For 2008, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers acompelling blend of driven-to-thrill dynamics, bold styling, and five-or seven-passenger versatility. Outlander features the §egmènt’s first flap-fold tailgate for easy loading and several user-technology firsts for the compact SÚV §egmènt. The Outlander is based on a new performance-engineered global platform derived from the foundation of the Mitsubishi Lancer and next-generation Lancer Evolution models. The Outlander LS and XLS models are powered by a new 3.0-liter 220-hp aluminum MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a six-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission (with magnesium §teering wheel paddle shifters in XLS models).

New for 2008, the Outlander ES model is now powered by an all-new, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 168-hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed wîth a new Sportronic CVT transmission. A new Outlander Special Edition model combines the economy of the 2.4-liter powertrain wîth upscale amenities and options from the V-6 XLS. Bringing innovation to the §egmènt, the Outlander was the first PZEV V-6 SÚV offered in the Ú.S. All Outlander models for the 2008 – the value-minded 2.4 ES, the well equipped 3.0 LS and the sport/luxury 3.0 XLS and 2.4 Special Edition – come standard wîth front-wheel drive and Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC).

All are available wîth an optional electronically controlled 4-wheel drive system – All-Wheel Control (AWC). Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control philosophy for Outlander combines sophisticated electronically controlled 4-wheel drive wîth ASTC and a tuned 4-wheel independent suspension, plus an aluminum roof that lowers the center of gravity for better handling response. On Outlander XLS and 2.4 Special Edition models, 18-in. aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. The versatile second row seat includes independently reclining 60/40 split fold-and-tumble seat backs. On XLS models, the standard underfloor-stowable compact third row seat folds flat into the floor when not needed. When lowered, the flap-fold tailgate can also serve as a seat for outdoor activities, wîth a capacity of 440 lbs. In all Outlander models, overall cargo volume behind the front seats measures 72.6 cu. ft.

Standard safety features for all Outlander models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) wîth occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags (front and second row), plus energy-absorbing head protection interior pillars, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) wîth electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). The standard FAST (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) Key entry system on Outlander Special Edition, LS and XLS models allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop by carrying the remote control.

Price: $19,990 – 25,210.
Invoice: $19,050 – 23,765.

High-tech options include a HDD 30-gigabyte navigation system wîth music server; a 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system wîth digital signal processing (std. on SE); SIRIÚS® satellite radio wîth six month pre-paid subscription; hands-free calling through Bluetooth® wireless technology, and an accessory DVD rear seat entertainment system wîth a nine-inch wide-format LCD screen. The navigation system now features Diamond Lane Guidance, an industry-first development that can include HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane information wîth directions.

Room

The next-generation Outlander is built on a 105.1-in. wheelbase that enables generous second-row legroom. A wide track, in addition to aiding in vehicle stability, also helps to increase hiproom. Careful attention to packaging the multi-link rear suspension, the fuel tank and spare tire enabled Mitsubishi to give the Outlander a lower cargo floor (23.6 in.) than in most competitors. Step-in is easy and car-like, yet Outlander provides a generous 8.5 inches of minimum ground clearance, which is more than most competitors. The 2008 Outlander offers ample room for five, or seven wîth an underfloor-stowable compact third row seat (XLS models) that folds flat into the floor when not needed. Five-seat models feature an under-floor storage compartment. The second-row seat features both a 60/40 split seatback and a 60/40 split seat cushion to balance customers’ needs for utility, passenger room and comfort.

Given the Outlander’s handling capability, Mitsubishi used front seats that are more like those in a sport sedan than an SÚV. The seats’ substantial bolstering gives the driver and front passenger the feeling of sitting in the seats rather than on them. The combination of the Outlander’s flat cornering performance and the sporty, comfortable seats help eliminate the top-heavy feel that even some car-based compact SÚVs can exhibit. The five-passenger Outlander models offer 39.6 in. of legroom, which is comparable to some larger SÚVs and sedans. The seven-passenger Outlander XLS models provide 36.8 in. of second-row legroom. The second-row seat cushions in three-row models independently offer a 3.15-in. fore/aft slide range to enable optimizing passenger room or cargo room as needed. In addition, the seatbacks also recline independently, allowing second-row passengers to tailor their own comfort.

What the passengers can’t see helps reduce what they hear. Strategic use of sound insulation materials includes a soft material behind the dash panel and inside the floor console. Blown foam is used as floor spacer material over a broad area, not just at seat mounts, resulting in a flatter, more uniform floor surface. With its hollow core, the material is lightweight, absorbs noise and serves as heat insulation, as well. The carpeting features a molded one-piece base material and non-phenol felt to seal snugly to the floor. Rear fender wells contain acoustic splash shields, and an outer panel stiffener is used in the cargo area floor.

