2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD Road Test

Of course, I was given a fully equipped Limited AWD version, complete with standard leather seating surfaces and heated

Wherever I sat in the car, back seats or front, the leather was plush and comfortable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

cushions up front. Wherever I sat in the car, back seats or front, the leather was plush and comfortable, and it even remained relatively soft when I got back into the car in the morning after a chilly night. Butt warmers are always a perk, and I love them, but the Outlander's took a tad longer to heat up in comparison to others I've tried.

Seats aside, the Outlander delivers a combined experience of car-like-handling paired with SUV-like qualities when out on the road. It sports a four-wheel independent suspension that incorporates MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link set-up with coil springs in the rear, with both front and rear stabilizer bars. The ride is firm and handling agile, and coupled with variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, it is fun through the corners. Still, the Outlander is

A 160-hp 2.4-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder with MIVEC is the only engine offered in all trim levels. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

forgiving enough to provide comfort during city driving, and it managed potholes and bumps strewn along the road up to my local ski hill without discomfort.

Throughout all the trim levels, one engine is offered: a 2.4-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder with MIVEC (Mitsubishi speak for variable valve timing), that produces 160-horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Although the engine's output is decent for the Outlander's size, at times it felt a little underpowered. While ascending up hills, it became a little loud and revy, and when passing, it took a couple of extra seconds for the jolt of all 160 horses to kick in.