2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2009 Outlander, Mitsubishi’s entry into the small crossover market, is very similar to the version released in 2007, when it was significantly redesigned. The Outlander’s frame is a result of Mitsubishi’s partnership with Chrysler and the same as that used for the Dodge Caliber and Chrysler Sebring. A bit larger and more stylish and with a measurably stronger standard inline-four engine for the ES and SE trims than pre-redesign models, the 2009 Outlander represents one of the top values in its class. It's offered in three trim levels - ES, SE, and XLS - with either front- or all-wheel drive. It offers some 76.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

The Outlander’s base ES trim for '09 features the 2.4-liter, DOHC, inline four-cylinder (I4) MIVEC engine with the just-introduced Sportronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combo puts out 168 hp and gets an EPA-estimated 20/25 mpg in either FWD or AWD configuration. Standard ride, comfort, and convenience features for the ES include independent front and rear suspension with stabilizer bars, a center limited-slip differential, 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, the FAST-key remote vehicle unlock system, power windows and locks, tilt-wheel steering, a single-disc CD/MP3 player, and peripheral anti-theft protection.

For 2009, the midlevel Outlander SE also features the 2.4-liter engine and CVT along with such standard extras as 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, foglights, sport fabric seats with leather bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch premium sound system with six speakers and Sirius satellite radio.

For the top-end XLS trim, the Outlander offers a 3.0-liter, 220-hp SOHC V6 engine and the six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission standard. This engine gets an EPA estimated 17/24 mpg with FWD and 17/23 with AWD. In addition, the ’09 XLS offers third-row fold-flat seating, leather-appointed front upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 140-watt CD/MP3-capable in-dash stereo, Bluetooth hands-free communication technology, power folding outside mirrors, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and paddle shifter.

Optional equipment for the ’09 Mitsubishi Outlander features, among other things, a power sunroof, six-disc CD/MP3 player and upgraded speakers, and alloy wheels for the ES, as well as a navigation system, DVD rear-seat entertainment, and full-leather front- and second-row seating for the SE and XLS trims.

An impressive list of standard safety features for the Outlander includes four-wheel ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), side impact and side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitor, and Refined Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction. The 2009 Outlander received five stars in front and side impact crash tests.

Owners of the ’08 Outlander report a significant noise level in the cabin and some bemoan the lack of more standard features in the ES trim as well as the lack of an available back-up sensing system. On the other hand, most owners are quite pleased with the mileage they get in their '08s and find the ride quality, handling, and braking outstanding. Both interior and exterior styling is another plus mentioned by Outlander drivers.

By Eric Tallberg