2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
Take the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander to a tailgate party, load it up for a bird-watching expedition, even sleep in it in a pinch. This SUV wants to be your home away from home.
I tested the top-of-the-line 2007 XLS model, which is stuffed with enhancements. The only option is a $4,000 navigation/entertainment package.
SUVs pretty much leave me cold, but I did take a shine to the Outlander. Stocked with clever, useful features, it drives more like a car, than a lumbering hulk suffering from 'roid rage.
My $36,998 XLS tester offered a smorgasbord of treats, including AWD system, 18-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, fold-flat third-row seats, perforated leather seats, Bluetooth phone interface and the optional nav/entertainment package.
Design and execution is thoughtful and modern, and places the driver in a pleasing environment.
Leather seats are supportive on long drives, and power adjustments for the seat and steering wheel permit fine-tuning of the driver's position.
A subtle curve to the dash is a sharp design detail and its slightly raised surface pattern is blissfully non-reflective. Brushed metallic accents around air vents and knobs, prevent the dark interior from succumbing to Goth-like gloom.
Ergonomically, the layout and function of controls seems sensible, with a few exceptions. The fine sounding radio relies a lot on touch-screen controls; this can be a distraction while driving.
However, the Bluetooth interface for the phone was a snap to activate, and the navigation system seemed intuitive, though I didn't go deeply into its operation.
Visibility is good from the driver's seat, with no bulbous obstructions coming from any of the support pillars, and side mirrors are up to the job of showing the antics of other drivers.
On the steering wheel, along with audio and cruise controls, are aggressively and properly sized paddle shifters. Their use can help massage the performance of the 220-horsepower V6 engine.
Over the years, Mitsubishi has ramped up the power of the Outlander. The '07 had plenty of juice for me, and worked harmoniously with the six-speed automatic transmission.
With a beefier radiator and automatic transmission cooler, the Outlander can tow a trailer up to 1,588 kg. However, my heaviest cargo, which consisted of plants and various grillables, subjected it to powder-puff testing only.
About that cargo, though: it's darn easy to load into the Outlander thanks to its flip-and-fold tailgate. A flip of a latch allows the rear bumper to fold down like a drawbridge, and presto – you can slide in the cooler and the clubs with a minimum of grunt.
Equipped with 60/40 split folding rear seats, the Outlander is prepared to handle 2,056 litres of cargo. It's also rumoured to carry seven passengers, thanks to a stow-in-the-floor third-row seat.
Aisle 3 is for the peanut gallery only. The second-row rear seats are roomy, though, and an interesting feature allows the back seat to be moved forward or aft.
Remove the front head restraints, push the rear seats back and the front ones recline to form something akin to a bed.
The Outlander XLS and LS come standard with driver-selectable all-wheel drive.
For skipping around town with a load of organic veg, choose 2WD drive, for a slippery squirt to the ski chalet choose 4WD, for a slithery spin in the gravel, choose 4WD LOCK, which delivers torque evenly between the front and rear wheels.
I didn't take the Outlander off-road, so no earthworms were harmed in the testing of this vehicle.
With ground clearance of 215 mm, it's not a stump jumper. Consequently it's easy to enter and exit.
An aluminum roof lowers the centre of gravity and contributes, Mitsubishi says, to less body lean when cornering.
Exterior styling of the Outlander stops well short of outlandish. Details are assertive with sharp angles carved in the front around the lights and outlining the rear windows. But it's consistent with interior lines and refreshingly bold.
If the XLS is a bit rich, forego a few of the frills and the midrange LS AWD comes well equipped to transport and haul, sleep and slither, starting at $26,998.
Small cars are my preference, but I could see the Outlander as a fine companion for an escapade – a home away from home on four wheels.
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