Mitsubishi's Outlander SUV/crossover rates as one of the better-selling vehicles in the Japanese automaker's portfolio. Falling somewhere between a large compact and small mid-size, it was one of the first in its class offering third-row seating. Since fuel-friendly, car-based crossovers are now a hot commodity, Mitsubishi decided to build upon Outlander's good will.
So for 2011, Mitsubishi crafts together marketing and engineering tweaks to introduce an all-new, five-passenger-exclusive Outlander Sport. With 169.1 inches of total length, it's 14 inches shorter than Big Brother and a few pounds lighter, although wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) remains the same. Sport's uni-body construction is completely revamped and includes an economical, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine not available in its sibling. The larger Outlander offers a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine or 3.0-liter six-cylinder power. Both Outlanders are based on Mitsubishi's compact Lancer (car) platform and designed for on-pavement use; committed off-roading requires a different animal.
Mitsubishi also dials back the number of trim levels: Outlander Sport offers two (ES, SE) while Outlander proper opts for four (ES, SE, XLS and GT).
Mitsubishi has been a favorite son of sorts here in Illinois. It's one of three automakers with an assembly plant on Prairie State soil, operational since 1988. While Outlander Sport is currently assembled in Okazaki Japan, Mitsubishi announced in February that beginning later this year, Outlander Sport will call Normal Illinois its new home. The addition of Outlander Sport is a plus for the plant which currently builds the mid-size Galant sedan, Eclipse coupe/convertible and mid-size Endeavor sport utility.
The five-door Outlander Sport's 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder cranks out 148 horses. The ES trim comes with front-wheel drive standard while up-level SE can be had with two-wheel or Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled, four-wheel-drive with improved torque distribution calibration. ES is the only trim with a five-speed manual transmission. Standard in SE and available in ES is Mitsubishi's CVT, replacing conventional four or five-speed automatic. Continually variable transmission (CVT) technology replaces traditional first, second, third, fourth and fifth gears with an infinite range of forward ratios for a glass-smooth experience. This minimizes 'click' sensations as the vehicle aggressively accelerates. Fuel economy is also enhanced.
All-important fuel numbers delivered by the 2.0-liter-CVT combo and front drive check in at 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, very good for this class. With five-speed manual transmission, city mileage drops by one. Models with four-wheel drive and CVT average 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel fills the 16.6-gallon tank.
If 148 horses seems comparatively low... it is. Just about every rival in this highly popular segment boasts more ponies. Obviously, Mitsubishi chose fuel economy numbers over zero-to-60 time. If primarily occupied by two adults, Outlander Sport provides all the required minimum daily driving requirements. Outlander Sport was put to the test with three adults and Cara, the 15-month-old wonder niece. The Tri-State Tollway excursion went smoothly, but additional engine punch was desirable when merging from entrance ramps. The five-speed manual transmission could help this situation with higher revs per gear.
Our front-drive, SE tester included a base price of $21,695. The bottom line, after factoring a $780 destination charge, was $22,475. The generous level of standard safety nuances include front air bags, side curtain air bags, front side-impact air bags, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes and driver knee air bags. Also included is a brake override system, eliminating unintended acceleration if brake and accelerator pedals are engaged simultaneously. The lowest-priced Sport, a two-wheel-drive ES with five-speed manual, starts at $18,495. By comparison, compact cute-ute sales leader Honda CR-V (slightly longer), starts at $21,694 with a more potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder and standard automatic transmission. However, Outlander Sport with CVT boasts significantly better fuel economy, three miles per gallon better in both categories.
An in-dash navigation system with seven-inch touch screen is optional. A rear-view camera feed is also available. Satellite radio is optional when ordering navigation or a premium package with moon roof. A USB port for portable electronics including iPods comes standard as does a hands-free connectivity system allowing voice command acceptance of Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices. Air conditioning, CD player and cruise control are also standard.
Supportive, high-positioned, front cloth fabric bucket seats (leather not offered) allow for good road perception. They manually slide back and forth, but not up and down. Headroom is decent, but not as generous as some rivals. The dashboard's top is lower than most sedans or cute-utes, providing more opportunity for sun reflection. Side front doors and dash include soft-touch materials. Our black interior with brushed aluminum accents, sported a steering wheel with cruise control and secondary sound system buttons. Sound and ventilation systems are easy to figure at a glance. All Outlander Sports include a power push-start button standard rather than a turn-crank ignition cylinder. Standard power lock, window and side-mirror controls are on the driver's door in line with the arm rest. Also incorporated into the three-spoke manually-tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are paddle shifters. Three beverage holders and hand-operated parking brake are found between front buckets. Two more homes for cans are molded into the front doors. A right-side steering column stalk activates both front and rear wipers. Sport's instrument panel includes two deep-tunnel gauges with a small digital bar-type fuel gauge in between.
Sports smaller size supports a narrow leg entrance when entering row two. Two full-grown adults fit comfortably; three would be a crowd. The 60/40 split seat backs fold flat onto cushions once top release tabs are pushed down. With back seatbacks folded, 49.5 cubic feet of room is available, that's enough room to cart a decent-sized antique dresser, accomplished during the testing. A key point about the standard-sized Outlander is only small tots or big tots schooled in the art of contortion would find the optional third-row amusing. Thin padding and minimum knee space make the third-row a short-term ride.
Outside, front narrow, band-like headlight housing flanks a large trapezoidal center with honeycomb pattern halved by a vertical bar and small tri-diamond logo( Mitsubishi translates from three diamonds in Japanese). Rear tail lights are narrow and band-like as well. Decent-sized side-view mirrors are minus secondary blinker bands. The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens high enough so those six-foot one-inches and shorter have enough maneuver room. Strap-like door handles include body-colored hues. Plastic composite front fenders help reduce weight while flexing if encountering low-speed impacts with grocery carts.
At highway speeds of 65 miles per hour, some wind was audible, but acceptable for an entry, lower-priced, non-luxury compact. Low-noise tires kept road feedback to a minimum. Macpherson front struts with rear multi-links smoothes the ride.
Mitsubishi Motor's North American Plant is currently the only Asian/European manufacturer in North America currently partnering with the United Auto Workers (UAW). About 1,000 or the 1,300 employees at the plant are members. It's Mitsubishi's only North American assembly plant.
In 2010, the plant produced approximately 34,000 vehicles, far below what Ford Motor Company's Torrance Avenue assembly plant in Chicago churned out. So far in calendar year 2011, the plant's production is higher, averaging between 1,000 and 1,100 vehicles per week.
Mitsubishi's overall U.S. sales have incurred ups and downs (mostly downs) during the past decade; the bottom hopefully poised in the rear-view mirror. Good news is 55,683 vehicles were sold in the U.S. during 2010, up 3.8 percent from 2009; placing Mitsubishi ahead of Suzuki and Volvo. However, the bigger picture reveals a downward slide from 2002, when the economy was stronger and approximately 200,000 Mitsubishi units were sold.
Many folks remain unaware of Mitsubishi's generous powertrain warranty, one of the industry's longest at 10 years or 100,000 miles.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Price as Tested: $22,475
Engine: 2.0-liter, inline four cylinder
Horsepower: 248
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length: 169.1 inches
Fuel Economy: 25 city/ 31 hwy.
Curb weight: 3,263 pounds
Built: In Japan
Destination Charge: $780
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