Flash Drive

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

March 6, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL AWC

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited Edition side profile demonstrates the conservative, but handsome styling.

Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 166 horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/29-mpg highway/26-mpg combined

Base Price: $27,995

As Tested: $32,060

Performance:

Good fuel economy for its size

Our best was 31.1-mpg highway

Smooth four-cylinder engine

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL has a large power tailgate with ample clearance for tall owners.

The optional V-6 offers more power

Pleasant highway ride

Eco drive mode button on dashboard

AWD (Mitsubishi calls it All Wheel Control) control button

Impressive array of modern safety features

Comfort:

Quite warm heated steering wheel

Medium thickness slightly contoured leather wheel

Good auxiliary controls

OK adjustment range on steering column

The cargo deck is flat and there is ample space with the third row seats retracted. A big stereo speaker resides in the left rear corner.

Two temperatures heated front seats

Stretch-out driver legroom

Less legroom for front passenger

Manual front passenger seat

Excellent second row legroom and shoe room

Second row seats slide considerably

Minimal floor hump

Adults can fit in second row middle position

Small, but soft center armrest

Third row seats best for children

The third row seats are best for children, but the second row can slide forward for more legroom.

Ample headroom

Second and third row seatbacks have adjustable recline

Third row backrest is pretty thin

Utility:

Power tailgate with ample clearance for tall people

Large front door bins

Medium size, but deep console bin

Big glovebox, but no lock

Medium sunroof

Efficient rain sensing wipers

Two large, flexible seatback pouches

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander dash is generally well designed although some controls are low and far away from the driver.

Split seats fold totally flat

Excellent cargo capacity

Bin under cargo deck for storing 3rd row headrests

WOW Factors:

Excellent Rockford Fosgate sound system

Affordably priced 3-row AWD SUV

Excellent camera system

Big cargo area

Great safety features

Whines:

Big grille detracts from otherwise handsome styling

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL is a comfortable road vehicle that can get more than 30 miles per gallon.

A little underpowered

Some auxiliary controls hard for driver to reach

Inexpensive carpet in cargo area

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is the company’s largest SUV with seating for seven. The Outlander is a very solid value with lots of great features, comfort, and space at a price that beats many smaller SUVs.