2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander adds a 4-cylinder engine and new trim level to its lineup. This compact crossover comes in ES, LS, new-for-2008 SE, and XLS trims, each with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Outlander's AWD system can be set for front-drive only, for AWD, and for a locked-in 50/50 front/rear power split. ES and SE versions have a 168-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). LS and XLS have a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. ES, LS, and SE seat five. XLS seats up to seven via a 3rd-row bench that folds into a well in the cargo floor. All models are available with a navigation system that includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files.

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; some offer seating for seven.

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

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Automatic-transmission performance	Interior materials

Handling	Engine noise

Cargo room	Rear-seat room/comfort

	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
3	5	5	4.6

ES (4-cylinder) models are slow from a stop but build speed adequately above 20 mph. We timed an AWD version at 9.4 seconds 0-60 mph; a 2WD version felt slightly quicker. The CVT adjusts ratios promptly for passing, but power is limited. V6 Outlanders have more than enough verve for most driving conditions, but could use more power for ideal highway passing response. The 6-speed automatic transmission is prompt and responsive. Manual shifting via the floorshifter or XLS's steering-wheel paddles is particularly useful.

Fuel Economy

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
6	4	4	5.1

In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD ES averaged 22.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD V6 versions averaged 17.1 mpg in city/highway use. All use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
4	4	4	5

Outlander has a relatively long wheelbase, but its suspension does a poor job overall of absorbing sharp bumps. There's little perceptible difference in bump absorption between models with 16- and 18-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	6	4.7

This crossover has quick and communicative steering feel with moderate body lean in turns. XLS models are slightly sharper overall thanks to standard 18-inch tires. Outlander is particularly susceptible to highway-speed crosswind wander.

Quietness

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
3	4	4	4.6

Whether 4-cylinder or V6, engine and bump noise are the biggest sources of ruckus. Both engines drone during acceleration and cruising. Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable.

Controls

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	4	6

The analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read, but the smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times. The climate controls are mounted too low for easy access while driving. The navigation system has a touch screen, but it absorbs too many audio functions and is complicated to use.

Details

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
4	4	4	5

The cabin has few padded surfaces and many plastic panels that feel thin and hollow to the touch. They also look on the cheap side. One test Outlander suffered from a number interior creaks and groans.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Plentiful headroom and legroom. The seats are generally comfortable, though some occupants may want more thigh support. Tall 3rd-row seatbacks partially block the view astern, but visibility is fine otherwise.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
4	4	4	4.8

Good headroom. Curiously, Mitsubishi has discontinued the fore/aft sliding feature of the ES and LS models' 2nd-row seat. It's still standard on the XLS, however. Regardless, legroom on all Outlanders is more than sufficient for most adults. On the XLS, the 2nd-row tumbles forward, easing access to the 3rd row. The 3rd row is suitable only for kids, and they will ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position on a cushion that uses webbed hammock-style material rather than conventional padding.

Cargo Room

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
9	9	9	8.1

Space is surprisingly good behind the 3rd-row seat in the XLS. Both 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold easily. The 2nd row is split 60/40, and it folds to create a flat load floor. Outlander's liftgate is comprised of a clamshell design that creates a handy drop-down tailgate section that can hold up to 400 lb. Access to the cargo area is easy even with the drop-down part of the tailgate raised. Good interior storage includes a nicely sized glovebox and center console.

Value within Class

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	4	5.9

Outlander is worth a look, but be sure to scout the competition as well. This crossover's virtues include a responsive transmission and flexible cargo accommodations. Among its vices are a raucous engine, subpar interior materials, and the Mitsubishi brand's record of weak resale values.

Total Score

AWD ES	AWD LS	AWD XLS w/navigation	Class Average
54	55	54	59.9

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		59
High Score		71

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/26/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD ES 4-door wagon	$19,990	$19,048	$695

AWD ES 4-door wagon	$21,350	$20,344	$695

2WD LS 4-door wagon	$22,610	$21,314	$695

AWD LS 4-door wagon	$23,970	$22,596	$695

2WD SE 4-door wagon	$23,330	$21,993	$695

AWD SE 4-door wagon	$24,690	$23,276	$695

2WD XLS 4-door wagon	$23,850	$22,484	$695

AWD XLS 4-door wagon	$25,210	$23,766	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

Model	Rebate & Incentives	Type	Expires

Outlander	Up to $1000 cash back or 0%-10.9% financing.	Customer	09/02/08

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seat w/height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, 2nd-row split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

215/70R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.

LS adds to ES:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, keyless access and starting, digital-media player connection, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.

SE adds to LS:

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth/leather upholstery, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.

XLS adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, 2nd-row adjustable split folding seat, 3rd-row stowable seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

225/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
ES	$890	$779
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, auxiliary power outlet, wireless cell phone link, floormats, rear privacy glass, color-keyed mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels.

Sun and Sound Pkg.
XLS	$1,610	$1,409
Power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, 115-volt power outlet. Requires Luxury Pkg.

Luxury Pkg.
XLS	$1,600	$1,400
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, xenon headlights. Requires Sun and Sound Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
ES, LS, SE	$1,999	$1,675
XLS	$1,800	$1,575
Includes hard drive. Replaces SE/XLS in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD/MP3 player.

DVD entertainment system
ES, LS, SE, XLS	$1,480	$1,185


Wireless cell phone link
ES, LS	$250	$187


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
ES, LS	$280	$230

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mitsubishi Outlander 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.1

Overall Length, in.	182.7

Overall Width, in.	70.9

Overall Height, in.	67.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3670

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	72.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.8

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	40.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /145	3.0 /182

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 6000	220 @ 6250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	167 @ 4100	204 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	--/--	17/24

CVT automatic	20/25	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mitsubishi Outlander 4-door wagon

4WD Rollover	4

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	5/60,000	--

Corrosion	7/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
Trim Level: ES
Arrival Date: 02/18/2008
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: CVT automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $21,350
Price as Tested: $22,000
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 4208
Mileage at End of Test: 4705
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 21.794 gals.

Major Options: N/A

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.8 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Don Sikora Outlander's sticker price is attractive, and the overall package is pretty good. I'm particularly impressed with in-cabin storage and the surprisingly low load floor in the back that should make for easy cargo loading. On the downside the interior is noisy, there is some sub-par plastic in the cabin, and stability in crosswinds is lacking.

Ed Piotrowski If your compact SUV shopping list has the Outlander on it, the 4-cylinder ES model is the one to most closely scrutinize. It scores points for having roomy accommodations for both people and cargo, decent fuel economy, and high features per dollar. Those strengths are offset by a noisy powertrain, sloppy handling, cheap-looking interior, and an overall lack of refinement when compared to class leaders such as the Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue, or Toyota RAV4. Mitsubishi dealers, though, will probably be more willing to cut you a deal, so keep that in mind, particularly if you plan on keeping the vehicle long enough to where Outlander's low projected residual value isn't an issue.

< 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Photos

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander New Car Quote >

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review:

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test

Mitsubishi Outlander Prices & Equipment

Mitsubishi Outlander Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Outlander Photos

Mitsubishi Outlander Full Review

Mitsubishi Outlander New Car Quote