Even though the Outlander fits in with the smallest category of SUVs, there is the availability of a third-row seat, albeit a small one, for two children that raises seating capacity to seven people.
With the back-row seats folded there is 72.6 cubic feet of space. The rear cargo area is accessed via a liftgate, plus there is also a 10-inch tailgate that drops down. The tailgate will hold in excess of 400 pounds.
There are four trims — ES, SE, XLS and GT — with base prices starting at $20,840 for a front-wheel-drive ES and topping out at $29,250 for an all-wheel-drive GT. We drove an all-wheel-drive SE with a base price of $23,940. Mitsubishi actually calls its all-wheel function “all-wheel control.” Except for the GT, the AWC can be activated by a switch between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and a 50/50 split between front and rear power.
Speaking of power — note the segue — the standard engine is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that is mated with a continuously variable transmission. The engine is sufficient, if a bit pedestrian.
An optional 230-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (the only engine with the GT) would be a better performance option.
While the Outlander does have limits on some features — power driver’s seats are even optional — add-on packages are reasonably priced. For less than $2,500 our test car had a sunroof, upgraded stereo with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, the third-row seat, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling and iPod connection, among other items.
Good looks and good value make the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander an SUV to consider.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.
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