2003 Mitsubishi Outlander: Road Test
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2003 Mitsubishi Outlander ▼
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- MSRP: $18,087 -$20,887
- Invoice: $16,778 -$19,377
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Our road test for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander help you decide if a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Tepid in most every circumstance. Adequate around town, but Outlander feels underpowered in highway merging or passing situations and up long grades. Transmission fails to get the most out of this engine, even after it downshifts. Trailer-towing capacity is 1500 lb, typical of compact 4-cyl SUVs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Test AWD XLS averaged 22.3 mpg, test 2WD XLS averaged 21.9. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Outlander rivals Subaru Forester for the most stable, carlike ride in this class.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Relatively little body lean in turns and never tippy-feeling, but the slightly raised ride height contributes to passengers rocking side-to-side during quick changes of direction. Steering is accurate, but could use a more-weighty feel. AWD seems to enhance overall grip and control, even on dry surfaces. Stopping power feels adequate; brake modulation is good.
QUIETNESS
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Wind rush is noticeable at highway speeds, and tires thrum on coarse pavement. Typical of subcompact wagons, noises emanating from cargo bay travel unimpeded to passengers.
CONTROLS
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Simple layout with easy-to-reach controls, though radio switches should be larger, given dearth of other controls. Hooded gauges easy to read, even in sunlight. Outlander doesn't impress in terms of overall solidity, though interior materials are appropriate at these prices.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Comfortable seats with good side bolstering. Tall drivers might want more rearward seat travel, however, and LS lacks lumbar adjustment. Availability of heated seats on XLS a plus for the class. Easy entry/exit and good outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Generous head room, but leg room and foot space are sufficient only if front seats are no more than halfway back. Seat is firm and tall, and backrest reclines.
CARGO ROOM
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Enough for a half-dozen or so grocery bags with rear seatbacks in place. Cargo room with seatbacks folded is slightly below class average, and rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat. Low liftover, but liftgate opening narrows at the bottom. Optional tonneau stows nicely under the floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5.7 |
Outlander is one of the more carlike compact SUVs, but it also has among the worst power-to-weight ratios, so poor acceleration and engine noise are constants. AWD Outlanders are better values than 2WD versions, but Mitsubishi is struggling to bolster its quality image, and there's little that sets this new entry apart from the crowd of small wagons aimed at the same audience.
Total Score
| LS 2WD | LS AWD | XLS 2WD | XLS AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 49 | 47 | 49 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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