2007 Mitsubishi Outlander Preview

Coupled with its launch of the redesigned 2007 Outlander SUV, Mitsubishi is celebrating 25 years of selling cars in the United States. Forget names like Camaro, Mustang, and Hemi, and instead remember Mighty Max, Expo, Mirage, Starion, and Cordia. As forgettable as those rides may be (the Starion being the possible exception), more recent history has brought the U.S. some pretty slick vehicles, like the all-wheel-drive and turbocharged Eclipse coupe, the Lancer Evolution, and the 3000GT. It looks like a decent record for a company competing in one of the toughest markets in the world; unfortunately, only one of those stars lives on today, with bloated front-wheel-drive coupes and Dodge pickups serving to flesh out the lineup. Now would be a good time to introduce a competitive model that buyers want, like a 220-horsepower SUV with seating for up to seven passengers and enough advanced electronics to keep the driver and his co-horts entertained for endless roadtrip miles. For kicks and giggles, toss in an optional four-wheel-drive system that puts grip to all four tires with the simple turn of a knob. Finally, give it an adventurous, outdoorsy name that’ll make shoppers dream of off-roading, trips to the lake and mountains, and toting a kayak to remote rivers. It’s the redesigned 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, and it’s due to arrive during the latter half of 2006.

Why it matters

Quite simply, Mitsubishi is a struggling car company. Despite highly-acclaimed models like the Lancer Evolution, the company finds itself continually digging out of what appears to be a deepening hole – the latest Eclipse coupe had a respectable start, but sales slid as the advertising died down, and the Raider pickup, which is little more than a rebadged Dodge Dakota, has failed to gain traction and haul in its share of buyers. And the existing, lackluster Outlander has never registered as a booming success. But give Mitsubishi credit for seeing the situation for what it is, and attempting a turnaround with products like the 2007 Outlander. With its 220-horsepower V6, attractive but not bulging styling, and desirable features, this SUV could be ready to take on its mainstream competition.

What’s under the hood

Housed under the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander’s hood is an aluminum 3.0-liter, single overhead cam, 24-valve V6 generating 220 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 204 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. California gets a clean-burning partial zero emissions (PZEV) version that offers seven fewer horses. Standard on every Outlander is a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode, while buyers of the premium trims are treated to paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Of interesting note, the paddles are stationary, meaning they don’t move with the wheel, a feature favored by many driving enthusiasts. A front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension system, complete with stabilizer bars, is charged with supporting between 3,527 and 3,791 pounds of curb weight, and an aluminum roof panel is used to lower the truck’s center of gravity. The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander’s towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 pounds, with a standard four-wheel antilock disc brake system with electronic brake force distribution keeping speeds under control, and an optional four-wheel-drive system working to maintain grip.

What’s inside

Like the redesigned Toyota RAV4, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander can be equipped with a folding third row seat. Of course, it looks to be confining for ever a preschooler, but if buyers can’t get a third row bench on their Harleys, by golly, they’ll demand to have them in their small suvs, so Mitsubishi has graciously complied; a second row split seat folds forward for easier access. That rearmost, two-person bench is available on the premium XLS model, which also features a climate control system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel radio controls, and an optional Luxury Package with leather upholstery and heated front seats. These items are in addition to the standard items on the base LS, such as air conditioning, power door locks and mirrors, keyless entry, front side and side-curtain airbags, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD and MP3 player. But for those tunes that just have to be cranked, Outlander buyers will want to opt for the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio package. Music can be stored in a 30GB hard drive that’s part of the available navigation system, with a seven-inch touch screen that can play DVDs when the vehicle is parked. Those same flicks can be viewed on the rear entertainment system’s nine-inch monitor.

What we think

This SUV is all about big improvements – more space, more features, more power, more style, and more functionality. All of which are vital points when going up against models like the redesigned Toyota RAV4, a ride that brings its own third row and even more power to the table, though the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander counters with a Hyundai-like 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. There’s much to like about this truck, including the booming Rockford Fosgate sound system, the V6’s added punch, fender flares that have skipped a cycle or two of steroid injections, and cool features like a touch-screen navigation system and paddle shifters. Six airbags help, too. But is it enough, especially for a brand that is fighting for recognition and grappling for every sale? It’s possible, though the one topic currently left off the table by Mitsubishi executives, price, will be a huge factor, as will results from the test drive. In the meantime, the Outlander appears ready to hold its own, provided there’s plenty of ongoing marketing to build awareness.

Photos by Ron Perry and Mitsubishi