Vehicle: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6 with Navigation and Entertainment Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40198

Performance: While the Outlander has 2 powerhouses, our tester comes with the uplevel V6 with 6-speed Sportronic. If you can live with a noisy racket that takes the Outlander from rest to 100km/h, thanks to Mitsubishi’s annoying CVT, then the 168hp 2.4 liter 4-cylinder might be an Outlander of choice. Its the 3.0 liter SOHC V6 with MIVEC that is the real deal in Outlander’s case. Even if the Outlander weighting in at 3780lb for our XLS AWD guise. This 230hp and 215 lb/ft of torque V6 is able to move the Outlander with authority off-the-line. The manumatic has to take the credit, as it has low enough gear ratios on 1st and 2nd for peppy acceleration. On the other hand, both 5th and 6th gears are tall enough for comfortable highway cruising. When it comes to general refinement and flexability, this V6 is on par with anything else on the top-tier Japanese and Korean counterparts. Its smooth, quiet and refined while its downright flexible when pushed. Unfortunately, the paddle shifters aren’t placed on the steering wheel. Which means it really neglect the use of the paddle shifters when entering and exiting a corner every time. What a pity. We had the same criticism with the Lancer Ralliart before, it doesn’t come as a surprise Outlander has suffered from the same poor execution of the paddle shifter location.

Handling: The most significant difference between 2010 and 2009 Outlander is the improvement to its AWD system. The new system is called S-AWC. Which has a button on the center console for driver to choose between “Tarmac”, “Snow” and “Lock” on different occassions. Its the same sophiscated system as standard in Lancer Ralliart and Evolution. While most consumers only care about the end result of an AWD system, that’s also the same reason why rubbish system like BMW X-Drive or reactive system like the one in Toyota Matrix still exist in the marketplace right now. What the S-AWC provides is a seamless yet effective system for any driver to choose on different situation. Its very obvious to choose “Tarmac” when the weather is sunny and “Snow” when its snowing outside. The “Lock” enables more power delivers to the rear wheels for better traction in heavy snow. In a nutshell, this is a very sophiscated and superb engineered system that put many others to shame.

As for the rest of the dynamic package, Outlander is a delightful surprise. While it all begins with a solid and strong chassis for suspension components to hang its heads. Its the well-calibrated suspension that provides decent balance of ride comfort and handling. The steering provides very good feel and feedback, with enough precision and responsiveness. The stability control acts as a 2nd line of defence to save any driver from rearing Outlander’s ugly heads below the AWD. There are safe understeer and body rolls as one expects from a crossover. When pushed the Outlander, it remains composed and confidence-inspiring.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the Outlander’s stopping distance is commandable. The brake pedal feel and modulation are much better than average. It doesn’t generate any fades after a couple of hard stops. We are also glad to see the ABS doesn’t step in at the wrong time at the wrong place.

Interior: The Outlander’s interior has been nicely executed for the most parts. Those leather seats provide decent thigh and side support for both driver and passenger. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, while the auto climate control is initutive and effective. What makes the whole Outlander interior falls apart has to be its use of plastic materials, which feel rather cheap and cheesy. Then it comes the navigation system that tends to be wash out during sunlight. Lastly, the interior design looks rather blend.

Just like all those crossovers and SUVs with the 3rd row seat. Outlander’s 3rd row is nothing more than a pathetic joke. Those cloth material is so thin and unsupportive, it makes me wonder why would anyone sit there. It also eats up the remaining luggage space when 3rd row is in place. Its best to leave it underneath while using those as cargo area.

In terms of cargo layout, Outlander has executed pretty well. With the tailgate opens a full 90 degrees with squared side sills, one can load all the luggage with ease. Its the split tailgate which makes the loading tougher into the luggage area. Another criticism is the rear glass doesn’t open independently, which it should.

Conclusion: Despite of my criticisms, the Outlander remains a worthy contender in the compact crossover segment. It combines bold looks, nice powertrain and a sophiscated AWD which put many other systems to shame. It is really a nice package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander V6
=====================================
Performance: 4.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5