What was Tested?: 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS
Base MSRP: $22,197
Mileage: 20 city / 26 highway
The crossover SUV market is currently the hottest party in town. Started in the 1990s by Subaru's Outback, these mini-utes (as they're commonly called) appeal to consumers who need more room, but not the extreme offroad capability that's paired with heftier SUVs. On top of that, these buyers are not interested in paying large sums of money just so they can comfortably tote their playthings (mountain bikes, kayaks) to the woods and rivers. Between you and me, what they're really looking for (but would never admit) is a station wagon: lots of room, comfy feel plus a ride height that's taller than a sedan's.
However, station wagons have gone the way of the Brady Bunch and with good reason - they were simply cheesy. Enter the crossover SUVs. They provide the same amenities, but they look much, much cooler.
Already a crowded market, Mitsubishi is a latecomer to this star-studded show, whose headliners include the highly touted Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. In order to compete and make a name for itself the Mitsubishi Outlander needs to not only compete, but also differentiate itself from the pack.
Outlander versus CRV and RAV4
Under the hood, there's not a lot of variation among the Outlander, CRV and RAV4. All come equipped with capable 4-cylinder engines and roughly the same horsepower and torque stats. For those of you who have been following the Outlander since its debut in 2003 you'll note that its horsepower increased in 2004 by 14.3 percent, so that at 160 horses it now ranks right up there with the other two (RAV4 = 161 hp and CRV = 160 hp).
The RAV4 barely squeaks ahead in the fuel economy department, listing its EPA numbers as 27 mpg on the open road while the Outlander and CRV tie at 26 mpg. In the city, the CRV shares a 22 mpg rating with the RAV4, although not much greater than the Outlander's thirsty 20 mpg.
Given the fact that we're only talking about 4-cylinder engines, it would be nice if we could see better fuel economy ratings. However, what they may lack in frugality they make up for in cargo room. Here, the CRV comes out on top with its 72 cubic feet (with rear seats down) versus the RAV4's 68.3 cubic feet and the Outlander's 60.3 cubic feet.
Basically, the Outlander, CRV and RAV4 are all within close range of one another, which narrows the buying decision to your own personal preferences. If you prefer the interaction of a manual transmission then go for the CRV or RAV4 as the Outlander only comes automatic. However, in the attractiveness department we would choose the Outlander above the rest.
Looks matter
Inside, the cabin has a classy, no frills appearance. Mitsubishi did a nice job on the faux metal trim and the center analog clock is reminiscent of something found on an Infiniti or higher end vehicle. We took our test vehicle on a 200+ mile road trip and found the seats to be supportive and comfortable during the entire three hours - not bad for something priced in the low twenties. On top of that, all of the controls were in easy reaching distance and the cupholders (when filled) did not interfere with any of the knobs or dials.
The climate controls were a much-welcomed, simple turn-style. With this type of control, there's no thinking or programming. If you're cold you simply turn it all the way to the red and if you're hot you go for the blue. Our XLS model had the added bonus of the luxury package ($1,450), which included heated seats, leather upholstery and side airbags.
The Outlander's cabin drew praise from all passengers. The white-faced instrument gauges were easy to read and the storage space was generous. The center console features a two-tiered bin and is complemented by several open compartments for storing change, cell phones or garage door openers.
Go ahead and judge a car by its cover
Like the inside, the Outlander's sheet metal also received kudos. The Outlander's face features a distinctive hood bulge flanked on either side by a split grille. A clear lens covers both the head and taillights, giving the Outlander a sportier appearance.
The Outlander is a great city slicker vehicle. With its polished manners and amiable personality, it offers a comfortable ride when tooling around town. And when the roads turn wet or icy, the Outlander’s available all-wheel-drive is up to the task of delivering you and your cargo safely home. Likewise, when you're ready to escape for the weekend the Outlander is ready to be loaded down with some luggage, light gear and the family dog. If you've run out of space inside your sedan, but you dread the idea piloting one of those massive SUVs, then the Outlander should be on your list of test-drives.
Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder
Warranty: 3 year / 36,000 miles
Horsepower: 160 @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,461 lbs. (AWD)
GVWR: 4,365 lbs.
GVWR-CW: 904 lbs.
