As evidenced by the seemingly countless choices, small SUVs are hot right now, fueled in no small part by the public's increasing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Competition is fierce, leaving the decent but unloved 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander in many a Toyota's, Honda's, and Hyundai's dust.

Based on the company's new C-platform, the same to be used for the upcoming Lancer and Evolution models, the redesigned 2007 Outlander is essentially a new vehicle. Company designers call it a "smart crossport." Under the hood is a more powerful engine, and the design is fresh with subtle cues paying tribute to other models. The front end treatment, including sporty headlights and a large lower air intake, is swept back and imparts a sense of speed, while the bulging wheel wells offer a touch of muscularity. The aluminum roof panel cuts 11 pounds from the curb weight and lowers the center of gravity, thereby, theoretically, improving handling. Side flanks are clean, or what Mitsubishi calls "taut, tidy, with refined detail." However you wanna put it, we think this is one of the more attractive offerings in the class, and those Lexus RX 350-inspired clear LED taillights only improve the picture.

Most notable about the new Outlander's design is its tailgate. Pop the lid, and it rises just like most every other SUV, allowing access to a good-sized cargo area. ES and LS models get a cubby under the storage floor; XLS models include the third-row bench, which with its multiple straps and folding headrests, is a rickety contraption best left stored. With that seat hidden away, the resulting flat load floor can be extended by dropping the lower section of the tailgate. Load height is improved considerably by unlatching this mini-gate, which is also capable of supporting up to 440 pounds of cargo.

Inside, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander's new instrument panel and sporty overall design is meant to "raise anticipation for a great driving experience, with a strong emphasis on precision and details." To that end, a sporty steering wheel (leather-wrapped on LS and XLS) greets the driver, along with a prominently displayed tachometer, attractive silver accent trim, and supportive bucket seats boasting decent upper and lower bolsters. Every model gets the manually-interactive transmission with the shift gate thoughtfully positioned on the driver's side, a sliding front armrest, and a fold-down rear armrest with integrated cup holders. Storage is plentiful, including dual gloveboxes, a large covered cubby atop the dash, door and seatback pockets, and 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the optional third-row is stowed and the second-row split bench is folded and tumbled forward.