The update continues…
As mentioned earlier, the new snout incorporating a massive trapeze-shaped grille is an obvious nod to the Lancer EVO. This cosmetic upgrade dictated a thorough redesign of the front fascia, all the way to the A-pillars. Meanwhile, the rocker panels and rear bumper corners have been remodeled as well.
Inside, changes are more subtle. You will find new, higher-grade fabrics in both the ES and LS models, while the XLS still offers nice leather seating surfaces along with a richer, softer-touch dashboard texture.
Despite all this good work, two major irritants of previous Outlanders have not been taken care of. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope and the seat warmer controls on the center console are still too far back (you have to twist your arm and wrist to reach them). Let’s hope these issues will be resolved by the time the third-generation model comes our way.
The interior of the Outlander ES sits five passengers whereas the LS and XLS variants offer room for up to seven. Of course, the tiny bench you will find in the third row can’t realistically accommodate people other than young children. On the flip side, it folds away into a specially-designed underfloor cavity when cargo is the priority. As for the second-row seats, they slide fore and aft to allow easier access and legroom adjustments (LS and XLS).
One of the distinctive features of the Outlander is the so-called "flap-folding" tailgate. The lower section of the rear hatch indeed folds down to double as a tailgate seat for your outdoor parties (payload capacity is rated at 200 kilos). The modular cargo area is one of the roomiest in its class, too.
At the end of the day, buyers looking for a truly versatile and reasonably-sized SUV with competent AWD and a sporty yet flexible V6 will likely find their answer under the Mitsubishi banner. This might explain the Outlander’s remarkable 31-percent sales increase in Canada last year!
photo:Luc Gagné, Mitsubishi
As mentioned earlier, the new snout incorporating a massive trapeze-shaped grille is an obvious nod to the Lancer EVO. This cosmetic upgrade dictated a thorough redesign of the front fascia, all the way to the A-pillars. Meanwhile, the rocker panels and rear bumper corners have been remodeled as well.
 |
| The Outlander XLS is available with a GPS (courtesy of Mitsubishi’s Navigation & Entertainment Package). |
Inside, changes are more subtle. You will find new, higher-grade fabrics in both the ES and LS models, while the XLS still offers nice leather seating surfaces along with a richer, softer-touch dashboard texture.
Despite all this good work, two major irritants of previous Outlanders have not been taken care of. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope and the seat warmer controls on the center console are still too far back (you have to twist your arm and wrist to reach them). Let’s hope these issues will be resolved by the time the third-generation model comes our way.
The interior of the Outlander ES sits five passengers whereas the LS and XLS variants offer room for up to seven. Of course, the tiny bench you will find in the third row can’t realistically accommodate people other than young children. On the flip side, it folds away into a specially-designed underfloor cavity when cargo is the priority. As for the second-row seats, they slide fore and aft to allow easier access and legroom adjustments (LS and XLS).
One of the distinctive features of the Outlander is the so-called "flap-folding" tailgate. The lower section of the rear hatch indeed folds down to double as a tailgate seat for your outdoor parties (payload capacity is rated at 200 kilos). The modular cargo area is one of the roomiest in its class, too.
At the end of the day, buyers looking for a truly versatile and reasonably-sized SUV with competent AWD and a sporty yet flexible V6 will likely find their answer under the Mitsubishi banner. This might explain the Outlander’s remarkable 31-percent sales increase in Canada last year!
 |
| LS and XLS models share a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 230 horsepower, or 10 more than previously. |
photo:Luc Gagné, Mitsubishi
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD
Article Gallery