Safe & Stylish: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
With its blend of pleasing styling both inside and out, the convenience of seating for seven occupants, high-tech safety features and above average fuel economy, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is a highly-functional crossover/SUV that's offers a tremendous amount of versatility and features at a budget-conscious price point.
Offered in ES, SE and GT trim levels, power for the Mitsubishi SUV is generated by a pair of very capable and fuel-efficient engines: a robust 2.4L four-cylinder mated to a high-tech continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or a workhorse 3.0L V-6 joined to a smooth-operating six-speed automatic transmission. The CVT has been recalibrated for 2015 to deliver more refined operation as well as improved response.
Along with the more powerful V-6 engine, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander owners benefit from Mitsubishi motors exceptionally capable Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system as part of the Outlander GT's standard equipment package (the S-AWC system is also available on the mid-grade Outlander SE trim level). The electronically-controlled Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system features the convenience of push-button activation as well as four distinct driving modes – the standard "NORMAL" mode, enhanced traction in slippery conditions with the "SNOW" setting, maximum traction in "LOCK" and an "AWC ECO" mode that maximizes fuel efficiency by operating primarily as a front-wheel drive vehicle that switches in a split-second to all-wheel drive when multiple sensors determine its necessity.
Another benefit of the S-AWC system is its included Brake Control technology. This helps to improve vehicle stability as well as steering response through the use of a yaw control sensor to more precisely control yaw rate by applying brake pressure on the inner wheel for improved vehicle stability and composure.
Rounding out the S-AWC system is the inclusion of an Active Front Differential (AFD) for precision delivery of power routing and control to the front wheels.
The Outlander has an aerodynamically sculpted body rides on a well-engineered platform that is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but possesses a very low coefficient of drag of only 0.33 – an extremely low number for a vehicle of its type. What's more, thanks to the use of high-tensile steel in the Outlander's body makes for a platform with exemplary structural rigidity as well as a very lightweight structure.
The control hardware features MacPherson struts up front with optimized shock absorber and spring settings configured within a front suspension subframe that not only reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) from entering the cabin but also provide a smooth and composed ride while soaking up road imperfections to maximum effect. At the rear of the vehicle is a multi-link rear suspension with finely tuned bushings within its trailing arms that has been optimized to provide a very smooth suspension stroke for improved ride comfort as well as to minimize NVH experienced by the vehicle's occupants.
Completely redesigned last year, the latest Outlander offers an all-new interior update featuring a more minimalist, contemporary-looking aesthetic for the instrument panel, along with greatly improved materials including high-grade soft-touch premium surfaces.
In addition, a long list of standard amenities for 2015 includes: automatic air conditioning with micron air filtration; a rich-sounding six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible audio system; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; convenient steering wheel-mounted audio system and cruise controls; halogen headlights; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; among many other welcome items.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 105.1; overall length: 183.3; width: 71.3; height: 66.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 166 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lbs-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm; 3.0L V6 – 224 hp at 6,250 rpm and 215 lbs-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm.
Transmission: continuously variable automatic (CVT), six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.4L four cylinder – 25 city/31 hwy. (FWD), 24 city/29 hwy. (AWD); 3.0L V6 – 20 city/28 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 63.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, FUSE hands-free link system with Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, hill start assist, active stability control, traction control, anti-theft security alarm, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system. SE adds fog lights, rearview camera, FAST-Key passive entry system, and One-touch start/stop engine switch. SE S-AWC adds active front differential. GT adds automatic super-wide high intensity discharge headlamps, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Optional safety features include: navigation system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and park assist sensors package.
Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV starts from $23,195 for the ES 2WD, upto $28,195 for the GT S-AWC. Destination charges add $850.
