The Mitsubishi Outlander is largely unchanged for 2006, following a series of significant upgrades for the previous model year.  There are some new safety features this year, side airbags and ABS, which are standard for all trims.

The Outlander is once again available in six variations, with three trims, each offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.  The LS returns unchanged, aside from the addition of the new safety items.  The mid-level XLS has been renamed the SE.  This style includes the same features plus some new interior trim accents.  The Limited trim now comes with automatic climate control.

All six Outlander variants house a 2.4 liter inline four, which produces 160 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission option for the SE and Limited, but a manual shift feature is included. The LS comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the automatic is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 21/26 mpg with the automatic and 21/27 mpg with the manual.

The Outlander gets a significant boost in the compact crossover SUV segment, thanks to the addition of ABS to all models. Test drivers continue to praise the Outlander for its car-like ride quality attributes and stable handling.  This SUV also offers solid driver and passenger comfort, with supportive and spacious seating and well-placed controls.  Both drivers and reviewers would still like some more power.