2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

PREVIEW

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Power comes from a either a 166 hp 4-cylinder with 162 lb-ft of torque, or a V6 that puts out 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. 2. New for 2014, the Outlander gets forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. 3. Fuel economy is rated at 25/31/27 city/highway/combined for the FWD four-cylinder, while the V6 gets 20/28/23. 4. A third row comes standard, and offers 28.2 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom.

It’s no secret that Mitsubishi isn’t doing so well in the North American market as of late. Looking to rebound they’re now attacking one of the largest and fastest growing vehicle segments, going straight for the sales jugular, with the new 2014 Outlander.

Left alone since 2007, for 2014 Mitsu has given its compact crossover a redesign to try and keep it relevant in an increasingly growing and competitive market flooded with new vehicles.

First off, the new look of the Outlander is heavily revised from its previous guise, the biggest change being the axing of the “shark nose” grille which has adorned many Mitsubishi products over the last few years. Overall, the design has taken on a slick look, which also contributes to better aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.33. The rear end does look a little disproportionate to the rest of the vehicle because of its wide haunches and long overhang, but it pulls together nicely in the back end with small, stylish taillights. A new beltline has been added to vehicle which gradually slopes up from the front to the rear, adding to the long, robust look of the Outlander.

INTERIOR

The inside of the new Outlander has been given the once over as well. New for 2014 is a six-inch touch screen, gloss black center stack surrounds, and a revised Rockford Fosgate 140-Watt Digital HD Radio. Simplicity abounds, giving the cabin a clean look, with no clutter to be found anywhere. It is a classic feeling dash layout, with no flair, except for wood or fake carbon fiber lookalike accents (depending on trim) pushed into the dash and doors.

The availability of a third row sets the Outlander apart from its competition, though the small jump seats in the back are really only meant for children or enemies, offering just 28.2 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom. Folding those rear seats flat into the floor is an easy affair, and once stowed, they are well hidden and offer no obstruction, along with 63.3 cubic ft. of total cargo room. With the third row up, only 10.3 cubic ft. of cargo room is available, though there is a small storage compartment in the floor that helps to stow away luggage.

UNDER THE HOOD

Two powerplants can be had in the Outlander, either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, or a V6 that churns out 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. While neither engine is new to the Outlander, the availability of a V6 is a big deal, as all of the Outlander’s major competitors have dropped their six-cylinder options, leaving the market full of naturally aspirated and turbocharged fours.

Mitsubishi only expects the take rate of the V6 to sit around 25 percent, but it is still an option that will no doubt draw some customers in from other brands – especially those disaffected RAV4 buyers who can no longer get a V6.

The only real challenger for what the V6 offers is a turbocharged four, particularly Ford’s EcoBoost. The 2.0-liter turbo that powers the Escape makes 270 lb-ft of torque, putting the outlander to shame when it comes to twist.