EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
All the basics, including comfort, confident handling and unique style, are in place, and with a much needed increase in power the Outlander now has the juice to keep up with its rivals.
Pros
Roomy interior, comfortable ride, peppy around town, solid handling.
Cons
No manual gearbox, distracting audio controls, less cargo capacity than competitors.
What''s New for 2004
The Outlander''s 2.4-liter engine receives a much needed boost in power -- it now makes 160 horsepower.
Overview
Introduction:
Everybody who''s anybody in the automotive world has a mini-SUV offering these days. Toyota introduced the RAV4 in 1996, Honda brought out the CR-V in 1997 and Subaru unveiled the Forester in 1998, but Mitsubishi waited another five years to debut its own small SUV, the Outlander. What is it about the Outlander that Mitsubishi hopes will set it apart from the crowd? Well, for one thing, the distinctive styling is hard to overlook. With a bold snout and clear lens taillights, the Outlander certainly has a distinctive look. We''re not going to make any judgments as to whether it''s good-looking or not, but Mitsubishi''s junior SUV certainly won''t be mistaken for anything else on the road. The Outlander is dimensionally similar to the Forester in most respects. It''s longer (four inches) and wider (not even a full inch) but stands at about the same overall height, depending on the trim level. This makes for an easy entry and exit, especially for those used to climbing up into taller sport-utes. Despite its lower ride height, however, the Outlander still gives drivers an elevated driving position for a clearer view of the road ahead, one of the perks that folks love about SUVs. Like its chief rivals, the Outlander utilizes a four-cylinder engine for less weight and better fuel economy, and buyers have a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive versions. An additional 20 horsepower this year gives the Outlander numbers more in line with its rivals. Unlike most of its opponents, however, the Outlander can''t be had with a manual gearbox, though for the majority of consumers this won''t be an issue. Besides, the well-sorted automatic offers manual-shift capability for those who like to take a more active part in their driving. Now that it has the power to go along with its functionality, the Outlander can better leverage its aggressive style to grab its share of the mini-SUV pie.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Outlander is a compact four-door SUV offered in two trims. The base LS is well equipped with the usual array of power windows, locks and mirrors; AM/FM/CD stereo; air conditioning; a tilt steering wheel; cruise control; and 16-inch wheels. An optional convenience package adds keyless entry, roof rails, floor mats and a cargo cover, while an appearance package includes alloy wheels and tinted windows. Stepping up to the XLS trim level adds a two-tone color scheme, white-faced gauges, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and upgraded cloth upholstery. There are two additional options packages available: the Sun and Sound Package that adds a 210-watt Infinity audio system and a sunroof, and the Luxury Package that includes heated seats and mirrors, leather upholstery, side airbags, a compass and an outside temperature gauge.
Powertrains and Performance:
Rated at 160 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, the Outlander''s 2.4-liter four-cylinder has enough power to give it a quick start in traffic and keep it humming along on the highway. The engine is sufficiently refined and high-rpm passing maneuvers don''t elicit much racket from under the hood. The only transmission available is a four-speed automatic with Sportronic that allows manual gear changes by moving the shift lever into a separate gate. Outlanders can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Safety:
As with other Mitsubishi models, the Outlander reserves side airbags and antilock brakes as options on the upper trim level, in this case the XLS. In government crash tests, the Outlander received four out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal collision. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating for front passenger protection and a four-star rating for rear passengers. In frontal offset tests conducted by the IIHS, the Outlander received an overall rating of "Good" (its highest). It received a "Poor" rating (the lowest) from the IIHS for side-impact protection on models without side airbags.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The cabin''s overall look is clean and functional, with deeply recessed gauges and easy-to-reach three-dial climate controls. Extensive use of soft-touch materials adds an upscale, comfortable feel, while numerous storage bins and map pockets keep it practical. The two-tone color scheme and faux metal accents on the XLS look great, but the optional leather upholstery isn''t quite as impressive. As in other Mitsubishis, the radio controls are small and crowded together. Maximum cargo capacity is 60 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Think of the Outlander as Mitsubishi''s PT Cruiser. It handles well, has a comfortable and roomy interior and it offers distinctive looks. The transmission''s shift points are perfectly acceptable in the normal drive mode, but for those who like to have a little bit more control, the Sportronic automanual mode works well. Tight winding roads and wide-open highways prove the Outlander to be a very competent and comfortable handler. It drives more like a car than an SUV, with only moderate body roll and a solid feel for the road.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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