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| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
The all-wheel drive system is a real safety feature when the roads get bad- you can easily accelerate out of a stop sign in a foot of slush if you had to. In winter driving I found the Outlander to have ample traction pulling out of nasty conditions, and not pulling itself all over the road when traction was regained, even one wheel at a time. Outlander is safe too -- with driver, passenger and side airbags just in case. Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution help it stop in a straight line no matter what the road surface is doing -- working with each wheel individually to meter out stopping power as needed. A fantastic set of headlamps watch over nighttime driving.
Outlander has its work cut out for it in the marketplace, but its got a real winning chance. It can tow more, for instance, than a Subaru Forester. It's also roomier, less expensive and the price includes the automatic gearbox and an anti theft system, which Subaru charges extra for. At
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| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
$33,580 it's less expensive and roomier than a similarly equipped X-Trail from Nissan. It's got a better warranty than any competing product, and fit and finish, manners, and build quality to stand up with anyone else.
On top of a whole lot of baby truck for the buck, there is also an incredibly car like ride and handling because of the 4-wheel independent suspension. I found the ride to be adequately quiet, and the noise from the 17-inch wheels pounding away underneath to be somewhat more subdued than say, a Tucson. Carve your way up an offramp, and you'll likely be surprised as I was by the respectable grip, good steering feel and the fact that this mini ute doesn't feel like one- really the experience is more car like than truck like. That's because its built off of the same platform as a Lancer, and it shows. It finds its line easily, cuts in and corners flat, never feeling tippy or tall. That, combined with the sure footedness offered by the 17" wheels make this Outlander a real treat to drive. Some hold their breath and squeeze the steering wheel tightly at the sight of an upcoming corner in an SUV, but not people who drive one of these.
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| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
So look at it this way. If you go out and get a minivan, you might as well also get your self a pair of Kahkis and a cardigan sweater, tie it around your neck and sign up for some pottery lessons. Minivans are very useful, but they are about as cool as math lessons. The mini ute is the next alternative -- so, if you want one that isn't demanding as an owner, isn't demanding at the pumps, and has the best warranty going, you need to include the Outlander into your list of test drives. If you have a small family, it might make a lot more sense than a minivan. After all, its four-wheel drive, handsome looks and car like ride are very flattering. And, since it doesn't have sliding doors, you don't have to completely turn in your weekend party attire and be a responsible adult just yet.
