Description: Compact SUV
Base MSRP Range: $18,449 - $22,349
Invoice Price Range: $17,116 - $20,731

Constructed on the same platform that supports Mitsubishi's sporty Lancer sedan, the compact-class Outlander SUV has a rigid unibody structure and independent suspension components that deliver a car-like ride quality.

It's small enough to navigate easy through a crowded parking lot yet large enough in the cabin to provide ample space for five passengers plus a load of cargo. At the rear, Outlander has a big hatchback tailgate that swings high for access to the aft compartment. A flexible seat plan with folding seatbacks on the rear bench creates an expandable bay for gear.

Outlander splits into LS and XLS trims, each stocking the same four-cylinder engine and available in FWD or AWD. The single-cam 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has been improved this year by 20 power points due to the addition of Mitsubishi's innovative valve timing and lift electronic control (MIVEC) system. It now hits 160 hp and links to a four-speed Sportronic automatic-manual transmission. The automatic contains an adaptive controller linked to a computer that learns a driver's habits and manipulates shift patterns to suit the driving style. Then slide the shift lever laterally into a side gate for the Sportronic manual mode, where fore-aft stick action bumps up or down the gear ladder one notch at a time.