Acceleration

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	4.8

Strong off the line, but good midrange response requires quick use of gas pedal to trigger a downshift from smooth, quick-acting transmission. Easy-to-use manual-shift feature a help on congested freeways and in hilly terrain. Test AWD Limited did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	4	3.8

Test AWD XLS averaged 16.8 mpg in mixed city/highway travel. Test AWD Limited averaged 15.3, including gas-eating performance runs. No opportunity to measure 2WD model. Mitsubishi recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Soft but stable. Never jarring over bumps, with pleasing absence of undue float on highway and minimal side-to-side or fore-aft rocking motions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	3.7

Almost carlike handling. Well-controlled body lean in turns. Some wander in highway crosswinds, but secure otherwise. Steering precise, but grows too light as speed rises. Front-drive LS without optional traction control exhibits torque steer (pulling to one side) under full throttle from a stop. Longer brake-pedal travel than ideal, but good stopping power.

Quietness

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Noticeable highway wind rush from front windshield-pillar area, but engine, road noise nicely suppressed.

Controls

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	7	6.2

A strong point. Easily read instruments ringed by stylish metal-finish plastic. Large, clearly marked audio and climate buttons and knobs mounted in an accessible "boom box" structure protruding from dashboard. XLS and Limited add dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Smooth, precise switchgear, trendy blue dashboard illumination. Most materials appropriate for price range, though LS seat cloth looks no more than utilitarian. XLS has richer cloth. Leather upholstery standard on Limited feels upscale.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	6.4

Moderate step-in height for easy ingress/egress. Standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat for commanding view of road. Generous head room, but tall folks might wish for more leg room. Cloth seats generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to sides, rear hurt by wide roof pillars, but large outside mirrors help.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	5.6

Ample head, leg, toe room, even with front seats well aft. Three fit with some squeezing. Seatbacks recline. Cushions slightly soft for best support but comfortably chair-height. Large door openings.

Cargo Room

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
8	8	7.8

Separate-opening tailgate glass handy, but load floor has high liftover. Rear 60/40 split seatback sections fold in single motion without removing headrests, sit nearly flat with floor. Spare-tire well, side-wall net store small items. Tie-down hooks abound. Numerous cabin bins, large console and glovebox. Regular-size soda cans the limit for twin console cupholders. LS and XLS get four cupholders; Limited has just two in center armrest.

Value within Class

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Endeavor uses expressive styling, nearly carlike dynamics, and a roomy interior to challenge more-established rivals such as the Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Base prices are roughly even with those of its key competitors, but discounts are much steeper as Mitsubishi attempts to offset such negatives as lower-rung customer-satisfaction ratings and middling resale values.

Total Score

2WD XLS	AWD Limited	Class Average
59	59	52.3

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		39
Average Score		52
High Score		66