Acceleration

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Strong off the line--an AWD SE did 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph in Consumer Guide testing. Good midrange response requires a heavy throttle foot to get a downshift from the smooth-acting transmission, making its manual-shift feature useful on congested freeways and in hilly terrain.

Fuel Economy

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
3	3	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Endeavors averaged 11.0-16.8 mpg, depending on driving conditions. No opportunity to measure with a 2WD model. Mitsubishi recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
6	6	5.5

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Not quite car-like, but Endeavor is pleasant with moderate cornering lean and good highway stability. This crossover is subject to some wander in gusty crosswinds. Steering feel is precise, but feels too light as speed rises. Good stopping control, but the brake pedal travel is longer than ideal.

Quietness

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.4

The front pillar area is subject to noticeable wind rush at highway speeds. Engine and road noise are nicely hushed.

Controls

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
6	6	6.3

A strong point. The gauges are easy to read. Audio and climate controls are large, clearly marked, and easy to reach. SE has a dashtop audio/compass/climate display separate from actual controls; it can be hard to read in some light conditions. Smooth, precise switchgear and trendy blue dashboard lighting lend a bit of an upscale touch to the cabin.

Details

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	6	5.4

Most cabin trim is appropriate for the price, though the LS's seat cloth looks unattractively utilitarian. The SE's leather upholstery feels more upscale. We've not evaluated an Endeavor with the navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
7	7	7.1

Step-in height is moderate, so entry and exit are easy. Generous headroom, but tall folks might wish for more legroom. Cloth seats are generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear are 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 space, even with the front seats well aft. Three adults fit with some squeezing. The seatbacks recline. The cushion is slightly soft for best support, but comfortably chair-height. Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.

Cargo Room

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Opening tailgate glass is handy, but the load deck is relatively high. Rear seatbacks fold with a single motion and sit nearly flat with the floor, even with the headrests in place. The spare-tire well and a sidewall net store small items. Ample interior storage is highlighted by plenty of tie-down hooks, cabin bins, a large console, and glovebox.

Value within Class

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Endeavor's strengths are its pleasant driving manners and roomy interior. It's also discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Saturn Outlook, 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 Outlander is a newer design that rivals Endeavor for size and power at a potentially lower cost.

Total Score

2WD LS	AWD SE	Class Average
63	64	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76