Down one run in the bottom of the ninth, team Mitsubishi puts the 2007 Outlander up at bat
By Thom Blackett
|
September 7, 2006
Mitsubishi Outlander – Introduction
Mitsubishi Outlander – Photo Gallery: With annual car sales in the 16-17 million range, it would seem ideal to be an automotive manufacturer, a dealer, or anyone even remotely tied to the industry. Tell that to Mitsubishi, a once dominant force in the U.S. market now dependent on the success of vehicles like the all-new 2007 Outlander SUV for survival. Hence, they've packed this rig with a 220-horsepower V6, available Bluetooth and DVD systems, a unique tailgate, available four-wheel-drive, a 3,500-lb. tow rating, and appealing style. Plus, it's backed by a 100,000-mile warranty.
Mitsubishi Outlander – ES
Positioned as the entry-level model, the new Outlander ES is available only as a front-driver, though it comes well-equipped with automatic headlights, a rear wiper, a tilt steering wheel, a trip computer, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry, and desirable safety items such as front-side and side-curtain airbags as well as antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A 140-watt sound system with speed-compensated volume plays CDs and MP3s, cruise control ensures a steady speed, and controls for the power windows and door locks are within easy reach.
Mitsubishi Outlander – LS
In the middle of the 2007 Outlander lineup is the LS, available with front- or four-wheel-drive. The LS adds black roof rails, rear privacy glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, a rear cargo cover, and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Also available is a Sun & Sound Package, featuring a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch sound system with an iPod jack, six months of free Sirius satellite radio, and a power sunroof; and an Entertainment Package offering a rear DVD system with a nine-inch screen and wireless headphones.
Mitsubishi Outlander – XLS
Mitsubishi also offers the front- or four-wheel-drive 2007 Outlander XLS, which is distinguished by silver trim, 18-inch alloys, climate control, a third-row seat, cargo tie-down bars, keyless ignition, and paddle shifters. Unique options include a Luxury Package with high-intensity discharge headlights, leather upholstery, and heated front seats; and a touch-screen navigation system with six gigabytes for storing personal music choices.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Engine
Power for the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander comes from a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 that carries a clean PZEV emissions rating for California. Horsepower registers 220 at 6,250 with 204 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 4,000 rpm. EPA-rated fuel economy measures 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, or 19/26 mpg in four-wheel-drive guise. Those EPA figures are only a smidge lower than last year, despite a gain of two cylinders, 60 horsepower, and 42 lb.-ft. of torque. Regular 87-octane fuel is recommended.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Transmission
Each 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander features a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. It replaces 2006's five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. XLS models feature paddle shifters formed from magnesium – designers claim the material is warmer and softer to the touch than aluminum or steel, and superior to the plastic parts used by other manufacturers. Designers claim these are identical to those slated to be used on a “future performance sedan.” Guess we'll have to wait and see what that, uh, evolves into.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Third Row
Outlander ES and LS accommodate five passengers, while the XLS's third-row ups that figure to seven. But that bench, amounting to little more than a seat frame wrapped in stretch fabric, is possibly the most inhospitable of the small SUV offerings. The seven-passenger Toyota RAV4 provides 37.2 inches of third-row headroom, 30 inches of legroom, 52.6 inches of shoulder room, and 43.3 inches of hip space. In comparison, the Outlander offers respective measurements of 35.4, 27.7, 49.8, and 39.1 inches.
Mitsubishi Outlander – 4WD
Four-wheel-drive 2007 Mitsubishi Outlanders feature a rotary dial between the front seats which controls three settings. In 2WD mode, all of the engine's power is directed to the front wheels; in 4WD Auto power is delivered to the rear wheels when slippage occurs; and 4WD Lock is best suited for optimal traction on slippery or rough surfaces by pushing added power to the rear wheels immediately. The 4WD settings can be used on any road surface, and selecting a mode can be done at any speed.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Exterior
Based on the C-platform to be used for the upcoming Evolution model, the 2007 Outlander is essentially a new vehicle. Company designers call it a “smart crossport.” 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. Side flanks are clean, or what Mitsubishi calls “taut, tidy, with refined detail.”
Mitsubishi Outlander – Tailgate
Most notable about the new Outlander's design is its tailgate. Pop the lid, and it rises just like most every other SUV. ES and LS models get a cubby under the storage floor; XLS models include the third-row bench. 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Interior
Inside, the 2007 Outlander 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 greets the driver, along with a tachometer, silver trim, and supportive bucket seats. Every model gets a shift gate thoughtfully positioned on the driver's side, a sliding front armrest, and a fold-down rear armrest. Storage is plentiful, including dual gloveboxes, a large cubby atop the dash, and 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Warranty
Mitsubishi is a company proud of its engineering, so proud that it's willing to back up its vehicles with one of the best warranties in the business. Basic coverage spans five years or 60,000 miles, while the powertrain is protected for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Corrosion protection covers owners for up to seven years or 100,000 miles.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Specs
Under the 2007 Outlander, weighing in between 3,527 (ES 2WD) and 3,791 (XLS 4WD) pounds, is a MacPherson strut front suspension complemented by a multi-link rear setup and anti-sway bars. Front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 2,000 pounds, though the four-wheel-drive versions can pull up to 3,500 pounds. Stretching 182.7 inches in length, the Mitsubishi is 1.6 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4, about two inches shorter than the Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Pricing
As of this writing, Mitsubishi remains elusive about Outlander pricing, only suggesting that the base ES 2WD version will be priced just under $20,000 and a fully-loaded XLS 4WD model shouldn't reach $30,000. For reference, the 2006 Outlander, lacking the 2007's style, power, and features, started at about $18,500 for a base front-wheel-drive example up to about $26,000 for an all-wheel-drive Limited (minus any additional options and the $625 destination charge).
