Only two years into its most recent product cycle, Mitsubishi has dragged its value-packed, seven-passenger Outlander SUV back to the drawing board for a redo.
The results, according to Mitsubishi, are more than 100 improvements to the Outlander, including cosmetic flourishes, a new mid-trim SEL model, a better suspension and a slew of new safety options.
The Outlander competes dimensionally in the compact SUV segment with such stalwarts as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Kia Sorento. Unlike the Honda and Subaru, the Outlander offers seven seats, an important option for some families.
Our tester this week is a top-trim GT model from Adventure Mazda/Mitsubishi in downtown Chattanooga. Sales manger Justin Wolfe says the redesigned Outlander has been selling briskly, no doubt due in part to a broadcast advertising blitz by Mitsubishi touting the SUVs many improvements.
Photos by Mark KennedyFast facts
› Model: Mitsubishi Outlander GT › Exterior color: Diamond White Pearl › Interior color: Beige › Engine: 3.0 liter, V-6 › Horsepower: 224 hp › Transmission: Six-speed automatic › Fuel economy: 29 mpg highway, 24 mpg city › Dealer: Adventure Mitsubishi › Price (as tested): $35,815
Our GT tester includes a standard 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. All other Outlander trims come with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and CVTs. Base prices range from $23,800 to $31,800. Our fancy GT with loads of high-tech goodies has an MSRP of $35,815.
STYLING AND FEATURES
Most of the styling tweaks for 2016 are seen on the Outlander's fascia, where Mitsubishi's new Dynamic Shield design language is on full display. The new design features added chrome-work, black grille slats and aggressive new LED headlights. Taken together, the new grille gives the Outlander something of a Death Star countenance.
Chrome rocker-panel guards, two-tone alloy wheels and wrap-around tail-light assemblies complete the modernized look, which moves the Outlander up among the more handsome SUVs in the class. The Diamond White Pearl paint on our tester, coupled with the cream-colored seats, is a classy combination that you'll be happy to own in Deep South summers.
Inside, the Outlander continues to be among the classier offerings in the segment. A thickly padded dash with piano-black accents and dark faux-wood bands complete the look. Our GT has beige perforated leather seats, which are heated in the front. The seats are well bolstered and would serve occupants well on long road-trips.
A new, three-spoke steering wheel design with a Mitsubishi badge embossed in the center is a nice flourish. The steering wheel frames an easy-to-read analog speedometer and tach. A 6.1-inch touch screen is home to an optional navigation system, part of the $3,300 touring package which also includes a host of safety features. The touch screen is also the command center for a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, which includes a sub-woofer that will rattle your teeth.
A second row bench seats three, and two pop-up, third-row seats add versatility. With the third row folded down the Outlander has about 34 cubic feet of storage space. Flatten the second row, and you'll open up 63 cubic feet of usable space.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
On our test drive earlier this week along Corridor J and Amnicola Highway, the Endeavor showed off its new suspension set-up, which seems more sure-footed than before. The 224-horsepower V-6 engine is more than adequate and provides up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The six-speed transmission is unobtrusive, and added to the SUVs overall, quality feel.
We think the V-6 is a useful upgrade, although some value customers might prefer the four cylinder, which gets 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg city. Expect 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg city in the 3.0-liter V-6-equipped Outlanders.
We also liked safety features such as a lane-departure warning that chimes if you cross a road stripe without signaling. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation are also part of the touring package.
BOTTOM LINE
"Value" is the word that comes to mind after driving the redesigned Outlander. Frankly, SUVs with this much content and visual presence often cost $5,000 more than our Outlander GT tester.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.