Ride & Drive: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
Following the launch of a new model — and a successful launch at that — it is rare to see many changes being made in the second year of production.
Completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, the seven-passenger, mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility went on to receive a number of awards, including a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a “No. 1 Ranking” on Kelley Blue Book’s KB.com “5-Year Cost to Own” list.
But Mitsubishi isn’t rolling into the 2015 model year on past accomplishments.
The automaker has a made a number of enhancements for the Outlander’s sophomore year of production, including:
• New standard FUSE Hands-Free Link System with USB/iPod port and Bluetooth hands-free phone system (standard on all trim levels)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (standard on all trim levels)
• New upper front grille design with front/rear silver lower bumper trim, wheel arch trim, chrome-accented fog light bezel (standard on all trim levels)
• Improved sound insulation for reduced noise, vibration and harshness and improved suspension tuning and VT calibration (standard on all trim levels)
New contrast stitching on fabric seating surfaces (ES trim level)
• New leatherette fabric combination seating surfaces and new black roof rails (SE trim levels)
• New 18-inch alloy wheel design and LED taillights on GT trim levels.
Available in front- or all-wheel drive configurations, the Outlander has a base price starting at $23,195 while delivering an EPA-rated 31 mpg highway (FWD).
It also provides consumers with a choice of two available engines.
The base engine is a 2.4-liter I-4 delivering 166 horsepower and 162 lbs.-ft. torque. Mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission, it requires regular unleaded gasoline and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models (24 mpg, 29 mpg respectively for all-wheel drive).
The Outlander GT (available only with all-wheel drive) is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 224 horsepower and 215 lbs.-ft. torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it requires premium unleaded gasoline and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.
The Outlander is impressive, and for a number of reasons in addition to its affordability and long list of standard equipment.
It is also available with a number of cutting-edge safety technology features, including:
• Forward Collision Mitigation — A radar-based system that in certain circumstances helps determine if a front collision is imminent, warns the driver and automatically applies emergency braking.
• Lane Departure Warning — a camera-based system to enhance safety when changing lanes.
• Adaptive Cruise Control — A radar-based system constantly measures distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
For those in the market for a mid-size SUV/crossover, take a test drive.
Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS:
MODEL:
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
7-seat SUV
Front-, or all-wheel drive
Trim packages:
ES, SE, GT
PRICE RANGE:
$42,000-$55,000
ENGINE:
2.4L I4 (166 hp/162 T)
3.0L V6 (224 hp/215 T)
TRANSMISSION:
CVT
6-speed automatic
EPA: 25/24/20 mpg city, 31/29/28 mpg highway (2.4 FWD/2.4 AWD/3.0 AWD)
FUEL: Regular unleaded (ES, SE); Premium unleaded (GT)
STABILITY CONTROL:
Active stability control
BRAKES: ABS
LENGTH: 183.3 inches
WHEELBASE: 105.1 in.
WIDTH: 71.3 inches
HEIGHT: 66.1 inches
WEIGHT: 3285-3571 lbs.
TRACK: 60.6/60.6
(front/rear)
FUEL TANK: 16.6/15.8 gallons (FWD/AWD)
TIRES: 16-, or 18-inch
CARGO: 10.3/34.2/63.3 cubic feet (3rd/2nd/1st row).
