2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
The smart choice
Life can be plenty complicated as it is so wouldn't it be nice if, say, choosing your next vehicle were easy? Thankfully, it can be - assuming you're ready to learn about what the Mitsubishi Outland has to offer. This seven-passenger SUV may not be the obvious choice but it's certainly a smart one. That's because the Outlander boasts real off-road chops, a feature-rich cabin, and one heckuva warranty.
For 2017, the Outlander gets a number of upgrades that make it an even more compelling choice. The previously optional 6.1-inch touchscreen and rearview camera are now standard and the 2017 Outlander is now available with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Other new additions to its feature list include automatic high beams, a 360-degree camera system, and heated steering wheel.
Performance
Choice is a good thing, which is why the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered with two available powertrains. ES, SE, and SEL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that dishes out 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. In place of a traditional setup, the 2017 Outlander delivers power by way of an efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). For 2017, ES, SE, and SEL can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive while AWD is standard on GT models.
Speaking of the GT, it kicks things up a notch with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. The GT keeps things a little more conventional with a six-speed automatic. There’s even a set of paddle shifters for greater shift control, which only adds to the Outlander’s already impressive handling.
Part of what makes the 2017 Outlander such a compelling choice in the compact crossover segment is its excellent fuel economy. Four-cylinder, FWD models earn an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (25 city/31 highway),* while all-wheel drive four-cylinder models earn slightly less. Last but not least, the V6-powered GT returns 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway). *
Features
Providing top value has always drawn customers to the Mitsubishi brand, and the 2017 Outlander is no different. This stylish and capable compact crossover starts at $23,495** and is available in ES, SE, SEL and GT trim levels.
Despite occupying a position at the base of the lineup, the Outlander ES comes with a wide array of standard features. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights and taillights, and heated mirrors. Other standard convenience features include full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel.
For technology buffs, the 2017 Outlander features Mitsubishi’s “Fuse” voice-command system, which allows you to speak aloud phone and audio controls. The 2017 Outlander even allows you to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth® and stream both calls and music directly through the Outlander’s six-speaker sound system. A rearview camera and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display are also standard.
Moving up to the SE nets you all the ES’ standard equipment and adds foglights, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless ignition and entry, a color trip computer, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, upgraded seven-inch display, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ smartphone integration.
The SEL adds roof rails, gloss-black interior trim, leather upholstery, and a power driver seat.
The top-of-the-line GT gets all previous content (where applicable) and access to a few exclusive features. These include LED headlights, silver roof rails, chrome exterior beltline accents, shift paddles and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Design
Up front, the 2017 Outlander greets the world with a large, gaping maw that floats up and into the chrome grille. At the side, the Outlander’s profile appears smooth and eager to glide through the air. While at the back, everything wraps nicely together thanks to standard LED taillights and a large crease that cushions the hatch, while also adding an extra bit of flair.
Inside, the 2017 Outlander is highly functional. It benefits from a simple yet sophisticated layout that places importance on livability and ease of use. A leather-wrapped steering wheel contributes to the former, while a 60/40-split folding second-row seat that slides and reclines, along with a 50/50-split third-row seat, contribute to the latter.
When it comes to carrying cargo, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t disappoint. There is 10.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row of seats, 34.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 63.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Safety
While design and technology garner a lot of attention from shoppers, what truly differentiates crossovers good from great are their standard and available safety features. This is another are where the 2017 Outlander fails to disappoint.
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, a driver knee airbag, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. For 2017, a rearview camera is now standard across all trim levels.
Drivers seeking additional safety features can select from a number of advanced technologies, such as lane-departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system. The latter can sense an impending frontal collision, alert the driver and if the driver fails to react, apply the brakes to reduce the severity of an impact.
Bottom Line
The 2017 Outlander enables drivers to take the road less traveled. Do you want spirited handling? The Outlander GT’s V6 has got you covered. Want the assurance of AWD? You can have that, too. Couple all of the above with a unique design and outstanding safety and the Outlander may just be the compact crossover SUV you were destined to drive.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
* EPA mileage estimate. Actual mileage may vary.
** Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license etc. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary.
Image: Mitsubishi