Mitsubishi Outlander – Safety
Though it has yet to be tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, Mitsubishi expects the 2007 Outlander will receive top ranks in terms of safety. Related standard features include front airbags, front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags protecting front- and second-row passengers, active front headrests, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Positioned as the entry-level model, the new Outlander ES is available only as a front-driver, though it comes well-equipped with automatic headlights, a rear wiper, a tilt steering wheel, a trip computer, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry, and desirable safety items such as front-side and side-curtain airbags as well as antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A 140-watt sound system with speed-compensated volume plays CDs and MP3s, cruise control ensures a steady speed, and controls for the power windows and door locks are within easy reach.
Mitsubishi Outlander – LS
In the middle of the 2007 Outlander lineup is the LS, available with front- or four-wheel-drive. The LS adds black roof rails, rear privacy glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, a rear cargo cover, and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Also available is a Sun & Sound Package, featuring a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch sound system with an iPod jack, six months of free Sirius satellite radio, and a power sunroof; and an Entertainment Package offering a rear DVD system with a nine-inch screen and wireless headphones.
Mitsubishi Outlander – XLS
Mitsubishi also offers the front- or four-wheel-drive 2007 Outlander XLS, which is distinguished by silver trim, 18-inch alloys, climate control, a third-row seat, cargo tie-down bars, keyless ignition, and paddle shifters. Unique options include a Luxury Package with high-intensity discharge headlights, leather upholstery, and heated front seats; and a touch-screen navigation system with six gigabytes for storing personal music choices.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Engine
Power for the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander comes from a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 that carries a clean PZEV emissions rating for California. Horsepower registers 220 at 6,250 with 204 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 4,000 rpm. EPA-rated fuel economy measures 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, or 19/26 mpg in four-wheel-drive guise. Those EPA figures are only a smidge lower than last year, despite a gain of two cylinders, 60 horsepower, and 42 lb.-ft. of torque. Regular 87-octane fuel is recommended.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Transmission
Each 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander features a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. It replaces 2006's five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. XLS models feature paddle shifters formed from magnesium – designers claim the material is warmer and softer to the touch than aluminum or steel, and superior to the plastic parts used by other manufacturers. Designers claim these are identical to those slated to be used on a “future performance sedan.” Guess we'll have to wait and see what that, uh, evolves into.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Third Row
Outlander ES and LS accommodate five passengers, while the XLS's third-row ups that figure to seven. But that bench, amounting to little more than a seat frame wrapped in stretch fabric, is possibly the most inhospitable of the small SUV offerings. The seven-passenger Toyota RAV4 provides 37.2 inches of third-row headroom, 30 inches of legroom, 52.6 inches of shoulder room, and 43.3 inches of hip space. In comparison, the Outlander offers respective measurements of 35.4, 27.7, 49.8, and 39.1 inches.
Mitsubishi Outlander – 4WD
Four-wheel-drive 2007 Mitsubishi Outlanders feature a rotary dial between the front seats which controls three settings. In 2WD mode, all of the engine's power is directed to the front wheels; in 4WD Auto power is delivered to the rear wheels when slippage occurs; and 4WD Lock is best suited for optimal traction on slippery or rough surfaces by pushing added power to the rear wheels immediately. The 4WD settings can be used on any road surface, and selecting a mode can be done at any speed.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Exterior
Based on the C-platform to be used for the upcoming Evolution model, the 2007 Outlander is essentially a new vehicle. Company designers call it a “smart crossport.” 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. Side flanks are clean, or what Mitsubishi calls “taut, tidy, with refined detail.”
Mitsubishi Outlander – Tailgate
Most notable about the new Outlander's design is its tailgate. Pop the lid, and it rises just like most every other SUV. ES and LS models get a cubby under the storage floor; XLS models include the third-row bench. 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Interior
Inside, the 2007 Outlander 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 greets the driver, along with a tachometer, silver trim, and supportive bucket seats. Every model gets a shift gate thoughtfully positioned on the driver's side, a sliding front armrest, and a fold-down rear armrest. Storage is plentiful, including dual gloveboxes, a large cubby atop the dash, and 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Warranty
Mitsubishi is a company proud of its engineering, so proud that it's willing to back up its vehicles with one of the best warranties in the business. Basic coverage spans five years or 60,000 miles, while the powertrain is protected for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Corrosion protection covers owners for up to seven years or 100,000 miles.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Specs
Under the 2007 Outlander, weighing in between 3,527 (ES 2WD) and 3,791 (XLS 4WD) pounds, is a MacPherson strut front suspension complemented by a multi-link rear setup and anti-sway bars. Front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 2,000 pounds, though the four-wheel-drive versions can pull up to 3,500 pounds. Stretching 182.7 inches in length, the Mitsubishi is 1.6 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4, about two inches shorter than the Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Pricing
As of this writing, Mitsubishi remains elusive about Outlander pricing, only suggesting that the base ES 2WD version will be priced just under $20,000 and a fully-loaded XLS 4WD model shouldn't reach $30,000. For reference, the 2006 Outlander, lacking the 2007's style, power, and features, started at about $18,500 for a base front-wheel-drive example up to about $26,000 for an all-wheel-drive Limited (minus any additional options and the $625 destination charge).
Mitsubishi Outlander – Safety
Though it has yet to be tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, Mitsubishi expects the 2007 Outlander will receive top ranks in terms of safety. Related standard features include front airbags, front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags protecting front- and second-row passengers, active front headrests, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi