2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

For Mitsubishi to survive in the United States, the redesigned 2014 Outlander must be a success. It, and the upcoming 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, will be charged with driving sales in the wake of the departed Eclipse sport coupe, Galant family sedan, and Endeavor midsize crossover SUV.

When the 2014 Outlander goes on sale in the middle of 2013, it will compete in a popular segment against established models including the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

What’s New for the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander:

• Introduces new Mitsubishi design themes
• Lighter and more aerodynamic
• 4-cylinder, V-6, and plug-in hybrid powertrains
• All-wheel-drive available with 4-cyl. engine
• New Acceleration Control for standard CVT
• Standard Eco Drive Assist system for 4-cyl. engine
• Standard electric steering
• Standard knee airbag for driver
• Upgraded navigation system option
• Adaptive cruise control option
• Forward collision warning system option
• Lane departure warning system option
• Clamshell tailgate design is dropped

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: Styling and Design

Mitsubishi sounds almost apologetic in describing the 2014 Outlander’s new styling, calling it an “urbane design that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency as much as eye-catching appeal – an engineering necessity in these days of high fuel prices and increased fuel economy mandates.”

Compared to the current model, the new 2014 Outlander is definitely less outlandish, swapping aggressive angularity and a frowning face for a more conservative and technical appearance. Except for the odd curved character line sweeping under the grille and connecting the headlights, which looks a little bit like a fake beard, this is a good looking crossover SUV. We will, however, miss the clamshell tailgate design, which is dropped in favor of a traditional liftgate.

Like the exterior, the new Outlander’s interior is more conservative than the outgoing model, and looks almost dated in models equipped with fake wood trim. Soft-touch interior surfaces and 7-passenger seating are standard in the 2014 Outlander.

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: What’s Under the Hood

The new Outlander ES and SE models are equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the same size power plant that comes standard in the current model. The new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is slightly less powerful than the previous version, rated to make 166 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm compared to 168 hp and 167 lb.-ft. in the outgoing model.

Like the current model, the new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the 2014 Outlander, the CVT offers a new Acceleration Control feature that Mitsubishi says improves engine response when climbing hills. A new Eco Drive Assist system is also standard with this engine, and reduces engine power and climate control function to improve fuel economy when the driver selects Eco mode. The Outlander’s Super All-Wheel Control system (S-AWC) is optional with the 4-cylinder engine on the SE models.

The 3.0-liter V-6 engine that is standard in the 2014 Outlander GT is also less powerful than today’s V-6 engine, generating 224 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm compared to 230 ponies and 215 lb.-ft. in the current Outlander GT. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard, along with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system.

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: Features and Technology

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ES is equipped with everything you need, except for a decent set of wheels. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a stereo with a CD/MP3 player, and dark tinted rear privacy glass are standard for the Outlander ES. A third-row seat is also included, supplying 7-passenger seating capacity, along with seven airbags, traction and stability control, antilock brakes, and hill start assist.

The 2014 Outlander SE gets a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels and fog lights, improving the exterior appearance. Inside, a 6-inch touchscreen radio with HD Radio is standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a reversing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a passive entry system with push-button ignition.

Outlander GT models get a standard V-6 engine, the S-AWC system, and rain-sensing wipers. Exteriors are dressed up with HID headlights and chrome accents, while the cabin gets woodgrain trim and satellite radio.

A Premium Package is optional for the SE and GT models, and adds leather seats, a power driver’s seat, a panoramic glass sunroof, a remote power tailgate, and a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. Satellite radio and wood grain interior trim are also included in this package when it is applied to the Outlander SE.

The SE and GT models can also be optioned with a Touring Package including a next-generation navigation system, a Lane Departure Warning system, an Adaptive Cruise Control system, and a Forward Collision Mitigation system.

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: What Autobytel Thinks

The new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander appears to meet a minimum standard for compact crossover SUV design, engineering, and technology. The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, the version that provides a compelling reason for consideration, won’t arrive until early 2014, according to Mitsubishi. Based on what we know today, there’s nothing wrong with this new crossover SUV, but we’re also having trouble determining what might compel a consumer to seek out one of the company’s remaining dealers, and then to buy one.