Road Test: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is a vehicle that tries very hard to not be just another compact crossover SUV. Just check out that odd bit of black and silver plastic above the front grille.
Or consider that, despite its 183.3-inch length, the Outlander has three rows, whereas most competitors have two. While this might be a salient selling feature, in practice it reduces legroom in the second row and diminishes cargo volume to a Lilliputian 10.3 cubic feet when in use.
But give them points for trying. Besides, the second row has a comfortably high seating position, even if headroom is tight. The front seats are the roomiest, although they are relatively flat and lack support.
As it turns out, Mitsubishi's attempt at cramming three rows into a space better suited for two is its most unusual feature. The rest of the vehicle is unexceptional.
The Outlander's cabin is better than past Mitsubishi products, with a padded instrument panel and attractive piano black or wood trim. The 7-inch touch screen, part of an optional Touring Package, is lined on either side with an array of convenient, if small, buttons. A tuning knob for the radio is welcome, as are the clean, easy-to-read graphics on the screen.
The phone interface is poor, however. When in use, all screen information, including the clock, disappears. It just reads "telephone." It doesn't list to whom you're talking, or the phone number. Even worse, the system doesn't allow you to use other phone features while driving. Instead, you must use voice commands. Since the system never accurately understood my voice, I couldn't use the phone in the car.
Base models are equipped with a 166-horsepower, 2.4- liter single-overhead cam four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. GT models get a 224-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6.
The four-cylinder engine's power is adequate at best, furnishing just enough acceleration to prevent other motorists from getting impatient. It's aggravated by an Eco mode that slows performance even further. And flogging the engine only makes it moan louder, as the transmission sluggishly responds to your request for more power. Add road and tire noise, and you have a rather noisy cabin.
That said, if things go wrong, rest assured this vehicle is safe. It has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest safety award.
While there's nothing terribly wrong with the Outlander, there's nothing to recommend it over its many similarly priced competitors.
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