2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Introduction

The formula for a successful compact crossover is simple: plenty of space for five passengers and their stuff, lots of utility, fuel economy that makes the old Tahoe a distant memory and inoffensive, unremarkable design. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander -- the end of the line for the current-generation model -- nails much of those criteria with the exception of the last. With its sharply creased exterior styling, the Outlander was not designed to slip quietly through the school drop-off area.

Assertive styling and handling have made the Outlander a solid outside pick in years past, but we expect the redesigned model due in late 2013 to get in step with today's leading crossovers by offering greater versatility, a nicer cabin and higher fuel economy.

In the meantime, the Outlander remains a good choice for buyers with performance-oriented criteria, including sporty handling and V6 power. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is also among the roomiest cargo haulers in its class, and it offers plenty of standard and optional features, including a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a navigation system and 40GB music server.

The Outlander's fateful flaw, however, is its cabin, which is functional in a sporty sort of way yet doesn't offer the premium aspect of the competitors in this class. The Outlander's puny, rickety third-row seat is another drawback. Although the Outlander is billed as a compact crossover with seating for up to seven passengers, you'd never put friends back there unless you wished to end the friendship. The area is cramped and the seat itself is lightweight and flimsy. Kids won't fare much better, either.

The Outlander doesn't get the attention it deserves, though. It's one of a handful of small crossovers to offer a V6 option, which increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Its tail/liftgate combination is surprisingly useful. And the Outlander handles more like its quick-witted Lancer Evolution relative than comparable cushy crossovers.

At the same time, the Outlander has been outpaced in a segment that evolves quickly. The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape were both recently redesigned, and the Toyota RAV4 should bow later this year with new sheet metal and hardware. The spacious Chevrolet Equinox, the handsome Kia Sorento and new Mazda CX-5 are also all worthy considerations. Overall, we like the Mitsubishi Outlander but we also think the majority of small crossover shoppers will likely be happier with one of the aforementioned rivals.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT.

The entry-level ES is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors, LED taillamps, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cloth upholstery, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, turn signals in the mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded gauges and upholstery, automatic climate control, heated front seats, sliding second-row seats, third-row seats, steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, a six-disc CD changer and the Fuse hands-free link system that integrates voice controls for iPod and Bluetooth devices.

All Outlander GT models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 and come with all the above-mentioned features plus automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, satellite radio, chrome accents and soft-touch dash and door trim. The AWD GT also includes an active front differential, hill start assist and an advanced AWD mode selector.

SE models are eligible for the Premium package, which adds a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with satellite radio and the soft-touch interior trim. The Touring package is offered on GT models; it features most of the amenities in the Premium package and adds leather upholstery (front- and second-row seats), heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver seat.

A hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and digital music storage is available as a stand-alone option for all trims, as are rear parking sensors, LED interior lighting, a tow hitch and harness, a rear entertainment system and remote engine start.

Powertrains and Performance

The Mitsubishi Outlander ES and SE are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet torque. The GT has a 3.0-liter V6 that's good for 230 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered GT uses a traditional six-speed automatic. Both have manual-shift capability.

All-wheel drive is offered as an option on the SE and GT, while the ES is front-wheel-drive only. The AWD system offers different driver-selectable modes to optimize traction in varying conditions. The GT's all-wheel-drive system features an improved front differential, plus additional driving modes.

In Edmunds testing, the Outlander GT accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is about average for a V6-equipped crossover SUV in this segment. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2WD Mitsubishi Outlander are 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the four-cylinder engine, and 19/26/22 with the V6. The AWD four-cylinder gets 22/27/24 mpg, while the AWD V6 gets 19/25/21 mpg.

Safety

All major safety features are standard on the Outlander, including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Whiplash-reducing front head restraints are also standard.

