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Mitsubishi Outlander SE= Great Value
In the over 20 plus years that I have been receiving press vehicles to evaluate each week. I have only had four Mitsubishi products to test out. During my ten years at Motor Trend there was lot of exposure to one of the most sporting models from the brand history the Evo but not much else.
When I got word that I was going to be evaluating a new Mitsubishi product I was not overly excited and my expectations were low. The automaker has stumbled in recent years and I occasionally have heard rumors about a pulling out of the North American market place. However after a week by the wheel of a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV my brand perceptions were dramatically changed and I find myself recommending this vehicle to listeners of my nationally syndicated radio show Autoworld.
The Outlander not be a well-known commodity, but when compared to the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Dodge Journey, it stands up surprisingly well. With a choice of 4- or 6-cylinder engines, two all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems and a host of cutting-edge safety and infotainment features, Mitsubishi’s Outlander crossover SUV proves both competent and affordable. With a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Outlander’s coverage is nearly double that of the Subaru Outback, but identical to the Kia Sorento. A small dealer network may limit your buying options, but if a vehicle that rings spectacular value to the table the Mitsubishi gets raves from this journalist
For 2017, Mitsubishi’s Outlander SUV gains a number of upgrades. There’s a simplified AWD system on base models plus new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, a heated steering wheel, auto high beams and a multi-view camera system.
Behind the wheel the standard for cylinder engine paired with an excellent CVT transmission delivers surprisingly strong off-the-line acceleration and fuel economy up to 30-mpg highway. This is one of the best CVT automatics I have ever tested. The CVT is efficient, quiet and responsive, it squeezes every drop of power from the 2.4-liter engine while returning impressive fuel economy.
The 2.4-liter inline-4 cranks out 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque while delivering in front wheel drive configuration 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
On the road the Outlander is not the best handling vehicle in the marketplacebt bt most average drivers they will never notice. Braking is decent and the overall ride and drive is also pleasant
The Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with seating for seven, who will enjoy an even nicer cabin for 2017. Controls are easy to use, and.interior has a more a more premium fee. The materials are nice, the design is clean and the interior is pleasantly quiet. Flipping and folding the second row is now easy, thanks to a system of straps and levers. That offers easy entrance to the very small third row. Fold down both rows and you create over 63 cubic feet of cargo space.
The styling revisions that debuted for 2016 carry over including the Outlander’s aggressive nose and rear for a look that is unique, but isn’t universally loved. The angular nose, while definitely fitting into the Mitsubishi family, also hints at the looks of the Lexus NX SUV. Cool features like the electric windshield-wiper de-icer that helps keep ice and snow from building up n the wipers, a shark-fin antenna and power-folding side mirrors add an upscale feel.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in four trims: ES, SE, SEL and GT. The vehicle ES model came with automatic climate control, keyless entry, 6-speaker touch-screen audio, rearview camera, Bluetooth, heated side mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels. My SE test model had a rearview camera, fog lights, dual climate control, heated front seats and push-button start. The Touring Package also includes navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, windshield-wiper de-icer, power-folding side mirrors, auto on-off headlights, a power tailgate, a heated steering wheel and power sunroof.
Attention audiophiles, the 2017 Outlander SUV offers a kicking 710-watt, 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio upgrade guaranteed to please the music lover in all of us. Deep bass is provided by a powered sub, and the system can be paired with a 40-gigabyte music-storage hard drive. This system really impresses and fits the fun character of the vehicle as well.
My loaded test vehicle came to about $27,000 simply, a tremendous value. Want something different packed with a lot of vale in three row seven passenger SUV check ot the 2017 Outlander.
The Long Drive Rankings
Front Engine-FWD CVT Automatic
Highlights
Value
Simple layout
Rockford-Fostgage Sound System
Lowlights
A few cheap plastics
Not for those who vale great handling skills
The Long Drive Rankings 1 Low 10 High
Exterior Styling 7
Interior styling and quality 8
Handling 5
Braking 5
Fuel Economy 9
Performance 5
Trunk-Cargo Capacity 8
Navigation 8
Audio System 9
AutoWorld, Bob Long, Great Value, mitsbishi, SUV"S, The Long Drive, Three Rows, WheeledPlanet.com
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