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Mitsubishi Outlander

 Overview:
    In a competitive market, the best plan of attack is to keep making your product better and better. This is the approach embodied by the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. The compact crossover has been given a refresh that increases its desirability in a number of areas. For young families who aren't willing to compromise style for versatility, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a very good choice for a small crossover SUV.

    A new nose is the most obvious of the Outlander's revisions. The proboscis was clearly inspired by the Lancer Evolution X, and it gives this Mitsu an aggressive edge that makes it an instant standout in a sea of lookalike crossover SUVs. The cabin has also been spruced up, with refinements that bring a more premium look  XLS and GT models get new chrome trim and an updated gauge cluster, along with new soft-touch materials on the dash top and door panels with stitched accents. Another addition is the high-tech Fuse hands-free link system; this setup allows you to access and play audio files and operate your cell phone via voice commands.

    The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander receives its first major update in 2010 since a redesign three years ago and carries over into the 2011 model year virtually unchanged. On the outside, the Outlander has more aggressive styling than its predecessor; changes include new front and rear fascias, hood, fenders and front mesh grille. Inside, there's a new LCD gauge display, and real-time traffic for the optoinal navigation system.
Trim Levels:

    The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV available in four trim levels: ES, SE, XLS and GT. The entry-level ES is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, full power accessories and reclining rear seats. An optional Convenience package adds alloy wheels, heated sideview mirrors, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack.

    The SE bumps the wheel size up to 18 inches and adds remote keyless ignition and entry, fabric sport seats, a six-disc CD changer, turn-signal mirrors, foglights and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Outlander XLS is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 and comes with all the above-mentioned features plus the Fuse hands-free link system, a third-row seat, automatic climate control, chrome accents in the cabin and voice-activated Bluetooth phone connectivity. The GT includes all these amenities and adds xenon headlights, exterior chrome trim, aluminum pedals, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system and satellite radio.

    Option packages, depending on the trim level, include the Sun and Sound package, which adds a sunroof and the upgraded audio system with satellite radio. Another is the Navigation package, which includes a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates (no subscription required) and digital music storage. A Luxury package provides xenon headlights, leather upholstery, front seat heaters and a power driver seat. A rear-seat entertainment system is a stand-alone option.

Powertrains & Performance:

    The Outlander ES and SE are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp and 167 pound-feet of torque. The XLS and GT have a 3.0-liter V6 good for 230 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered XLS and GT use a traditional six-speed automatic. Both have manual-shift capability.

    All Outlander trims are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The AWD system offers an unusual amount of flexibility for this class. ES, SE and XLS models allow you to toggle among 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock. With 2WD, power goes only to the front wheels to save fuel. With "4WD Auto," some power is always routed to the rear wheels up to 40 percent of available torque under full-throttle acceleration. Choose "4WD Lock" and the system sends a greater percentage of torque to the rear wheels -- up to 60 percent when needed, making it ideal when driving in especially slippery conditions, such as on ice and snow.

    The GT's all-wheel-drive system features an improved front differential and allows the driver to use a "Tarmac, Snow or Lock" selector knob to switch among modes, thus allowing for optimized traction on different road surfaces.

    EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2WD 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander are 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the four-cylinder engine, and 19/25/21 mpg with the V6. The AWD four-cylinder gets 21/25/22 mpg, while the AWD V6 gets 18/24/20 mpg.

Safety:

All major safety features are standard on the Outlander, including antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Whiplash-reducing front head restraints are also standard.

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset and side-impact crash tests, the Outlander earned the top rating of "Good." In government crash tests, the Outlander earned an equally impressive five-star rating for frontal and side-impact protection.