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, the Outlander earned the top rating of "Good." In roof-strength tests, the crossover scored an average rating.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Outlander's cabin feels distinctly austere and masculine, all square lines and clean surfaces devoid of the accents and flourishes seen in rivals striving for a more premium environment. On one hand, the interior's unadorned utility complements the Outlander's more rugged, all-weather credentials. You probably won't cringe if you scuff the door panel with a Leatherman. Outlander GT models step it up a bit with soft-touch upper instrument panel and door trim, with eye-catching double-stitch accents. But folks considering one of the other, more mainstream trims will wonder why the cabin is not as nice as that seen in a Ford or Kia.

The Outlander's steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, something taller drivers should consider. The Fuse system allows you to make phone calls and access your iPod via voice commands, and is relatively intuitive to use.

SE and GT models come with a third-row seat that works in a pinch, but is too slight and ineffectual for regular use. Small, cramped and located uncomfortably close to the tailgate glass, this mini jump bench is also remarkably ill-padded. On the plus side, the Outlander offers a unique flip-down tailgate capable of supporting up to 440 pounds. With the second- and third-row seats folded, total cargo space measures nearly 73 cubic feet -- significantly more than the CX-5 and Escape, slightly more than the CR-V and about even with the RAV4.

Driving Impressions

When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is among the most enjoyable picks in its segment. Its handling limits are noticeably higher than the typical crossover's, its steering is pleasantly weighted and its suspension is tuned to deliver athletic handling that doesn't come at the expense of comfort. While the Outlander's V6 isn't as powerful as those in the Kia Sorento or Toyota RAV4, it delivers brisk acceleration. As an added bonus, the all-wheel-drive system ably keeps the car planted on loose road surfaces like sand and snow.

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2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE HATCHBACK

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered in both four-passenger coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles. Coupe models are offered in four trim levels -- GS, GS Sport, SE and GT -- while the Eclipse Spyder comes in just those last three flavors.

The entry-level GS model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, air-conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, 50/50 split-folding rear seatbacks and a six-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack.

The GS Sport adds xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, heated power mirrors, a rear wiper, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and steering wheel controls. The Spyder GS Sport includes a power convertible roof. The new SE model gets all that, plus special styling details that include distinctive dark gray alloy wheels, matching rocker panel graphics and black mirrors.

The GT adds a standard V6 engine, bigger rear brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and automatic climate control. There are no significant factory options to speak of, but there are a number of dealer-installed accessories including an iPod adapter.

Powertrains and Performance

Power for the front-wheel-drive 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder comes from one of two engines. GS, GS Sport and SE models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The GS comes standard with a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic is an option. The auto comes standard on the GS Sport and SE. EPA estimated fuel economy with either transmission is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 good for 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder's standard safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and front seat side-impact airbags. Coupe models also get front side curtain airbags, while the Spyder gets taller side airbags that cover occupants' heads. The rear seats lack head restraints. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Eclipse Spyder earned a top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Both the Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder offer attractive interiors, though the overall impression is cheapened somewhat by the use of low-quality plastics. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel means some drivers may struggle to find an ideal driving position.

Rear seatbacks are too upright to be comfortable for more than a short trip, and taller passengers will also crave more headroom here. Those seatbacks split 50/50, however, and folding down both sections creates a healthy 15.7 cubic feet of cargo room.

The most notable difference in the Spyder's passenger cabin is that the three-layer cloth convertible top makes for limited visibility out the back. The power-operated top can be lowered in about 20 seconds, but doing so cuts cargo capacity to a meager 5.2 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

Behind the wheel, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse underwhelms. The four-cylinder engine can barely propel the hefty car with any authority. The more powerful V6 is better suited to this application, though hard acceleration usually results in spinning tires and heavy doses of torque steer.

Handling is competent, though the large turning circle hampers slow-speed maneuverability. The Spyder exhibits noticeable chassis flex over rough pavement, but not enough to detract from the joys of al fresco motoring.

