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2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Expert Review By Larry Nutson


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2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
Another three-row SUV choice

Review By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel


The choice of new vehicles offered on the U.S. market today is a virtual smorgasbord. Trying to decide on how to “fill your plate” can be mind-boggling. My typical approach to a buffet meal is to scan the table from one end to another before I start to choose.


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Today when it comes to car or truck or SUV shopping scanning the buffet is pretty easy to do right at home on the web. And the good news is there’s something for everyone.

Mitsubishi is one of those brands that has a place in the market although it may not be one of the big players. Folks are shopping and buying Mitsubishi vehicles as shown by total sales in 2016 being up one percent, making for four consecutive years of annual sales growth. And, overall Outlander SUV year-over-year sales are up 39.5 percent here are the final 2016 US Sales year-end results.


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Last year about this time I drove the 7-passenger 2016 Outlander 3.0 GT. This is the top of the line model, the only one powered by a 224HP V6, with all-wheel-drive and is now priced starting at $31,695 for 2017.

This time around I was in the 2017 Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWC priced at $27,495. It’s one of six Outlanders with the 166 HP 2.4-L engine offered in two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $23,495 for the ES which is now available with a lower cost AWD system that costs only $1000 additional. The SE and SEL step-up for AWD is $2000.


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In 2016 the Outlander was freshened with a new exterior design and new interior appointments as well. New for 2017 are some additional interior updates and improvements, as well as the new entry level All-Wheel Control 4WD system on the ES, infotainment and connectivity upgrades, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Mitigation System with Pedestrian Detection.

Some new convenience items include a wiper de-icer standard on all 4WD trims, a heated steering wheel (which I commented a year ago as needed, thank you), an electric parking brake, automatic high beam headlights and multi-view camera system.

For 2017 the Outlander seven-passenger crossover has been named an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipient for the fourth year in a row when equipped with optional Touring Package. The Touring package is offered on the top two trims, the SEL and GT. It has a $4,400 price on the SEL and $1500 on the GT due to its higher level of standard equipment. We expect that over time these driver-assistance safety features such as forward collision mitigation will come down in cost and eventually become standard on all vehicles.


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On the fuel economy front the 2017 Outlander SEL that I drove, which was with all-wheel drive, is EPA test-cycle rated at 26 mpg combined, with 24 city mpg and 29 highway mpg. The two-wheel drive Outlander gets one mpg better in both ratings.

I might also mention that all Outlanders are certified as low emission vehicles so you can be proud of being “green” and, as an added benefit, if your work in a LEED certified building you might get a parking space closer to the front door.

More information, trim levels and specifications on the 2017 Outlander can be found at www.mitsubishicars.com. And, you can compare the Outlander to other midsize 7-passenger SUVs right here at TheAutoChannel.com.


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Overall the Outlander is a good value. It’s a roomy 7-passenger SUV with plenty of rear cargo room, growing from 10.3 cu.ft. behind the 3rd-row, expanding to 34.2 cu.ft. with it folded and to 63.3 cu.ft. with both rows flat. There’s lots of versatility here. The 2.4-L engine delivers modest acceleration as well as fuel economy. That said, depending on how heavily loaded you use an SUV and the terrain you routinely drive it can be just fine for many.

Towing capacity is only 1,500 pounds on the 4-cylinder models, but the V6-powered GT can handle 3,500 pounds. From my year-ago GT driving experience, this is the model to get if you tow a lot and haul a lot of people and stuff.

There’s also a good warranty to take into consideration. It’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile overall.

There is a recent recall on the Outlander affecting older models from 2011, 2012 and 2016 model years. The rear hatch lift gate can suddenly fall on people because the outer tube on the lift gate supports may not have been treated properly to prevent rust. That can make the tube corrode when exposed to road salt and water and allow the gas that holds up the hatch to leak out.

But, recalls are a fact of life today. Stuff happens.

I hope you enjoy your buffet selection.

Learn More About Mitsubishi Vehicles

© 2017 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

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