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| This particularly picturesque roadway was serpentine at its staightest, and hardly wider than seen here throughout its entire length. It just happened to trek up one side of a mountain and down the other, perfect for proving the Endeavor's roadworthiness. The verdict? Yeah baby, this little mountain goat can dance. It seems equally adept in 2WD or AWD (shown) versions. |
The manually actuated gearbox isn't just for marketing department bragging rights either. It's necessary for getting the most out of the Endeavor's sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension - easily one of the best handling SUVs I've ever tested. It doesn't matter how tight the corner is, or narrow the roadway, Mitsubishi's new midsize sport utility boasts direct turn-in, feeling confidently controlled even when pressed to sports car limits. The rear wheels stay firmly planted during high-speed sweepers too even when experiencing rough pavement, partially due to its standard 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels on 235/65R17 tires - Limited models get 7-spoke aluminum wheels. But while an adept handler, the Endeavor doesn't punish its occupants with overly firm spring and shock settings. Rather, it feels taut but comfortable over all road surfaces. Mitsubishi's Active Skid and Traction Control system (M-ASTC) will be available on Limited models in the fall.
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| The base front-wheel drive LS model doesn't get ABS, but this 2WD Limited version, equipped with ABS, stops with little drama. Unfortunately Mitsubishi didn't have a base LS available for journalists to test. |
When equipped with anti-lock brakes, and only the base front-wheel drive LS isn't, the Endeavor stops in short order. The brake pedal, connecting to 4-wheel discs, offers progressive modulation with little fade unless pressed beyond reasonable limits - after all it's an SUV not a rally car.
When equipped with anti-lock brakes, and only the base front-wheel drive LS isn't, the Endeavor stops in short order. The brake pedal, connecting to 4-wheel discs, offers progressive modulation with little fade unless pressed beyond reasonable limits - after all it's an SUV not a rally car.