2007 Mitsubishi Outlander: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mitsubishi redesigns its compact SUV for 2007, giving it new styling, a V6 engine, and an available 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. Outlander remains a car-type 4-dr wagon, but is 2 inches longer in wheelbase and 3 inches longer overall than the 2003-2006 generation. ES, LS, and XLS trims are offered, and all are available with front-wheel drive. LS and XLS are also available with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing but can be set for front-drive only, for AWD, and for a locked-in 50/50 front/rear power split. All '07 Outlanders have a 220-hp V6 that replaces a 160-hp 4-cyl as the only engine. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate. XLS models add steering wheel shift paddles. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. ES and LS seat five; XLS seats seven via a 3rd-row bench that folds into a well in the cargo floor. On all, the 2nd-row seatback reclines and the seat slides fore/aft to maximize passenger or cargo space. XLS models have standard automatic climate control and a wireless cell phone link. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is available on XLS. A navigation system with a hard drive for storing up to six gigabytes of MP3 music files is optional on XLS.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.