Also new for 2010 is the addition of Mitsubishi’s award-winning S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) with Active Front Differential system that’s featured in the Lancer Ralliart and the Evo. The system can send power to front or rear wheels, left or right, whatever wheel has the most traction. Although the snow is now gone, we did test the Outlander’s S-AWC last winter side-by-side with the more-conventional AWC, and it is much more capable on slippery surfaces.
As the sportiest version of the Outlander, the XLS 4WD’s 6-speed automatic gets wheel-mounted titanium paddle shifters and a selectable road surface setting that lets you choose between Tarmac, Snow and Lock. Personally, I think the Outlander has the best ride of its segment, period.
Mitsubishi partially addressed a general criticism that the cockpit was wrapped in cheap-looking plastic. The XLS we’re testing gets stitched vinyl on the dash and door panels, which really improves the overall appearance. The straightforward switchgear remains the same, although the stereo and navigation buttons are rather small and hard to use while driving.
Nicely-bolstered front seats include perforated leather patchwork and heated bun warmers, while the second-row bench offers a good amount of legroom, although the middle passenger will find the seatback a little uncomfortable because of the fold-down armrest. The third-row seat, included in LS 4WD and XLS 4WD models, isn’t a quality item and should remain optional instead of being standard.
Base price for a 4-cylinder, front-drive Outlander ES is $25,498, or $500 more than its 2009 equivalent. As for the XLS, it’s now priced at $34,498, an increase of $2,300. You do get a more capable machine for the money, but that’s a hefty hike. With the Navigation and Entertainment Package, which includes a rear-seat DVD system, our Outlander test vehicle has a $38,498 sticker.
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| For 2010 is the addition of Mitsubishi’s award-winning S-AWC with Active Front Differential system that’s featured in the Lancer Ralliart and the Evo. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
As the sportiest version of the Outlander, the XLS 4WD’s 6-speed automatic gets wheel-mounted titanium paddle shifters and a selectable road surface setting that lets you choose between Tarmac, Snow and Lock. Personally, I think the Outlander has the best ride of its segment, period.
Mitsubishi partially addressed a general criticism that the cockpit was wrapped in cheap-looking plastic. The XLS we’re testing gets stitched vinyl on the dash and door panels, which really improves the overall appearance. The straightforward switchgear remains the same, although the stereo and navigation buttons are rather small and hard to use while driving.
Nicely-bolstered front seats include perforated leather patchwork and heated bun warmers, while the second-row bench offers a good amount of legroom, although the middle passenger will find the seatback a little uncomfortable because of the fold-down armrest. The third-row seat, included in LS 4WD and XLS 4WD models, isn’t a quality item and should remain optional instead of being standard.
Base price for a 4-cylinder, front-drive Outlander ES is $25,498, or $500 more than its 2009 equivalent. As for the XLS, it’s now priced at $34,498, an increase of $2,300. You do get a more capable machine for the money, but that’s a hefty hike. With the Navigation and Entertainment Package, which includes a rear-seat DVD system, our Outlander test vehicle has a $38,498 sticker.
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| The XLS gets stitched vinyl patchwork on the dash and door panels, which really improves the overall appearance. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |