2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Mitsubishi Outlander

At first glance, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander seems like a compact SUV that’s just average. Before settling on the Outlander, though, reviewers recommend you check out the competition. Test drivers complain about the Outlander’s unrefined engine and interior materials that just seem cheap. Note that the RAV4 can’t match the Outlander’s warranty coverage, however.

For 2011, the Mitsubishi Outlander benefits from slightly improved fuel economy and some minor feature shuffles that benefit buyers.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is fairly competitive with the rest of the crossover crowd, offering similar features and configurations. The "Mitsubishi Outlander" isn't without a few drawbacks, though. The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in four trim levels: ES, SE, XLS and GT.

The SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded gauges, sport seats, a six-disc CD changer, sliding second-row seats, third-row seats and steering-column-mounted paddle shifters. SE trim levels are eligible for the Premium package, which adds a sunroof, the Fuse system, a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with satellite radio and the soft-touch interior trim. The Touring package is offered for XLS and GT trims and includes the Sun and Sound items plus leather upholstery (front- and second-row seats), heated front seats and a power driver seat.

The Mitsubishi Outlander ES and SE are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered XLS and GT use a traditional six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is offered as an option on the SE and is mandatory on the GT. The XLS is front-drive only. The AWD system offers different driver-selectable modes to optimize traction in varying conditions. The GT all-wheel-drive system features improved front differential and additional modes.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2WD 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the four-cylinder engine, and 19/26/22 mpg with the V6.

All major safety features are standard on the Outlander, including antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Mitsubishi Outlander has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure.

As crossovers go, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is surprisingly fun to drive. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes up against some heavy hitters in the segment. Among the breakthroughs for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport start with the price. All Outlander Sport models are equipped with standard features like remote keyless entry with a panic feature, halogen and S–HID headlights, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and audio systems with USB input and steering wheel mounted controls. Mitsubishi’s FUSE Hands free Link System even allows Bluetooth streaming audio from a smart phone or iPhone.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport features styling that reminds us of the Evo Lancer, which is presently the company’s halo car – at least until it is dropped after this current generation (really, Mitsubishi?).

Mitsubishi, long known for its aircraft, has styled the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with an aircraft-inspired intake scoop for the front grill. Overall, the Outlander Sport shares the same wheelbase as the regular Outlander. Our test vehicle was equipped with 10–spoke alloy wheels, and a blacked-out greenhouse with black–painted trim pieces to minimize the overall bulk of the glassed in area.

The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, and open up the rear cargo area to 49.5 cubic feet of storage space. By the way, in case you were interested, MIVEC stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve–timing Electronic Control. Fed by a multi-port fuel injection system the EPA says to expect 25-city/31-highway. Driving around presented a few challenges while behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi. Steering is electric power-assisted and offered rather vague feedback while driving at speed.