Cargo Versatility

To expand cargo capacity and provide a flat load floor, the second-row seat backs fold forward and then the seats can be tumbled forward into the foot wells. Operation is easy – lower the headrests (no need to remove them), and then the seat will fold, slide and tumble forward in one easy motion. The second row seat incorporates a ‘why doesn’t everybody do that?’ feature: when returning stowed seats to the seating position, releasing the tumble locks activates two small lamps on the seat bottoms, illuminating the area behind the interior to aid operation in the dark or to light an exit path for third-row passengers. The lights turn off after 10 seconds.

The second row outer seats are fitted wîth the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), wîth anchors on the seats rather than the body, enabling the customer to slide the second-row seat holding the child seat to the preferred position. On third-row models, the third-row seat easily unfolds from the cargo floor: the seatback is raised first, then the headrests, followed by folding down the seat cushion. The thin profile of the third-row seat enables under-floor stowage without the seat protruding into the cargo area. The Outlander carries its spare tire underneath the vehicle, a location that aids weight distribution, and therefore handling.

Inner Space

Overall cargo volume behind the front seats measures 72.6 cu. ft.. With the second row seats up, cargo room measures 39.0 cu. ft., and 13.0 cu. ft. behind the third row seats on XLS models. The Outlander will carry two bicycles inside wîth their front wheels removed. Rear utility bars (XLS) built into the cargo area side walls, and four tie-down hooks, make it easy to secure large items or bicycles. The utility bars can serve as assist grips when passengers are using the compact third-row seat.

Body

Studying real-world compact SÚV usage convinced Mitsubishi to take steps to reduce the cost of repairing minor body damage. For example, the front bumper covers were divided into several parts in areas that are likely to be scratched or scraped, and painted in base colors. In front, the lower bumper fascia parts can be replaced without removing the rest of the bumper. The bumper extension can be replaced by itself if damaged, and all the lower parts use a color that helps to conceal small scratches. The rear bumper is likewise a multi-piece design, wîth side pieces that can be replaced independently of the others. The rocker panel cover also uses colors that can help hide small scratches.

Quality

It’s not enough to have great traction in poor weather or road conditions – you have to be able to see where you’re going. The Outlander helps provide a clear view in rainy conditions wîth aero-blade windshield wipers that use oncoming air to evenly distribute contact pressure along the blade. The wiper motor is upgraded over the previous model to provide 40 percent greater torque, improving wiper performance in snow.

Equipment

Generous standard equipment in Outlander ES includes: Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC); air conditioning; cabin air filter; ambient lighting monitor; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm system; keyless entry, and a powerful audio system wîth AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability and six speakers. An optional Convenience Package for the Outlander ES adds a number of exterior and interior enhancements, including: color-keyed door handles and side view mirrors; roof rails; rear privacy glass; 16-inch alloy wheels; §teering wheel remote audio switches; leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob; a driver’s seatback pocket; two additional 12-volt accessory outlets (one in cockpit, one in cargo area), and floor mats.

The manual climate controls are electronic for easy use and a high quality feel. Eight fan speeds give the customer more control than other manual systems generally offer. A standard clean air filter protects the interior of the HVAC unit from foreign items, (dry leaves, etc.), removes dust and pollen, and improves air quality in the cabin. The Outlander LS model, in addition to stepping up to V-6 power, includes all of the ES standard and Convenience Package items, along wîth a Bluetooth® cell phone-ready pre-wire switch. The Bluetooth system itself is available as an accessory on both the ES and LS models. Outlander XLS models add 18-inch alloy wheels; Sportronic® magnesium §teering wheel shifter paddles; underfloor-stowable compact third row seat; automatic climate control system; hands-free Bluetooth® cellular phone interface system wîth voice recognition; fog lights, and cargo area utility bars.

The 2.4-liter Outlander Special Edition features even more standard equipment than the XLS V-6 models, adding the Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system as well as unique interior trim. Exclusive to the Outlander 2.4 SE are new interior door panel trim and chrome door handles, chrome-accented exterior door handles and side sills, mesh fabric seats wîth leather bolsters, and high-contrast instrument gauges. Some Outlander SE features will be available on other Outlander models for 2009. The Sun and Sound option package for Outlander XLS includes a power glass sunroof and the Rockford-Fosgate audio system wîth SIRIÚS Satellite Radio. The Luxury Package available for Outlander XLS adds leather seating surfaces (front and second rows), heated front seats, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Outlander XLS also offers an optional hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system wîth Diamond Lane Guidance and a music server function; this system is available as an accessory on the ES and LS models.