2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor new smart styling

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size crossover SUV with smart styling, a good build quality and a spacious cabin with plenty of room for five people and their paraphernalia. Like other SUVs in its class, the vehicle has the transportation characteristics and the elevated seating position of a traditional SUV, yet provides a smoother ride more like a car and better fuel economy. However, as is the case with other crossover SUVs, it is lacking when it comes to off-roading and heavy-duty towing capabilities.

The Mitsubishi Endeavor has two trim levels: the base LS and the luxury SE. Front-wheel drive only is available for the LS model while either front-wheel or all-wheel drive is available for the SE. The LS has many standard features that include air-conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a tilt-steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, full power accessories, an audio system with six speakers and a CD player and keyless entry. Additional features on the LS include leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a trip computer, power driver seat, front seats that are heated, automatic climate control, satellite radio, a Rockford Acoustics audio system with nine speakers and a six-disc CD changer and a flip-up glass rear window. Optional equipment on the SE includes a navigation system with backup camera and a sunroof. Both trims offer the option of a towing package.

Specs:

The engine in the Mitsubishi Endeavor is a 3.8 liter V6 that can produce 225 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a four-speed automatic with adaptive shift control and clutchless manual shift mode for both trim levels. Although the torque of the V6 engine gives the vehicle some reasonable power, the fuel economy pales in comparison. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Endeavor is rated at 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The rating for the all-wheel drive model is 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined.

The interior of the Mitsubishi Endeavor is spacious for five people with enough room to comfortably accommodate tall people and provides well-shaped seats that make long trips easier to handle. The cabin design is rather unusual with a boom-box like center console and blue lighting for the instrument panel. A low-grade hard plastic comprises much of the interior and overall material quality is lacking. Maximum cargo space of the Mitsubishi Endeavor is 76 cubic feet.

Safety features in the Mitsubishi Endeavor include front-seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and antilock disc brakes. The vehicle earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and five stars for side impact testing.

The drive of the Mitsubishi Endeavor is responsive and it handles well both on the road and off. The car-based chassis makes for a comfortable ride on the street and excellent handling of corners and is a well-balanced vehicle for the everyday running of errands and commuting.