Mitsubishi Outlander an affordable SUV

Roseville, Calif. – Cost-conscious car shoppers seeking a vehicle that can haul seven people will be pleased to see this news. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, a sport utility vehicle with three rows of seating, can be driven off the dealer lot for a reasonable price.

The Outlander starts at $22,995 and even a fairly upscale model that’s loaded with amenities can be purchased for approximately $30,995. That’s pretty affordable for an SUV that can transport seven people.

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

The Outlander was redesigned in 2014 and two years later has added several notable changes. This year’s version features a freshened exterior, the first Mitsubishi to have the brand’s new front design, which the Japanese manufacturer is calling the “Dynamic Shield.”

The front grille is mostly chrome and the rear styling includes an extended liftgate, LED taillights and a new bumper. Both 18-inch alloy wheels and heated side mirrors are now standard. Mitsubishi also points out that it has added new platform enhancements to improve the handling and ride. However, some auto reviewers question if the ride and handling are really that much better.

There’s definitely a list of competitors that can contend with the Outlander. Among those SUVs are the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue and the Kia Sorento.

Depending on your performance preference, the Outlander provides two choices. The more powerful engine – 3.0-liter, V6 that produces 224 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque – is no world beater. But this particular Outlander goes 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, about average for the class.

Going with the less powerful engine (test driven here) – 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, that generates 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque – means one saves a little gas (24-29 mpg) yet certainly gives up some performance as well. This Outlander has been known to labor up steep hills and goes 0-60 mph in a sluggish 9.2 seconds.

Note that the four-cylinder has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and the V6 version more than doubles that load capacity at 3,500 pounds.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

• Performance: 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 166 horsepower; 3.0-liter, V6, 224 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 24-29 mph; 20-27 mph 
• Price: $22,995 to $30,995
• Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance 5 years, unlimited; corrosion 6 years/100,00

The Outlander would make a pretty good companion on long trips with considerable freeway driving. It doesn’t have much cabin road noise, handles well on most surfaces, and offers better than average steering. And if one wants to veer of the main arteries, an Outlander equipped with all-wheel drive is capable of some mild off-roading.

For a relatively inexpensive vehicle, the Outlander offers a solid interior in terms of design and quality. We like the many soft-touch materials and the dashboard is smartly laid out and most people will find it intuitive. There’s a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen interface.

The Outlander seating is comfortable and everyone should be happy with the exception of the third row, which is cramped. The hauling area is small at 10.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row of seats, but expands to 34.2 cubic feet behind the second row.

The affordable price and great warranty – drivetrain is 10 years/100,000 miles – gives the Outlander an edge over some of its competition. While not the top choice in its class, improvement has arrived overall and makes the Outlander an SUV to consider.