POWELL BUTTE, Oregon - A completely revamped Outlander, and a new compact car this fall add up to a busy year for Mitsubishi. Although a total vehicle lineup of five may not sound like much, it's a 20% growth increase for Canada's smallest mainstream auto manufacturer.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has sold more than 50,000 vehicles since its 2002 launch. However, it was being left behind in a forward-moving segment continually establishing new levels of sophistication.
Returning this June, the Outlander was dramatically overhauled. Does it have what it takes to succeed in this fiercely competitive market? We travelled to the high desert of Powell Butte, Oregon to find out.
More subtle visually than the outgoing model, the Outlander's signature "shark-nose" is replaced by a simple chrome-strip grille. While the new front-end treatment is more refined, some character is lost in the process.
There aren't many curves or bulges in the sheet metal. Wheel arches are modest while a single character belt-line saves the
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander from slab-sidedness. It's sleeker overall -- most of which can be attributed to the design team's quest for greater aerodynamics -- and there's a 7% reduction in drag coefficient over the previous model.
The use of high-tensile steel helps this model shed over 100 kg which is of utmost importance in their segment-topping fuel consumption goal of 8.2L city/6.3L hwy (4-cylinder model).
Most dramatic improvement lies inside the cabin
The greatest area of improvement takes place within the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander whose interior has previously suffered from sub-par materials.
Gone are the cheap plastics. Instead of a dismal, dated cabin, the Outlander presents a stylish, modern dash featuring soft-touch materials, wood or piano black trim, and crisp chrome accents. A handsome centre stack features a 6.1” touchscreen.
Fit and finish are a quantum leap forward for Mitsubishi, but they're simply now on par with their competitors.
Prices won't be available until just before the June release date, but they're expected to remain similar to the current model's: ranging from $26,000 to $35,000.
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| Gone are the cheap plastics. Instead of a dismal, dated cabin, the Outlander presents a stylish, modern dash featuring soft-touch materials, wood or piano black trim, and crisp chrome accents. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
Seven-passenger, third-row seating available
Four trim levels are available, beginning with the base ES 2WD, with a 2.4L 166 hp 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission.
ES AWC (all-wheel control) adds auto 4WD lock, a glass sunroof, 18" wheels, leather seating, roof rails and fog lamps.
SE Models add a 3.0L, 224 hp V6 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission and third-row seating.
Topping the lineup is the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT with Super All-Wheel Control, featuring an active front differential which distributes torque left or right for stability during cornering. It also features a power lift-gate, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, a suite of safety technology, and an upgradeable SD-card-based Navigation system.
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| Leather seats are comfortably supportive, and the third row folds flat, creating 1,792 litres of cargo space. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
Segment exclusive V6 engine
Our top-spec GT accommodates up to seven passenger, but the tiny third row's only suitable for children.
Leather seats are comfortably supportive, and the third row folds flat, creating 1,792 litres of cargo space. Thanks to improved insulation and engine mounts, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander's cabin is quiet, without any undue noise or vibration.
Steering, while devoid of feedback, is nicely weighted and column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters are standard across the lineup.
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) has four different modes for a variety of conditions: Eco, Normal, Snow and Lock. Eco is designed for fuel efficiency, remaining in 2WD mode unless slippage is sensed.
Surprisingly, V6-equipped Outlanders are expected to be the volume-seller largely due to the 1,590 kg towing capacity. The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander has the last remaining V6 in its class, unlike the competition who have moved towards more efficient turbocharged 4-cylinders. The V6 is rated at an estimated 10.1L/100 km city and 7.1L hwy. A smooth and powerful drivetrain, the V6 has no trouble maintaining speed through the Oregon mountains.
We traded our GT for an ES AWC with the new "Smart MIVEC" engine, reengineered with a single overhead cam to be more fuel efficient. With 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque it's competitive in its segment, but lacks the refinement of the V6.
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| The V6 is rated at an estimated 10.1L/100 km city and 7.1L hwy. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
Although Mitsubishi claims new software simulates a "natural shift feel," the CVT still drones monotonously when pushed. The lack of a turbocharged 4-cylinder is puzzling, as the 2.4 feels underpowered on the inclines, buzzing and groaning in protest when pushed. However, if it lives up to its estimated fuel claim, buyers may find its lack of sportiness more than compensated by savings at the pumps.
A suite of new safety technology
A host of new technology is available on top-end 2014 Mitsubishi Oultander models including Brake Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM). We tried the FCM on a closed course -- driving towards a padded barrier at 20 km/h. The radar-based system sounds a warning, then brakes the vehicle to a complete stop, all without driver intervention.
Overall, the 2014 Outlander has evolved nicely, which still only brings it up to the level of its competitors. It's a tough segment to compete in, yet those looking for a decent soft-roader with seven-passenger capacity and boat-towing capability might find the V6 option a compelling reason to buy a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander.
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