Initially, the 140-hp 2.4 L inline 4-cylinder is the only engine available, with no word on an optional 6-cylinder on the horizon. But that's OK. The vehicles relatively light 1,470 kg (3,240 lb) curb weight should allow reasonable performance, albeit most likely not as spirited as its Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 competitors. With that in mind, you won't be able to shift it manually either as a 4-speed automatic with Sportronic manual-mode shifting capability will be the only transmission offered.
Like Mitsubishi cars, the Outlander's unit body design sits atop an independent suspension system front and rear. This should produce sporty handling characteristics, traditionally a strong point of Mitsubishi products. This car-like poise comes at a price mind you, light to medium off-road use only. Still, heading out into uncharted territory is hardly the Outlander's mission.
Contrarily, it does seat 5 occupants in comfort or 2 up front with 1,708 L (60.3 cu ft) of cargo space available when the rear 60/40 split seats are folded flat - 691 L (24.4 cu ft) with the rear seatbacks in the upright position. Its tall ride height makes for excellent visibility from the driver's seat, to both the road ahead and the large round gauges behind its substantial steering wheel. The round theme continues with an analog clock at the center dash position and large air vents surrounding it. Metallic trim highlights the top-line XLS.
What's more, the XLS adds white-faced gauges with a matching white-faced analog clock, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, improved seat upholstery topped with see-through head restraints, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, roof rack, body color side mirrors, privacy glass, clear taillight lenses and 16-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, to the healthy dose of standard features in the base LS. These include a 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, cruise control, a rear intermittent wiper, air-conditioning and reclining rear seats, usually found only on select premium vehicles.