Updated Outlander has wow factor

The terms “cute-Ute” and “crossover utility vehicle” began some ten years ago with when Toyota introduced the RAV4, and was followed shortly after by Honda CR-V.

Since then almost every manufacturer has one, including Mitsubishi who introduced the Outlander in 2002 as a 2003 model. With an oversized schnozola, and a pitiful 140 horsepower, the Outlander was neither cute nor utilitarian, and wasn’t fun to drive or competitively priced to attract buyers away from Toyota or Honda.

Thus far in 2006, Outlander sales have averaged less than 800 units per month — compared to almost 14,000 CR-Vs and 13,000 RAV4s in that same time frame. It’s no secret that Mitsubishi is struggling with vehicles consumers don’t want.

So with both Toyota and Honda upping the ante this year by completely redesigning the RAV4 and CR-V, now would seem to be a good time for Mitsubishi to introduce a model that distinguishes itself from the crowded crossover market segment. To not just play catch-up, but give to buyers something they want to drive.

The 2007 Outlander not only overcomes the sins of its past, it seems to outclass the competition in just about every measurement. OK, RAV4 does offer more horsepower with their optional V-6 engine.

Outlander even goes so far as to offer market segment “firsts” like a unique two-piece “flap-fold” tailgate, odor-absorbing headliner (something we’ve never heard of before), six-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel paddle shifters.

Outlander even offers third-row seating, which is standard on the XLS model. But you would have to be hallucinating to think there’s room for anyone older than single digits.

The Outlander is available in three trim levels — ES, LS and XLS — all with the same 220-horsepower V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a welcome upgrade from the current 160-horsepower, and I found it quiet and satisfying, with enough punch to avoid second-guessing a decision to pass on a two-lane highway.

Prices range from $20,615 including $625 destination charge for ES FWD to $25,635 for XLS 4WD. All are four-door front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive on either LS or XLS models.

The new Outlander is larger than the first-generation model, and is wider and higher, allowing for additional interior room. The vehicle’s roof is made of aluminum and weighs just 11 pounds. Mitsubishi says this helps lower the center of gravity, aiding in stability and helping to prevent rollovers. Standard electronic stability and traction control also help the cause.

The “flip-fold” two-piece tailgate has the larger portion flipping up like a traditional tailgate and has a fixed rear window. The lower section is smaller and drops down. A flap covers the hardware, making a smooth cargo floor for sliding boxes and packages into the cargo area. It can also be used as a seat for tailgating and can hold up to 440 pounds. It reminds me of the tailgate on the Volvo XC90 SUV.

And the headliner? Mitsubishi says it absorbs cigarette smoke and other odors. We’d appreciate reader feedback to see if this actually works. Nice if it did.

Styling is the obvious change and the new design is a major improvement. It has cleaner lines, athletic fender flares (thankfully not as pronounced as those on the sibling Evolution) and a rear treatment that reminds us of the BMW X3. We didn’t like look of the reverse-angle D-pillar though.

Up front, gone is the hideous protruding nose in favor of a sleeker, smooth rounded look. It is almost identical to the new 2007 Suzuki XL7 crossover utility vehicle.

Inside, the Outlander’s interior looks and feels more like a sedan than a utility vehicle. The dashboard has a textured grain treatment lending a more expensive look. Brushed metallic-finished vertical air vents flank the center stack. Redundant audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel continue the brushed metallic theme. I was very impressed with the flawless fit and finish quality, both inside and out.

Front seats are roomy, bolstered and comfortable. Second-row legroom seemed tighter than the RAV4 and CR-V I recently tested.

Cupholders are everywhere: on the center console, sliding out on either side of the dash, integrated into the doors. Even the center armrest between the rear seats sports two.

Safety gear includes dual-front, front-seat-mounted side and full-side-curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and LED rear taillamps and keyless entry with panic alarm. Crash test results are not yet available.

Outlander comes with a segment-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Only three colors (silver, gray and white) and cloth seats are offered on the ES. Black, blue and aqua are additional options on LS and XLS. Is Outlander the only vehicle built that doesn’t come in red?

Overall the new Outlander is a major improvement, drives beautifully, is more powerful, spacious, comfortable and not only catches up to the segment leaders, in most ways surpasses them. There’s little to fault here. But Mitsubishi products don’t carry the same resale value as Toyota, Honda or Nissan making them less desirable if you trade vehicles every few years.

 

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