2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

The new 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is giving new hope better for the company when it launched, and hang in there now, probably at the end of the year model. Distantly related to the Dodge Journey, Outlander last five or seven seats in the 2010 model year with new and fresh interior and styling at the front, and see the new GT model and feature new technologies are added to the top.

The design is updated with both the body so it looks more handsome Outlander. Having a shark snout and has similarities to the front of the Mitsu Evo. Outlander cabin which compares quite well with the other, a new crossover, too, thanks to the new soft-touch materials such as faux leather pads on the dashboard and armrests. A high-tech feel of the little layered on top of courtesy in the center dash LCD screen.

Mitsubishi Outlander buyers still offer a choice of drivetrains, but there is only one that we recommend. A four-cylinder is standard equipment in Outlander ES and SE, but a bare-bones power, not really enough to motivate a quick crossover. It is also saddled with a sluggish response of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and that makes it not only boring, but too noisy. Outlander XLS and GT versions come with a much better 3.0-liter V-6 with 230 horsepower, shuffled through, responsive six-speed automatic redirection easily coupled with the shift paddles mounted near the steering wheel. No gas mileage penalty is too large, V-6 brings enough power.

More basic SE can be equipped with four-wheel drive, the system optionally equipped with a locking center differential. Outlander GT version of the system gets all-wheel-drive of the Lancer Evolution and Ralliart models, complete with traction program that can be selected by the user with a choice between pavement, snow, and Lock traction mode. This is a sophisticated system, what with Active Front Differentials and electronically controlled center diff - and that means the Outlander GT has a nearly seamless distribution of torque between the wheels. Outlander also has a good, communicative steering, braking and ride and a good, firm, because they are smaller in the Lancer.

Adults will fit easily in a bucket on the front and second row bench seat, but the third-row seat Outlander is very small - even for young children. The second row seats slide on rails to improve both leg room or cargo space, depending on current needs, and the backrest reclines for convenient road-trip. With both rear rows of seats folded, the Outlander has 73 cubic feet of space transportation - and a unique drop-down tailgate will support more than 400 pounds when loaded.

Either NHTSA or the IIHS has crash-tested the Outlander under the new scoring system which they introduced in model year 2011. All Outlanders come with curtain airbags, active front headrests, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.

Outlanders Base has standard air conditioning, keyless entry, and 140-watt, six-speaker sound system. At the top of the lineup, the luxurious XLS take fog lamps, steering-wheel audio controls, remote start, cruise control, and automatic temperature control, plus a new FUSE handsfree link system, audio controls and function calls by voice commands. GT covers, along with other additional performances, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, bi-xenon HID headlamps, and more powerful 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with nine speakers and a large 10-inch subwoofer.

Specs

Engine: Gas I4, 2.4L

EPA Class: Sport Utility 2WD

Style Name: 2WD 4dr ES

Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

Passenger Capacity: 5

Passenger Doors: 4

Body Style: Sport Utility