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2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION SEDAN

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance compact sedan available in GSR and MR trim levels that correspond to the transmission choices. The GSR receives the five-speed manual while the MR gets the six-speed Sportronic transmission.

Standard equipment on the GSR includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a large rear spoiler, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, Recaro sport bucket seats, the Fuse voice-activation system for some electronic features, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The MR is similar but has BBS alloy wheels, a smaller rear lip spoiler, xenon headlamps and softer suspension calibrations.

Optional on the GSR is the Sight and Sound package, which adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and a Rockford Fosgate sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, satellite radio and an in-dash six-CD changer. Also available is the Sun and Leather package that adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded center console with covered bins and added sound insulation.

Available on the MR trim is the Premium package, which includes the chrome exterior trim, Rockford Fosgate audio system, leather and suede seating surfaces, keyless ignition/entry and an upgraded center console. A Touring package is also available that adds the sunroof, heated mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and added sound insulation.

Either trim level can also be had with a hard-drive-based navigation system that boasts real-time traffic and digital music storage.

Powertrains and Performance

Every 2011 Lancer Evolution is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The GSR comes only with a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR is equipped with Mitsubishi's excellent six-speed automated manual transmission with column-mounted shift paddles. Power is sent to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Acceleration for either Evo is impressive. In performance testing by Edmunds, a GSR required only 4.9 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph, while the MR did it in 5 flat. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the GSR and 17/22/19 for the MR versions.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution include antilock brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control and a variety of advanced handling technologies.

The Evolution hasn't been crash tested, but the standard Mitsubishi Lancer on which it is based has been through the procedure. In government testing, its 2010 rating (which isn't comparable to more strenuous 2011 ratings) resulted in a top-rated five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impact protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests, the regular Lancer earned the top rating of "Good."

Interior Design and Special Features

The Evo's interior is tame compared to its aggressive exterior styling. Recaro sport bucket seats, alloy foot pedals, fancier gauges and a different steering wheel are the only things that differentiate the spicy Evo from the commonplace Lancer GTS. Those Recaros are highly supportive and comfortable, but the driver seat's lack of a height adjustment and the steering wheel's tilt-only column make finding an ideal driving position difficult for many drivers, not just tall ones.

Most of the interior materials are the same as those on the regular Lancer, which is to say that they're fine for an economy car but disappointing for a vehicle costing about $35,000. The Evo's utility is actually less than the regular Lancer's, as the rear seats don't fold down and the battery and washer fluid reservoir have been relocated to the trunk for better weight distribution. Total trunk space is just 7 cubic feet, which is on par with tiny roadsters. Adding the optional stereo upgrade with the massive trunk-mounted subwoofer reduces that capacity even further.

On the plus side, most controls are within easy reach and simple in operation, and the standard Fuse voice activation system makes some audio and navigation functions a hands-free affair.

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2011 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR SUV

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a midsize crossover SUV available in two trim levels: base LS and luxury SE. The LS is front-wheel-drive only, while the SE can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on the LS includes 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry, Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system with CD player.

The SE trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a cargo cover and a nine-speaker Rockford Acoustics stereo with six-CD changer and satellite radio. Available options for either trim include a towing package, side steps, remote engine start and an iPod adapter.

Powertrains and Performance

All 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavors are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 225 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with AWD offered at additional cost on the SE trim. Although the Endeavor lacks the higher horsepower of its competition, its V6's torque output is ample enough to give it some decent punch. Fuel economy, however, is unimpressive. The front-wheel-drive model's 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined are below average for a midsize crossover. The all-wheel-drive Endeavor checks in at 15/19/17 mpg. Properly equipped, the Endeavor can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure. Its 2010 rating (which isn't comparable to 2011 ratings) shows that the Endeavor earned five out of five stars for driver protection and four stars for the passenger. In side-impact testing, it scored five stars across the board. In both frontal-offset and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Endeavor earned the top rating of "Good."

