2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Crossover Video Review

Mitsubishi has fallen into a rut in the U.S. The automaker once known for building such models as the Eclipse and Lancer Evolution has had a fall from grace. Now, Mitsubishi is initiating a comeback that begins with the all new 2014 Outlander.

The 2014 Outlander's exterior is a dramatic departure from the last model. Gone is the front snout and split opening tailgate. In its place is a very smooth and angular design with sharp creases throughout. This is one crossover you will notice.

Heading inside, Mitsubishi worked hard to improve the Outlander's interior. There are new materials throughout, including soft-touch materials on the dashboard. The Outlander is also one of the few crossovers in the class that has a third row. Standard equipment on all Outlanders include automatic climate control, a tilt and telescoping wheel, ECO Mode, steering wheel controls for the audio, and seven airbags. Higher trim models get leather, sunroof, a 710W Rockford Fosgate sound system, seven-inch touchscreen, navigation, keyless entry and start, and a power tailgate.

Powering the 2014 Outlander are two engines:

• 2.4L MIVEC SOHC 16-valve Inline-Four: 166 Horsepower, 162 Pound-Feet of Torque
• 3.0L MIVEC SOHC 24-valve V6: 224 Horsepower, 215 Pound-Feet of Torque

The 2.4L Inline-Four is paired with a continuously variable transmission, while the 3.0L V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic. Optional on the 2.4L and standard on the 3.0L is Mitsubishi's S-AWC system which provides four different settings to provide traction in whatever condition you find yourself in.

EPA rates the 2014 Outlander at:

• 2.4L Inline-Four FWD: 25 City/31 Highway/27 Combined
• 2.4L Inline-Four S-AWC: 24 City/29 Highway/26 Combined
• 3.0L V6 S-AWC: 20 City/28 Highway/23 Combined

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $22,995 for the base ES FWD model and climbs up to $27,595 for the GT S-AWC model. Competitors to the Outlander include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.