Acceleration

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.2

Strong off the line; test AWD SE did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. Good midrange response requires a heavy throttle foot to get a downshift from smooth-acting transmission, making its manual-shift feature useful on congested freeways and in hilly terrain. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
4	3	4

Test AWD models averaged 11.0-16.8 mpg, depending on driving conditions. No opportunity yet to measure with 2WD models. Mitsubishi recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
6	6	5.5

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Near carlike manners, with moderate cornering lean and good highway stability despite some wander in gusty crosswinds. Steering precise, but feels too light as speed rises. Good stopping control, but brake pedal travel longer than ideal.

Quietness

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Noticeable highway wind rush from front pillar area. Engine and road noise nicely hushed.

Controls

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
6	7	6.6

A strong point. Gauges easy to read. Audio and climate controls large, clearly marked, easy to reach. SE has 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 lighting. Most cabin trim appropriate for price, though LS seat cloth looks unattractively utilitarian. SE's leather upholstery feels upscale, though note that it's part of a $1750 mandatory option. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
7	7	7

Step-in height moderate, so easy ingress/egress. Standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat help drivers get comfortable. 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 partly compensate.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
7	7	6.1

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

Cargo Room

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
8	8	8

Opening tailgate glass handy, but load deck relatively high. Rear seatbacks fold with single motion and sit nearly flat with floor, even with headrests in place. Spare-tire well, sidewall net store small items. Plenty of tie-down hooks and cabin bins, plus large console and glovebox.

Value within Class

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Endeavor's strengths are its pleasant driving manners and roomy interior. It's also discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. That recognizes the stronger overall appeal of those competitors, but also reflects Mitsubishi's troubled image, lower-rung customer-satisfaction scores, and mediocre resale values. Note also that Mitsubishi's own redesigned 2007 Outlander rivals Endeavor for size and power at a lower cost.

Total Score

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
58	58	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69