2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Three Outlander trim levels can be had with front-wheel drive: the base ES, midlevel LS, and top XLS. A driver-selectable multi-mode four-wheel-drive system is also available, with a convenient switch located on the dash that allows drivers to go from 2WD to 4WD auto or 4WD locked at a 50/50 torque split.

Two engines are available. The ES models sport a 2.4L I4 engine that produces 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. The LS and XLS models upgrade to a 3.0L V6 that makes 220 horsepower and 204 lb-ft. The V6 is paired with a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission while the I4 uses a continuously variable transmission.

The Outlander is particularly versatile. The ES and LS trims come with 100.4 cubic feet of passenger volume for five adults with 39 cubic feet of cargo space in back. The XLS adds seating for two children in a diminutive third row. With all seats folded there is 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space to use for toting gear.

A nice touch is the two piece tailgate. The hatch pops open as expected, but leaves a short section still vertical. Fold this down and you have a "cargo extender" that will support 440-pounds. A hard plastic surface with cargo rails molded into both the tailgate and cargo deck make it easy to slide new purchases into and out of the Outlander.

Safety is built in with standard curtain and side-impact air bags for both the front and second row supplementing the front air bags. Active front headrests help to reduce injuries in rear-end crashes, and standard active skid control helps keep the vehicle pointed in the right direction. The brakes are all discs with ABS standard.

The sporty leather steering wheel available on the XLS offers controls for the audio, cruise control, and even a button to engage your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. We like the use of faux brushed aluminum trim on the wheel, dash, and side panels.

Impressive options include a 30-gig GPS system that can also be used to store music, and an available 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system.
A new 2.4L inline four-cylinder gas engine joins the Mitsubishi Outlander lineup for 2008. It is matched with a continuously variable transmission and comes standard on the entry-level ES trim, which is now available in both two- and four-wheel drive.

Remote keyless entry is a new standard item on the ES, while the Outlander XLS gets an auxiliary input jack and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. see less