I love compact SUV’s. They offer space, function, utility and a look that is less intimidating than the large utility vehicles you see on the road.
This segment is full of well known vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-9, Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Sante Fe. When most people are cross-shopping, the Mitsubishi Outlander rarely comes to mind.
Mitsubishi is synonymous with rally cars, most of us think of the Lancer Evolution and its many victories at the World Rally Championship.
But this compact SUV from Mitsubishi has some great features that make it worth considering when you are out doing your test-driving.
The aggressive styling of this 2011 Outlander is the one thing that really makes this SUV stand apart from its competition. The Outlander saw a major redesign in 2010 that included new exterior styling. There are no changes for 2011, it is still an attractive vehicle.
The grille has the same aggressive front end that is seen on the Lancer. This ‘shark’ looking nose design was originally inspired by jet fighter air intakes.
The back end has a very pleasant stance to it as well. The strong angles and the shape of the rear lights are great - though not as unique as the front.
The interior is in need of an update. I recently drove the Lancer Ralliart and found it to be the same. Everything is placed very sensibly and appears simple, but in this market, it is just too plain.
RAV4, CR-V and CX-7 all have a much better dash designs. Fit and finish are fine in the Outlander; overall it just needs something to spice it up!
The Outlander comes in three trim levels and four drive train options. The ES is the base model starting at around $27,000 and comes in a choice of 2WD or 4WD. It is powered by a 2.4litre 4 cylinder good for 168hp and with a CVT transmission.
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| The aggressive styling of this 2011 Outlander is the one thing that really makes this SUV stand apart from its competition. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
This segment is full of well known vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-9, Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Sante Fe. When most people are cross-shopping, the Mitsubishi Outlander rarely comes to mind.
Mitsubishi is synonymous with rally cars, most of us think of the Lancer Evolution and its many victories at the World Rally Championship.
But this compact SUV from Mitsubishi has some great features that make it worth considering when you are out doing your test-driving.
The aggressive styling of this 2011 Outlander is the one thing that really makes this SUV stand apart from its competition. The Outlander saw a major redesign in 2010 that included new exterior styling. There are no changes for 2011, it is still an attractive vehicle.
The grille has the same aggressive front end that is seen on the Lancer. This ‘shark’ looking nose design was originally inspired by jet fighter air intakes.
The back end has a very pleasant stance to it as well. The strong angles and the shape of the rear lights are great - though not as unique as the front.
The interior is in need of an update. I recently drove the Lancer Ralliart and found it to be the same. Everything is placed very sensibly and appears simple, but in this market, it is just too plain.
RAV4, CR-V and CX-7 all have a much better dash designs. Fit and finish are fine in the Outlander; overall it just needs something to spice it up!
The Outlander comes in three trim levels and four drive train options. The ES is the base model starting at around $27,000 and comes in a choice of 2WD or 4WD. It is powered by a 2.4litre 4 cylinder good for 168hp and with a CVT transmission.
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| The interior is in need of an update. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |