2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander help you decide if a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is right for you.

2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
4	3	4.5

Acceptable for around-town driving with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but 4-cyl lacks muscle for no-sweat merging or passing and struggles up long grades. Heavier AWDs are slower still. No opportunity yet to test with manual transmission, but automatic is smooth, responsive.

Fuel Economy

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
6	6	4.9

In a city/highway mix of driving and with automatic transmission, test 2WD Outlander averaged 22.5 mpg, AWD version 22.3. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
6	6	4.7

Not quite carlike, but Outlander rivals Subaru Forester for the most stable, comfortable ride in this class.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Corners with modest body lean, no tippy feel, but elevated ride height contributes to unwanted lateral rocking in quick direction changes. Steering accurate, but slightly numb and overassisted. AWD enhances overall grip and control, even on dry surfaces. Stopping power adequate, brake modulation good.

Quietness

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Engine raucous at full throttle. Wind rush noticed but not objectionable at highway speeds. Tire noise modest except on coarse pavement, though road rumble nearly always audible from cargo area, a typical wagon/SUV trait.

Controls

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Simple layout with easy-reach controls, but stereo switches should be larger. Hooded gauges easy to read, even in sunlight. Overall solidity doesn't impress, but interior materials are appropriate for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Comfortable seats with good side bolstering. Tall drivers might want more rearward travel. Easy entry/exit. Good all-around visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.6

Generous head room, but leg and foot space sufficient only if front seats are no more than halfway back. Firm, tall split bench seat has reclining backrests.

Cargo Room

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
8	8	7.3

Enough space behind rear seat for a half-dozen or so grocery bags. Volume slightly below class average with seatbacks folded--and they don't lie flat. Low liftover, but liftgate opening narrows at bottom. Available cargo cover stows neatly under floor. Lots of interior storage.

Value within Class

2WD LS, auto.	AWD LS, auto.	Class Average
3	4	6.3

Though pleasantly carlike in many respects, Outlander isn't a class standout, let down mainly by a coarse, relatively weak engine. Also, Mitsubishi doesn't match most other import brands for workmanship and resale values. But that usually means deeper discounts, so Outlander is worth considering if you're on a tight budget.

Total Score