2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Is a Pleasant Surprise

Gear Diary is reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

You can learn more by clicking here.

This review is on the new 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover utility. Yes, Mitsubishi still makes vehicles for the U.S. market, it was Suzuki that left a couple years back. And while pickings are few in a Mitsubishi showroom, the seven-passenger Outlander CUV is a model not to be overlooked when shopping this segment (looking at you, soccer moms).

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander GT/Images courtesy Mitsubishi

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander GT/Images courtesy Mitsubishi

The Outlander was all-new for model year 2014 but it suffered from a very substantial indignity – its front fascia was, well, butt ugly. For 2015 the front end has been quickly redesigned and the new, improved Outlander is once again pleasant to look at. The new model also comes with a wide array of new technologies and a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines in front-wheel drive or Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC, better known as all-wheel drive).

2015mitsubishioutlanderdrive

Our recent tester arrived in GT form with the latter powertrain configurations, meaning it was stocked with a 3.0-liter MIVEC V-6 backed by six-speed automatic gearbox and rolled in S-AWC form and included an active front differential and Sporttronic steering wheel paddle shifters. Power output is 224hp and 215 lb. ft. of torque, which is low by today’s standards. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

2015mitsubishioutlanderside

The chassis is very tight and quiet. I was amazed at how smooth the driving experience was from a mere “Mitsubishi” as engineers have really done their homework and have delivered a CUV capable of competing in today’s marketplace. On the road the vehicle handles very well and is quite effortless to operate. The Outlander handles the corners very well and soaks up changing conditions in the road surface with the best in the segment. And did I mention it is surprisingly quiet?

2015mitsubishioutlander2

Mitsubishi offers the Outlander in ES, SE and GT trim levels with Premium and Touring packages offered as upgrades for SE and GT models. New technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning on top of a full host of amenities such as active stability control, hill start assist, traction control and side curtain airbags.

2015mitsubishioutlanderinterior

Our GT tester came loaded to the gills with creature comforts including leather seating with sliding and reclining second row, leather and wood interior trim with soft-touch instrument and door panels, push-button start/stop and FAST-key passive entry system, ECO mode switch, drive mode selector, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, color touch panel display, HD and Satellite radio and premium audio system.

Pricing begins at $23,195 for base ES model Outlanders with our GT S-SWC model coming in at $29.045. Mitsubishi gives a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on its powertrains and 5-years/60,000-miles for everything else. Our federal government gives the 2015 Outlander a 5-star overall safety rating.

2015mitsubishioutlanderrear

If you find yourself shopping for a seven-passenger CUV be sure to check out the new Outlander from Mitsubishi. It offers value, safety, convenience and good fuel economy in a quiet, comfortable, pleasant platform.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!


About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.