The ES comes with standard features such as air conditioning, heated front seats, and steering wheel mounted controls for audio and cruise control. With the RAV4, heated seats are only offered as an option on certain trim levels.
New for 2011 is a Bluetooth hands free interface with streaming audio and USB input with voice controls that is standard on all of the Outlander models. Bluetooth is also standard on the Sante Fe and is offered as anoption on the RAV4 but only on the highest Limited version.
My test model for the week is the fully loaded XLS trim powered by a 3.0litre V6 engine. It is matched to a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with the gearshift or with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
On the road, this V6 Outlander is very lively although I think that most people would find the four cylinder to be adequate enough.
The XLS also features Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super All- Wheel Control). The version of this system on the Lancer Evolution was named ‘Best New Technology’ by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada in 2009.
This system regulates the torque from left to right and from front to rear depending on vehicle dynamics and road conditions. The result is superior traction and control at all times and on all types of driving surfaces.
I love a lighter steering feel. The power assisted rack and pinion steering on this Outlander fits the bill perfectly for me.
All trim levels come with a 140-watt CD/MP3 player and this XLS model gets a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. This is one of my favorite features on Mitsubishi; the premium audio system is powerful and sounds very clean.
My major complaint about the Outlander in the past has been the terrible third row of seats offered on the LS and XLS models. There is not a lot of room to sit and it feels incredibly flimsy. They are also very difficult to fold flat into the floor – a confusing system of straps and latches that are hard to manoeuvre.
If you don’t need a third row and only have to use it from time to time, it will do the job. But if you are going to use it every day, I wouldn’t recommend it.
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| My test model for the week is the fully loaded XLS trim powered by a 3.0litre V6 engine. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
New for 2011 is a Bluetooth hands free interface with streaming audio and USB input with voice controls that is standard on all of the Outlander models. Bluetooth is also standard on the Sante Fe and is offered as anoption on the RAV4 but only on the highest Limited version.
My test model for the week is the fully loaded XLS trim powered by a 3.0litre V6 engine. It is matched to a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with the gearshift or with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
On the road, this V6 Outlander is very lively although I think that most people would find the four cylinder to be adequate enough.
The XLS also features Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super All- Wheel Control). The version of this system on the Lancer Evolution was named ‘Best New Technology’ by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada in 2009.
This system regulates the torque from left to right and from front to rear depending on vehicle dynamics and road conditions. The result is superior traction and control at all times and on all types of driving surfaces.
I love a lighter steering feel. The power assisted rack and pinion steering on this Outlander fits the bill perfectly for me.
All trim levels come with a 140-watt CD/MP3 player and this XLS model gets a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. This is one of my favorite features on Mitsubishi; the premium audio system is powerful and sounds very clean.
My major complaint about the Outlander in the past has been the terrible third row of seats offered on the LS and XLS models. There is not a lot of room to sit and it feels incredibly flimsy. They are also very difficult to fold flat into the floor – a confusing system of straps and latches that are hard to manoeuvre.
If you don’t need a third row and only have to use it from time to time, it will do the job. But if you are going to use it every day, I wouldn’t recommend it.
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| A segment first is the Outlanders flap fold tailgate. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |