2007-2008 Mitsubishi Outlander: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mitsubishi redesigned its compact sport-utility vehicle for 2007, giving it fresh styling, a V6 engine, and an available third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. In its 2003-2006 form, the first-generation Outlander had been a five-seater with four-cylinder power. Outlander remained a car-type four-door wagon, but gained 2 inches in wheelbase and 3 inches in overall length. ES, LS, and XLS trim levels were offered. Each was available with front-wheel drive. LX and XLS models could have all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing but could be set for front-drive only, AWD, or for a locked-in 50/50 front/rear power split. All Outlanders now had a 220-horsepower V6 engine, replacing a 160-hp four-cylinder. Sole transmission was a six-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. XLS models added steering-wheel shift paddles. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control were standard. So were front side airbags and curtain side airbags. ES and LS models seated five, but the XLS held seven via a third-row bench that folded into a well in the cargo floor when not in use. In all models, the second-row seatback reclined and the seat could slide fore and aft to maximize either passenger or cargo space. XLS models had standard automatic climate control and a wireless cell phone link. Leather upholstery with heated front seats was available for the XLS. So was a navigation system with a hard drive for storing up to six gigabytes of MP3 music files. Outlander competitors included a Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. According to Mitsubishi, Outlander was the first PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) SUV offered in the U.S. market.