BETTER THAN EVER
Mitsubishi Outlander GT impresses with exterior flair
To compete in the mid-size SUV/CUV segment, you need seven-seat capacity, a flexible interior configuration and certainly curb appeal. Mitsubishi has all that and more in its bigger all-new 2014 Outlander.
Slick accurately describes the exterior styling of the 2014 Outlander. It has a completely redesigned look that distances itself from the previous generation’s entry-level Lancer, and cuts a more futuristic, upscale design profile. The standout feature of the exterior sheetmetal is a streamlined front fascia, accentuated by a more urban design that emphasizes a seven percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. The new body also sheds 200 pounds. Under the slick new suit, my
Outlander GT test vehicle came equipped with the 3.0L V6; a 2.4L four is the base engine for non-GT models. The 3.0L V6 doesn’t deliver neck-snapping acceleration, but unless fully loaded with passengers and cargo, it provides adequate acceleration. Standard Outlanders have a continuously variable transmission, and my V6 GT had a six-speed automatic that shifted smoothly.
Super All-Wheel Control (SAWC), optional on the Outlander SE, standard on my GT, is lighter and more efficient than previous offerings. If you press the Eco fuelsaving button while the car is in four-wheel-drive mode, it blocks off the two rear wheels unless slip is detected, and then all four work to regain traction.
On-the-road handling performance and ride quality are bolstered thanks to newly added front suspension subframes and strut top mounts for increased stiffness. The multi-link rear suspension is upgraded from the previous Outlander, and includes new suspension arms for reduced unsprung weight, smoother suspension stroke and improved ride comfort
Progress has been made with the interior of the 2014 Outlander Mitsubishi. Upon initial inspection, the first things that pop are the surfaces, chiefly the soft-touch instrument panel, grained plastic surfaces, cloth/leather seats and fingerprint-magnet gloss black center console panel. The reconfigured interior with improved comfort/ergonomics and storage is a plus. The revised configuration permits up to 128.6 cubic feet of passenger room, and the fold-flat seats (second and third row) have been improved. Seating in the split-fold third row is kid-friendly only. The second splitrow has improved head and foot room and the seats have improved bolstering over past efforts.
Upscale appointments included as standard equipment are a high-resolution meter cluster; air conditioning with micron filter; a powerful six-speaker AM/FM/CD/ MP3 audio system; privacy glass, cruise control; tilt and telescopic steering, and a newly designed steering wheel.
Some of the Outlander’s equipment included a six-inch touchscreen display audio system; rearview camera system; HD radio; fog lamps; 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; FAST key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch; and Mitsubishi’s FUSE Handsfree Link system with USB that allows voice activation of iPod and cell phone via simple voice commands.
Every 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander includes Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Hill Start Assist (HSA); Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPMS); anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
The 2014 model has a roomier interior furnished with better materials, and bold exterior styling.