Mitsubishi Outlander

For 2009 the Mitsubishi Outlander ES 2WD had a 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower and CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) as standard. It easily seats 5 with a host of safety features such as ABS, traction control, anti skid system, curtain, side and front airbags. An amazing multimedia system is on the option list that includes a navigation system and a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. The 4 cylinder engine fitted to the Outlander ES model is capable, although hardly exciting. The rise is average for the class and handling is sharp. Unfortunately levels of engine, wind and road noise are all higher than expected. There is plenty of leg and headroom and seats are comfortable even over long distances. Reliability is above average and there is plenty of cargo space (particularly in 5 seat models). Fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 25mpg highway is reasonable for the compact SUV class. It seems as if the Mitsubishi Outlander does everything reasonably well and nothing badly. It is a solid compact SUV that offers little in the way of innovation or outstanding abilities. Not a vehicle to worry the class leaders like the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4.