Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

To say that the Mitsubishi Outlander--a vehicle that's coming into its seventh model year since its last redesign--is one in every of Mitsubishi's best and brightest products goes far to illustrate what a dire scenario Mitsubishi currently has within the U.S. market.

For 2013, with a redesigned 2014 model waiting within the wings, the Outlander hangs in, managing to seem surprisingly recent-faced in terms of features, performance, and presentation. Thanks in part to a mild restyle—and the introduction of a sharp Outlander GT model—in 2010, Mitsubishi has kept this crossover up to date with some soft-touch surfaces and modern data screens within, additionally to the Outlander's usually faultless proportions and details. The Evo-influenced shark-like snout helps offer the design some punch, too.

Size-wise, the Outlander could be a compact crossover ute by U.S.-market sensibilities; yet judging by its interior it has a ton in common with mid-sizers—together with its third-row seat, which is simply too small for adults however doable for children.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) remain the motivation for base ES and mid-level SE models, however it's not a mix we can imagine visiting anything but price-acutely aware fleets. It's a reasonably miserable combination—each in quickness and in noise and vibration. Outlander GT models return with a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 that's just about the four's opposite—swish and refined, although not all that punchy at the low revs either. The six-speed automatic makes it quick and responsive and includes shift paddles. And the mixture really isn't that abundant worse for gas mileage.

Outlander SE models come with either front- or four-wheel drive, with the latter system as well as a locking center differential. On the opposite hand, the Outlander GT gets a version of the all-wheel-drive system of the Lancer Evolution and Ralliart models, complete with a user-selectable traction program with decisions between Tarmac, Snow, and Lock traction modes. It's a refined, road-oriented system, with an Active Front Differential and electronically controlled center diff, bringing an virtually uninterrupted flow of torque around tight corners. In GT form, the Outlander's hydaulic steering systems conjointly remains one amongst the best among crossovers—and if we have a tendency to required a three-row utility vehicle on a budget the GT may be one among our top picks from a driving standpoint.

The Outlander has sensible front buckets and space for adults to get comfortable on the second-row bench seat; however the tiny third row can be tight even for tiny youngsters. The second row is on tracks and slides to increase legroom or cargo space. A unique 'clamshell' tailgate, with a smaller portion that folds downward, can support additional than four hundred pounds for loading or sitting. And with both the rear rows of seats folded, the Outlander provides 73 cubic feet of hauling area.

Whereas the 2013 Outlander includes all the safety options you'd expect to seek out in this category, its safety ratings aren't a lot of to boast regarding. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Outlander principally 'smart' ratings, although it earns 'acceptable' in roof strength; and in federal NCAP tests the Outlander has earned four stars (out of 5) across all categories.

For 2013, the Outlander gets some additional features, including new heated exterior mirrors on all models and new normal heated front seats and FUSE Bluetooth connectivity on SE and GT models. Automatic climate control has been added to the SE's feature set, and SiriusXM satellite radio is currently a customary feature in the Outlander GT. Base Outlanders have customary air con, keyless entry, and a a hundred and forty-watt, six-speaker sound system, whereas prime-of-the-line GT models are luxury models purely by their feature set, with automatic climate management, a FUSE hands-free link system, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, leather seats, bi-xenon HID headlamps, and a a lot of powerful 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with 9 speakers and a large 10-inch subwoofer.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander