Only V6 for you my friend
Where the previous Outlander offered only a 4-cylinder engine, the 2007 forgoes the 4-pot in exchange for a 220 hp 3.0L V6. Likewise, gone is the opportunity to select a gearbox; only a 6-speed Sportronic automatic is available. Fortunately, both work together as though they were made for each other. The V6 provides plenty of torque while the autobox smartly administers the accessible power for spirited acceleration and passing. The tested XLS is equipped with a pair of steering-column mounted paddles. In this type of vehicle, their actual usefulness would be very limited as the shifter already proposes a manual mode. The V6 even manages to produce a low growl when the go-pedal is depressed. The week at the wheel returned an average of 12.5L per 100 km which I find to be acceptable.
The Outlander displays good poise and balance on the road. The ride is strictly controlled but not to the point of making a rough surface uncomfortable. A surprise was how properly the brakes perform; well beyond expectations in fact. Steering is heavy with reasonable feel and feedback. All in all, the Outlander impresses with a stable sporty ride with plenty of power.
The Outlander or...
The question is of course whether or not it stacks up to the competition. In my opinion, it actually does. It combines a number of attributes from many of its competitors like the Drive mode-selector (2WD / 4WD AUTO / 4WD LOCK), a strong engine, lots of options and accessories and the fact that it is a new face with an excellent warranty and competitive pricing.
The Outlander is essentially David going up against the Escape, CR-V and Equinox Goliaths but if given the chance, it just might make the mighty stumble, not fall.
The Outlander's price range is from $25,498 to $36,998 for an XLS AWD with options.
Handling
Brakes
Styling
Paddle shifters look good but are not very beneficial
3rd row bench is not a selling point
Competitors:
Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Compass
photo:Olivier Delorme
Where the previous Outlander offered only a 4-cylinder engine, the 2007 forgoes the 4-pot in exchange for a 220 hp 3.0L V6. Likewise, gone is the opportunity to select a gearbox; only a 6-speed Sportronic automatic is available. Fortunately, both work together as though they were made for each other. The V6 provides plenty of torque while the autobox smartly administers the accessible power for spirited acceleration and passing. The tested XLS is equipped with a pair of steering-column mounted paddles. In this type of vehicle, their actual usefulness would be very limited as the shifter already proposes a manual mode. The V6 even manages to produce a low growl when the go-pedal is depressed. The week at the wheel returned an average of 12.5L per 100 km which I find to be acceptable.
 |
| The 2007 Outlander is only available with a 3.0L V6 coupled to a 6-speed autobox. |
The Outlander displays good poise and balance on the road. The ride is strictly controlled but not to the point of making a rough surface uncomfortable. A surprise was how properly the brakes perform; well beyond expectations in fact. Steering is heavy with reasonable feel and feedback. All in all, the Outlander impresses with a stable sporty ride with plenty of power.
The Outlander or...
The question is of course whether or not it stacks up to the competition. In my opinion, it actually does. It combines a number of attributes from many of its competitors like the Drive mode-selector (2WD / 4WD AUTO / 4WD LOCK), a strong engine, lots of options and accessories and the fact that it is a new face with an excellent warranty and competitive pricing.
The Outlander is essentially David going up against the Escape, CR-V and Equinox Goliaths but if given the chance, it just might make the mighty stumble, not fall.
The Outlander's price range is from $25,498 to $36,998 for an XLS AWD with options.
 |
Brakes
Styling
 |
Paddle shifters look good but are not very beneficial
 |
3rd row bench is not a selling point
Competitors:
Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Compass
photo:Olivier Delorme
Article Gallery