2015 Mitsubishi Outlander GT
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT Review
A simple, affordable crossover that's perfect for city-dwellers.
Web2Carz Contributing Writer
Published: January 1st, 2015
Although the Outlander P-HEV plug-in electric is the hottest selling (it's the best-selling electric car that's not the Leaf) and the Outlander Sport has the sexier name (although "sport" must mean something different in Japanese; "shy and awkward," maybe), the Mitsubishi Outlander is the most sensible and practical choice, if you go in for that sort of thing.
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Exterior
The Outlander looks surprisingly contemporary, considering its design is now three year old. However, that may speak more to the dearth of interesting-looking crossovers than to the stylishness of the Outlander. Either way, for a box on wheels it doesn't look half bad.
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Interior
The Outlander's interior is strictly business. Its carpeted floor is about the only concession to luxury the Outlander makes. And ironically, it would be better without it. Because with a washable floor, the Outlander would be the exact car the Honda Element wanted - but failed - to be.
It's small enough to parallel park in the city, yet flexible enough to carry a camping trip's worth of cargo. And unlike the Element, the Outlander seats five, making it a practical vehicle for small families. Give it a plastic floor and it could become the favorite car of dog owners as well. And since they're clearly not worried about making the interior look fancy, why not go all-out utility? -
On the Road
You'd think that a vehicle this unfancy would be at best joyless to drive and at worst painful. But the Outlander is remarkably sprightly in its V-6 variant, and steering and handling, while certainly not remarkable, are good enough that even non-risk-takers can have fun. Bargain hunters opting for the four-cylinder option will still have plenty of power to get around town, and will get a few extra miles per gallon as well.
The Outlander offers excellent fuel efficiency, for a crossover. The V-6 only manages to achieve 28 highway and 20 city mpgs, but the four-cylinder will get you as high as 31/25. Not too shabby for a vehicle of this size. -
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't going to make you the envy of your neighbors, and it's not likely to be anyone's dream car, but for people who regularly need to carry several passengers (nonhuman included) and/or a bunch of stuff, but don't have a crossover-shopper's income, this might just be exactly the car you need.
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Specs & Prices
Engine: 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout: front engine, all wheel drive
Power Output: 224 hp / 215 lb-ft
Fuel Economy (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway
Price (base):$20,600
Price (as tested): $28,195 (includes $850 delivery fee)
Available Features: GT Touring Package: 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, sunroof,
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander, click here: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander.