2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWD Review By John Heilig

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor
The Auto Channel

Reviewed Vehicle: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Model: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWD
Engine: 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 224 hp @ 6,200 rpm/215 lb.-ft. @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length x Width x Height: 183.3 x 70.9 x 66.1 in.
Tires: P225/55R18
Cargo: 10.3/34.2/63.3 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row/3rd row down/2nd row down)
Economy: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22.3 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 15.8 gal.
Curb Weight: 3,571 lbs.
Sticker: $34,720 (includes $825 delivery, $6,100 in options)

The Bottom Line: Nice package. Called a small SUV but feels more like a mid-size. Excellent ride quality, especially when roads are snowy and slippery.

It’s winter, so with normal scheduling FUBAR, as in the past I should be provided with a convertible or a sports car to review. This year, however, when the weather has been ranked among the worst eastern Pennsylvania has ever seen, I have been blessed to review all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles.

This time it’s the Mitsubishi Outlander, which is easily distinguished from the Outlander Sport, which is a smaller vehicle. The Outlander has a nice AWD/4WD system with a knob on the center console that helps the driver choose. With snowy roads and parking lots, it was fun to be able to shift among ECO, Normal, Snow and Lock. I used ‘em all.

The 3.0-liter V6 engine is relatively quiet. With 224 horsepower, it has enough to get the Outlander moving along at a brisk pace, as well as to merge safely onto busy highways. We didn’t have many opportunities to use all the power because of the white roads. The same problem existed with the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. When your primary concern is just keeping the wheels on the road and the shiny side up, you don’t have a lot of time to play sports car.

On the plus side, I had all-wheel drive when I needed it, and I did need it a few times.

Ride quality is good. The front seats are comfortable on long rides. There isn’t a lot of side support with the seats, but there is enough to keep you in place. The rear seats offer very good leg and knee room and head room. There’s a fairly flat floor for the middle passenger in the second row. Third row legroom is tight. As with many three-row vehicles, the third row is more of an afterthought. It’s ideal for smaller passengers.

However, when the third row seat backs are folded flat, there are 34.2 cubic feet of storage capacity, which is an excellent number. With the third row seats up, cargo drops to 10.3 cubic feet, and it is tight back there. It’s okay for grocery bags, but not anything much larger.

The Outlander’s instrument panel is essentially generic, with a larger tachometer and speedometer and an information panel in between. The audio system is good and the navigation system is easy to program once you figure out how to get there.

The nav system uses a 7-inch touch screen that includes 3D mapping and real time traffic alerts, part of the $6,100 GT Touring package.

Of primary importance in the frigid weather we “enjoyed”, the heater worked well. The front seats are heated as well, which is nice.

For storage, there’s a cubby at the base of the center stack that is ideal for holding the keys with the push button stop/start Outlander. You can also stow them in the door pull.

There’s a small arm rest/center console that includes the USB plug and a 12-volt outlet. All rows have cup holders and there are water bottle holders in all four doors. For assistance in entry and exiting, there are assist handles over all four doors.

I remember back in 2002 when the original Outlander was introduced in Oregon. I remember at the time my impression was that it was a solid SUV with everything you could want. Like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the present generation Outlander fills the bill. It doesn’t disappoint in any way and delivers all you want.

© 2014 The Auto Page