Base price: 2wd LS, $18,577; 2wd XLS, $20,050; 4wd LS $19,857; 4wd XLS, $21,360
Vehicle type: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 5-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/R (cu ft) 52–53/42–43
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 24/60
Wheelbase 103.3 in
Length/width/height 179.1/68.9/63.2–66.3 in
Turning circle 37.4 ft
Curb weight 3250–3450 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 20–21/25–26
Fuel-tank capacity/range 15.7 gal/314–330 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side (opt) airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 140 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum
ABS optional
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MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
Mitsubishi’s compact, five-passenger Outlander SUV is a new vehicle for 2003. But, other than its outlandish front end, its exterior pretty much fits the old mold for a two-box design.
The Outlander is based on the Lancer platform and powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with just 140 horsepower. Mitsubishi claims it’s the first vehicle in its segment to be outfitted with a standard automatic transmission with Sportronic, a manual shift mode.
Outlanders come in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive formats, with a 220-pound weight gain in the latter.
The Outlander’s relatively high weight-to-power ratio makes it slower than its competition. Interestingly, although it can feel slow when you hammer it, when you take it easy it can feel quite strong.
The cabin provides a fairly generous amount of passenger space, and it’s nicely appointed, too. Dash design is relatively straightforward, with a center-mounted clock adding a touch of class. Cup holders abound, and there are handy door pockets and a decent console storage box. The steering column adjusts for height. The driver’s seat cushion does so also, by way of a primitive twirling knob.
With the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded, cargo capacity increases from 24 to 60 cubic feet. The trick multilink rear suspension takes up space, so the load floor is above bumper height. That can make retrieving heavy items easier, but it also means less cargo can be carried before rear-window visibility is obscured. There’s a 28-square-inch underfloor storage bin with multiple compartments, but it’s only about two inches deep.
The Outlander’s best attribute is its noteworthy refinement. With sturdy construction and a chassis tuned for a nice compromise between comfort and body-motion control, it whips around without beating up its occupants. We like the way it steers, too. The responsive steering combined with this little ute’s reasonably compliant suspension, 60-series tires, and well-bolstered seat will have you driving as though you’re in a compact sports sedan.
There are two trim levels, LS and XLS. Standard features on both models include power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, and an audio system with a CD player. Keyless entry, see-through headrests, and 16-inch multispoke aluminum wheels are standard on XLS, whose options include leather seating surfaces, a rearview mirror with compass and temperature display, and anti-lock brakes. ABS is not available on the LS.
The Outlander is a likable, reasonably priced small SUV for owners with sensible expectations.
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