The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was unveiled at the 2012 New York

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was unveiled at the 2012 New York auto show with a host of updates including a new front end and standard 18-inch alloy wheels. It will also come with a "Made in the U.S.A." sticker when it reaches dealer showrooms, its production shifting from Japan to the Normal, IL plant following the discontinuation of the Galant sedan. The compact crossover retains its characteristic “angry eyes” headlights and wide trapezoidal front grille, but gets a subtly revised front fascia. The bumper has been smoothed out a bit, and the grille and fog light surrounds receive new chrome trim. It’s a similar story in the rear, with a simpler, smoother bumper design. The restyled side sills are now colored black on all models to match the lower sections of the altered front and rear bumpers. All 2013 Outlander Sport also have the option of new exterior colors White Pearl and Quick Silver.

Also debuting on the 2013 Outlander Sport is a revised rear multi-link suspension, which Mitsubishi says will improve handling and ride comfort. The available CVT has been recalibrated to provide better acceleration and smoother shift feel. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with Mitsubishi’s FUSE hands-free Bluetooth phone system, come standard. The range-topping SE model adds a premium six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, HID headlights, as well as smart key passive entry and push-button ignition.

Base ES and SE models return for 2013, as does Outlander Sport's powertrain: a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission or CVT. Mitsubishi says another recalibration of the CVT for 2013 should improve acceleration and make shifts feel smoother. With the 2013 model, production moves from Japan to Normal, Ill. The Outlander Sport will also be exported to foreign markets. Production starts in July. Clicking on any image below will launch a larger photo gallery; you can browse through them by hitting the right and left arrow keys.Standard equipment on all Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors. The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM™ satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system

Mitsubishi Outlander 2012 with distinctive styling

The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is small crossover SUV with distinctive styling, advanced technology and a lively personality. The exterior is designed like a crisp sports sedan with a front end that hosts smooth textures and clean surface transitions and a rear that follows suit with ample glass and logical lines. An all-wheel drive system, high driving position and versatile cargo space make it a highly competitive vehicle in its class.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is available in four trim levels: the ES, SE, XLS and GT. Features on the base ES model include CD player, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control and a variety of safety features. The SE model adds a keyless entry and ignition, 18-inch wheels, a six-disc CD changer, fabric sports seats and steering wheel–mounted paddle shifters. The XLS model adds a third row seat, chrome accents in the cabin, automatic climate control and Bluetooth phone capability which is voice activated. The top of the line GT has all of the features of the other models and adds exterior chrome trim, xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, aluminum pedals, satellite radio and a Rockford Fosgate sound system.

Specs:

The engine in the Mitsubishi Outlander is dependent on the model. The ES and SE models have a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that can produce 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. The XLS and GT models have 3.0 liter V6 engine that can produce 230 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. The transmission in the four-cylinder vehicles is a continuously variable transmission with adaptive shift control while the transmission in the V6 vehicle is a six-speed automatic also with adaptive shift control. All models of the Mitsubishi Outlander are available as either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a super all-wheel drive version offered on the GT trim model. A feature of the all-wheel drive system is that it can be configured as either a two-wheel drive system when maximum fuel economy is desired or as four-wheel drive when slippery conditions require maximum traction.

Fuel economy for the Mitsubishi Outlander is rated by drive and engine type. Models with a four cylinder engine and drive that is front wheel are rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway while the same engine with all-wheel drive is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Models with the V6 engine and front-wheel drive are rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway while the same engine with all-wheel drive is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander features an uncluttered dashboard made of hard plastic panels as well as high quality materials that do not have a cheap look. The front and second row seats are comfortable even for long drives and spacious enough for taller adults. The optional third row seat increases the seating capacity from five to seven but clearly is designed for children. It is also somewhat flimsy in construction with a thin cushion and backrest that easily fold flat on the floor to increase cargo capacity.

Overall the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a vehicle with moderately sporty handling and a family-friendly design. It maintains its usability with style and value and is a pleasure to drive.

 

 

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.