Next in our series of déjà vu reviews is the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander. We drove the then completely remade three-row family crossover from Mitsubishi a little over a year ago and, like so many other vehicles these days, the newest model receives some technology upgrades.
2017 Mitsubishi Outlander/Images courtesy Mitsubishi
While much of what is new in the ’17 Outlander is designed to keep me safe and more secure behind the wheel, the feature I actually appreciated the most and used the most was the heated steering wheel. Thank you Mitsubishi for the new blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert as well as forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, but I really liked the heat for my hands while driving as winter showed its face during my time in the Outlander.
To review, Outlander rides on a very smooth and stable platform offering occupants a surprisingly quiet on-road experience. The vehicle is easy to drive and easy to maneuver in parking lots and congestion. Blind spots are minimal and the multi-view camera system gives drivers a complete image around the vehicle. Outlander is powered by either 2.4-liter MIVEC inline four-cylinder or 3.0-liter MIVEC V-6. Our tester arrived with the former that was mated to Mitsubishi’s CVT gearbox. I will add here that while I am not a total fan of the CVT technology, Mitsubishi does a nice job of keeping the CVT harshness to a minimum for better driving experience.
Our powertrain generated 166hp and 162 lb. ft. of torque that we found to be quite adequate for our driving situations. Acceleration was ample when needed and speed was easily maintained on the highways and back roads we travelled. There was one thing that stood out while driving and that is the tight steering response. The Outlander has electric power steering and Mitsubishi engineers have it wrapped pretty tightly in the family crossover – more so than any other vehicle we have tested recently. Where this really showed itself was on the highways with the wind buffeting from large trucks. Other than that, our driving experience was pleasant.
Outlander is available in front- or four-wheel drive and Mitsubishi offers a new All-Wheel Control 4WD for entry level models. Our tester had only FWD so we did not get to experience this new feature but I would expect it to be popular in the northern states where Mother Nature really wreaks havoc on driving.
Of course one of the upgrades we really enjoy from Mitsubishi is the 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. It is integrated with the 7.0 smartphone link display system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio. Other amenities include push-botton start, power liftgate, sliding second-row seats, heated front seating, and did I mention the heated steering wheel?
Pricing for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander FWD with 2.4 MIVEC engine starts at $25,495 with this tester arriving with a final sticker of $30,390. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway but we actually saw better than that on a road trip we took.
Consumers shopping for a value-based family crossover should make sure they do not overlook the Mitsubishi Outlander. It checks off most of the boxes that will be on your wish list and still offers one of the best warranties in town.
We also wish Mitsubishi a hearty Happy Anniversary in 2017 as the automaker turns 100. Congratulations.
