Utility and room for 7--sort of
The tester’s trunk was generously sized, and accessed by a rare flip-down tailgate partition that eases loading and unloading of gear while protecting the bumper.
Flip-up third-row seating expands capacity to 7 when needed, too. The rear seat can feel awkward to set up, and it’s only large enough for the smallest passengers once erected. Cramped they are, but the 6th and 7th seats do beat walking home if the soccer game is rained out. Seats 3, 4 and 5 in the second row are just fine for grown-ups if need be.
3.0 MIVEC V6
Outlander’s up-level 3-litre V6 engine with MIVEC variable valve timing gives drivers 230 horsepower, browsable via six automatic, paddle-shifted gears. Changes executed by said shifters aren’t the market’s fastest or most responsive-- though most will appreciate the added novelty and pre-emptive shiftability for passing and merging.
Outlander’s powerplant is quiet and smooth when driven gently, though it revs eagerly and makes pleasing full-throttle sound effects, too. Enthusiasts will love the distinct step-up in sound effects and power output as the MIVEC-actuated cams switch into high-performance mode as the revs climb.
Leisurely highway driving pegged consumption around 9.3L / 100km, which is about average given Outlander’s size and power output.
S-AWC
Unlike the more common All Wheel Drive (AWD) system found in most crossover models, Outlander XLS is fitted with Mitsubishi’s award-winning Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system-- which has its roots in rally racing. In a nutshell, S-AWC lets drivers choose various power delivery settings for gravel or tarmac, as well as a ‘lock’ mode for rough or slippery conditions.
Settings can be toggled on the fly by a console-mounted dial and referenced by a display screen in the instrument cluster which also outputs a real-time power delivery graph. In all, the S-AWC works to maximize traction and handling performance on any surface
The tester’s trunk was generously sized, and accessed by a rare flip-down tailgate partition that eases loading and unloading of gear while protecting the bumper.
Flip-up third-row seating expands capacity to 7 when needed, too. The rear seat can feel awkward to set up, and it’s only large enough for the smallest passengers once erected. Cramped they are, but the 6th and 7th seats do beat walking home if the soccer game is rained out. Seats 3, 4 and 5 in the second row are just fine for grown-ups if need be.
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| Flip-up third-row seating expands capacity to 7 when needed. (Photo: Mistubishi) |
3.0 MIVEC V6
Outlander’s up-level 3-litre V6 engine with MIVEC variable valve timing gives drivers 230 horsepower, browsable via six automatic, paddle-shifted gears. Changes executed by said shifters aren’t the market’s fastest or most responsive-- though most will appreciate the added novelty and pre-emptive shiftability for passing and merging.
Outlander’s powerplant is quiet and smooth when driven gently, though it revs eagerly and makes pleasing full-throttle sound effects, too. Enthusiasts will love the distinct step-up in sound effects and power output as the MIVEC-actuated cams switch into high-performance mode as the revs climb.
Leisurely highway driving pegged consumption around 9.3L / 100km, which is about average given Outlander’s size and power output.
S-AWC
Unlike the more common All Wheel Drive (AWD) system found in most crossover models, Outlander XLS is fitted with Mitsubishi’s award-winning Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system-- which has its roots in rally racing. In a nutshell, S-AWC lets drivers choose various power delivery settings for gravel or tarmac, as well as a ‘lock’ mode for rough or slippery conditions.
Settings can be toggled on the fly by a console-mounted dial and referenced by a display screen in the instrument cluster which also outputs a real-time power delivery graph. In all, the S-AWC works to maximize traction and handling performance on any surface
 |
| Settings can be toggled on the fly by a console-mounted dial and referenced by a display screen in the instrument cluster which also outputs a real-time power delivery graph. (Photo: Mistubishi) |