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor boasts a roomy cabin that can accommodate five taller adults with well-shaped seats that provide ample comfort for long-distance trips. Interior design and materials are hit-and-miss, with blocky, utilitarian shapes and an abundance of hard plastic surfaces. At night, a cool blue glow emanates from the instruments and center stack, giving the cabin a more modern appearance.

Luggage space behind the second-row seats provides up to 40.7 cubic feet. With those seats folded, up to 76 cubes can be accommodated. This is only about 3 cubic feet more than the newer Outlander, but is still above average and should be adequate for most families. Those requiring more cargo space will find it in the Chevrolet Traverse and Hyundai Veracruz, along with a third row of seats.

Driving Impressions

With the Endeavor's respectable 250 lb-ft of torque, the 3.8-liter engine feels responsive off the line. Compared to newer competitors, however, the Endeavor isn't as quick, and its four-speed automatic isn't as responsive or efficient as competitors' six-speeds. The ride quality is pretty comfortable, and the handling and steering are suitable for everyday errand-running and commuting.

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MITSUBISHI SPYDER

Engine
2.4L displacement single overhead cam (SOHC), inline 4 cylinder configuration gas engine, 16 valves 147 hp @ 5500 rpm 158 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm regular unleaded fuel
DriveTrain
5-speed manual transmission front wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension front and rear stabilizer bar, tachometer clock, low fuel level warning
Exterior Features
alloy rims 16 x 6.0 in. rims, P205/55HR16 tires all season tires variable intermittent wipers power convertible roof, glass rear window rear defogger, removable soft top, Exterior Features rear spoiler
Safety Features and Ratings
ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes 2 front headrests remote anti-theft alarm system engine immobilizer front fog lights
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front Seats
4 person total seating capacity bucket front seats cloth upholstery height adjustable driver seat driver seat with adjustable lumbar support
Rear Seats
bucket rear seat split-folding, rear heating ducts
Power Features
remote power door locks power windows 1 one-touch power windows power mirrors
Convenience
cruise control speed-proportional power steering, tilt-adjustable steering wheel front cupholders, remote trunk release front door pockets, front 12v power outlet(s) front console with storage, retained accessory power
Comfort
air conditioning front reading lights, dual illuminating vanity mirrors leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear floor mats
In Car Entertainment
Infinity premium brand stereo system AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo, 210 watts stereo output 7 total speakers, mast antenna.

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MITSUBISHI MONTERO

The Mitsubishi Montero is for lovers of the traditional SUV; it is great off-road but lacks the overall performance, space and flexibility of the more market ready SUV competitors.
Launched in 1982, the two-door Montero has always been a simple, no-nonsense SUV. It’s off-road performance was reiterated when it won the 1983 and 1985 Paris-to-Dakar rally race. Mitsubishi released the 4-door version in the next few years, while in 1992 a new body design was implemented, added luxury touches were added and a powerful V6 engine plant was made available.
In 2001 the angular edges of the Montero body were mingled with rounded surfaces. It also got bigger, more luxurious and additional safety features. All of these ‘add-ons’ weighed the Montero down a lot and sadly lost all comparison tests against competitive SUVs.
Now equipped with a 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission with "Sportronic" shifting that allows manual gear selection, Mitsubishi's "ActiveTrac" four-wheel-drive system with both full- or part-time operation.
The Montero's suspension is firm to keep control during maneuvers; but as expected the performance is more truck-like than car-like. Road bumps are transmitted to the passenger compartment despite the very isolated cabin and soft ride from the dual-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension. No matter what the road surface, the Montero handles superbly and footing is never lost.
        The Montero seats up to seven passengers, with very rugged interior materials that offer an up-scale feel. Third row seating is standard, but suited to small children due to its hard cushioning and limited legroom.
       The V6 still does not offer enough power to be competitive in its class, but if you are looking for a true off-road vehicle, the Montero is the one to take from the showroom.

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