2007 Mitsubishi Outlander

When Mitsubishi introduced the compact Outlander crossover-utility vehicle for 2003, it was at the leading edge of what is becoming an exploding people-mover segment. Now, only four years later, the all-new second generation 2007 Outlander is poised for competition. It’s a bit larger and more powerful, and has enough unique features to make it a standout. But, with so many new rivals, will anyone notice?

The first thing we noticed about the all-new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is how well it balances the sea of aspects that make a successful “crossover-utility vehicle”. Mindful of its car and truck duality, this second generation effort also delivers a proper dose of innovation as well.

Like the Mazda CX-7, the Outlander’s arched exterior and prominent wheel arches suggest the essence of a sports sedan. The body is sharp and sleek, yet still boxy enough to be useful.  The new-look “diamond cut” front end leads with wraparound headlights and a three-bar trapezoidal grille.

LED taillights flank the rear and an unconventional split hatch with a short flip down tailgate. Sixteen-inch tires and rims are standard on ES and LS trim, while our XLS tester rode atop truck-worthy 18-inch aluminum alloys.

Based on the same unibody architecture as the upcoming 2008 Lancer, and recently introduced Dodge Caliber, the Outlander has grown larger in all directions. Wheelbase is 105.1 inches with an overall length of 182.7 inches.

All Outlanders find power from a new 3.0-liter V6 with variable-valve timing. Not quite as powerful as a 6-cylinder Toyota RAV4, the V6 still churns out a respectable 220 horsepower and 204 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel efficiency is just about on par for its segment.  Government Fuel Economy ratings are 19 city/26 highway. We managed a right-on test loop of 23 miles-per-gallon on regular gas.

On the track, our Outlander managed 0 to 60 in a very utility-like 8.9 seconds.  The quarter mile was also so-so at 17.1 seconds at 86 miles per hour. Both results a good deal slower than the RAV4 and CX-7, yet it feels much stronger off the line.  The segment’s first 6-speed automatic, with paddle shifters, has a crisp, tight response. 

By nature, the Outlander indeed drives more like a car. Its unibody design lends itself to a capable and compliant ride, while lighter aluminum roof panels help lower the center of gravity for flatter cornering.

Handling hardware includes an all-independent suspension with unexpected front tower bars for added stiffness. Initial turning is crisp, but understeer rises quickly when pushed hard. Stopping is by way of all-ventilated disc brakes with ABS and Electronic BrakeForce Distribution. Halts occurred from 60 to 0 in a longish 134 feet with minimal fade.

Inside, find a far more refined cabin that like the exterior, boasts a stylish and performance-oriented feel.  A textured dash houses a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster as well as cockpit-like controls. All trims include air conditioning, cruise, keyless ignition, power windows and locks, front side impact, and two-row side curtain airbags for comprehensive occupant protection.

Our XLS tester came stacked with power driver’s seat, seat heat, automatic climate, auxiliary steering wheel controls, and optional 650-watt, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo. A navigation system, with hard drive map and music storage are also available.

The spacious, and sliding, second row seat has room for three and a 60/40 split folding feature. In our XLS, tumble the second row forward to gain access to child-only third row seating that neatly folds flat into the floor. So lo and behold, the Outlander is yet another compact crossover seven-seater.

Cargo room behind the second row measures at 39 cubic feet.  Folding down the second row allows an ample 72.6 cubic feet of storage.  The new Outlander’s cargo floor is 8.1 inches lower. That plus the split hatch makes for very easy loading.

Though pricing was not available when we went to tape, the base price for an Outlander is expected to be about $22,500. Even after adding on the upgrades, the Outlander looks to be the V6 bargain of its compact crossover class.

Higher style, more car-like response, and clever features, are all efforts in the right direction.  Enough so that not only do we think a lot more people will notice the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, they likely will drive one home as well.