessory, which our test truck doesn't have. The radio's volume and setting rotary buttons are too small, though, and the seat heater switches are awkwardly located between the cushions and center console. Not a big deal.
Three-litre six: just right
Base models get a 168-hp 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, but the fuel economy difference isn't that big between it and the 220-hp, 3.0-litre V6. The latter provides extra gusto to the Outlander and is smoother and quieter at the same time; the 6-speed automatic also helps. If I was choosing, I'd skip the base engine.
Zero to 100 sprints take 8.5 seconds with the V6, and we're averaging 11.6 L/100 km. The bigger engine effortlessly motivates the SUV, although on paper, it's a few ponies short of V6 units in the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Dodge Nitro R/T.
 |
| Zero to 100 sprints take 8.5 seconds with the V6, and we're averaging 11.6 L/100 km. |
The Outlander's four-wheel drive system includes a driver-selectable transfer case that you can leave in 2WD mode when the weather is cooperative. In 4WD mode, the truck proves quite capable in snowy weather and makes us pretty confident at the wheel. Mitsubishi resisted installing 17-inch wheels on the mid-level LS, which suits us fine since 16-inch winter tires are obviously less expensive. The loaded XLS gets 18-inchers, though.
Competition
The Outlander's base price is $24,998 for the ES 2WD, and this LS 4WD starts at a very low $27,998. You can also get a 9-speaker, 650-watt sound system and a sunroof for an extra $2,250.
Similarly-equipped compact SUVs with V6 engines if available and all-wheel drive that rival the Mitsubishi are:
Chevrolet Equinox LS with options, $31,290
Dodge Journey SXT with options, $28,045
Dodge Nitro SXT, $29,945
Ford Escape XLT V6, $29,599
Honda CR-V LX, $29,790
Hyundai Tucson GL V6, $28,795
Jeep Liberty Sport, $29,245
Kia Sportage LX-V6, $29,235
Mazda Tribute GX-V6, $28,090
Nissan Rogue SL, $28,998
Pontiac Torrent with options, $32,825
Saturn Vue XE, $31,660
Subaru Forester 2.5X Touring, $29,095
Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX V6, $31,695
Toyota RAV4 V6, $29,170
Volkswagen Tiguan Trendline, $30,975
Conclusion
The Outlander LS 4WD is an extremely good deal, as it boasts an unbeatable price/equipment ratio. There isn't much to dislike in this SUV, and it also includes a 10-year powertrain warranty for extra peace of mind.
For every Outlander currently sold, Toyota sells three RAV4s and Ford moves out five Escapes. Mitsubishi's dealer network is much smaller, but finding one is worthwhile, because the Outlander deserves to be on any compact SUV shopper's list.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4WD
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4WD
Article Gallery