Flash Drive

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

June 23, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWD

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is a spacious, 7-passenger SUV with great road manners.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is a spacious, 7-passenger SUV with great road manners.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 166 horsepower 162 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 24/City—29/Highway—26/Combined

Base Price: $26,995

As Tested: $33,095

Performance:

OK power, a little low for such a big rig

Eco mode for surprisingly good mpg

Many drive modes: AWD, Eco, Normal, Snow, Locking

Hill start assist

Forward collision mitigation

Leather seating surfaces are standard equipment. The front row is very comfortable.
Leather seating surfaces are standard equipment. The front row is very comfortable.

Lane departure warning

Locking differential

Smooth highway ride

Athletic off-road

Comfort:

Leather seating surfaces

Stretch-out front legroom

Excellent headroom

Large, oversized soft headrests

Medium thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic steering column

OK auxiliary controls

Heated front seats (hi/lo)

Second row seats move forward and back to better fit third row occupants.
Second row seats move forward and back to better fit third row occupants.

Snug third row seating

Almost no knee or legroom in third row

Thin third row backrest

Second row can be moved, but affect second row legroom

Adjustable recline for second row backrests

Excellent second row legroom

Very good second row head and shoe room

Minimal floor hump

Solid door shut

Utility:

Medium to large front door bins

Medium size, but deep center console bin

Medium, non-locking glovebox

The third row is best for children. Note the extra tall headrests.
The third row is best for children. Note the extra tall headrests.

Power liftgate

Flat cargo floor

Shallow bin under cargo deck for storing headrests

Second row seats’ bottom cushion spring-loaded for cargo deck

Second row seats fold totally flat

Medium rear door bins

Two vinyl seatback pouches

Four large overhead grab handles

Windshield wiper de-icer

WOW Factors:

Good value for a seven-passenger SUV

Nice Rockford Fosgate sound system

Speed sensitive variable wipers

Windshield wiper de-icer

Whines:

Odd, rounded lower corners of liftgate

The Outlander SEL has several drive modes to easily handle all types of road conditions.
The Outlander SEL has several drive modes to easily handle all types of road conditions.

Cramped third row seating

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is a big SUV at a price below many compact SUVs. It offers lots of cargo capacity and seven-passenger seating. The four-cylinder engine is a little underpowered, but it returns excellent fuel economy. The Outlander is smooth on the highway and competent in foul weather or on unimproved roads.