Contributing: Matt Freeman

Introducing the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD. It’s no lancer, but it certainly takes several cues from the recently upgraded and longtime popular sedan. Think of it as sizing up, but not in the typical SUV sloppy handling, vague feedback sort of way. The new and improved Outlander provides enough space to haul 7 passengers and their belongings to any destination.

First Impressions:

The new Outlander is a handsome and modern looking crossover. It combines clean design with great functionality. Although not flashy, subtle styling cues do present themselves in certain areas of the car hinting at it’s off-road capability. At the same time, the modest ride height makes it functional and easy to use around town or on the freeway. The somewhat controversial clear LED rear lights may not be our cup of tea, but they did seem to blend well with the test car’s anthracite color. Two chrome exhaust tips tidy up the back end. While the Outlander is certainly not flashy, the EvoLander Concept shows potential for this chassis.

The interior is above expectations. The location of all controls and instruments are perfectly placed for easy accessibility. The dash is almost identical to that of the new Lancer. Cup holders and small storage compartments seem to be in endless supply which is especially useful for those with kids. When the need arises for extra seating, you simply pull a small tab and a bench seat folds out of the floor that’s big enough to fit two adults. This fold-away third row seating is cot-like in appearance, and less luxurious than the rest of the interior, but nonetheless is a standout feature for a car of this size. It should be noted that all back seats easily fold into the floor to create extra room for when you really need it.

Another unique feature is the split lift gate to accommodate different types of cargo. This plays very nicely with the overall utility feel of the Outlander. The sound system and blue tooth features are very nice options to have in this vehicle. The optional 650 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system is well worth the added cost and with a large subwoofer tucked neatly into the cargo area, everyone but the fanatic audiophile will be right at home.

Driving Experience:

Customers coming from a smaller car needing to upsize will be pleased with the practical features as well as the car-like handling and ride. The ride feel is more like a large sedan than a SUV. Mitsubishi really hit a home run when it came to crossing the boundary between car and SUV.

In the week of testing our Outlander encountered both rain and snow to see how it stood up against the elements. In both less than optimal conditions the Outlander preformed flawlessly. It was very stable and had an almost “German” feel to it. Even with a few inches of snow on the ground switching it into 4WD and getting out of the driveway was effortless.

The test car was equipped with Mitsubishi’s new CVT transmission. Shifts were smooth and non intrusive. The driver has the option to switch the transmission into a manual mode and while this option probably won’t find much use in a car like this, it is still nice to have choices.

Driving the car around town and on the highway proved to be enjoyable. With a 3.0 liter V6 generating 220 horsepower and 204lb of torque, the motor has more then enough grunt to handle most situations. The Outlander cruised quietly and smoothly at highway speeds. Highway driving was an important focus area because it needed to be confirmed that the Outlander was not plagued with the undesirable steering wander typically found in SUV’s.

Conclusion:

Having the Outlander in the garage for a week was an excellent way to get a feel for the car. There was plenty of time to see what the vehicle was made of. Everyday errands, grocery shopping, weekend mall trips, and the occasional Home Depot excursion, proved the Outlander a perfect daily workhorse. Getting in and out of the car is easy for young and old alike, so leave your stepladder at home. If you are looking for a superb, all purpose vehicle then look no further the new Mitsubishi Outlander is the choice to make.

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