Susan Frissell
www.womenwithwheels.com

Our test 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL SUV came equipped with all that is new in technology today, and for a total vehicle price of $32,390, this SUV is one of the best deals on the market. It may take some buyers a fair nudge to walk into the Mitsubishi showroom, but remembering the reputation Mitsu engines have had in the past might be a motivator.

Granted, the car as a whole, while a nice enough SUV, may not appeal to many who go after brand names and quality construction. The SUV seemed a little lighter weight (with a tinny sound?), but is an improvement over previous models. All around, the 2017 Outlander is an attractive SUV, and in Diamond White Pearl, a handsome ride.

2017 Mitsu Outlander SELinterior

Options on our test SEL included the SEL Touring Package, including multi-view camera system, forward-collision mitigation adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Auto high beam, LED headlights, heated steering wheel, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist ($4,000). Other standard safety features include Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Electric Parking Brake, Traction Control Logic and Stability Control, as well as ABS.

The Outlander is available in four trim levels: ES, SE, SEL, and GT. The ES trim which comes with the 2.4-liter engine is the entry level vehicle. When opting for the SE and SEL trim levels, expect more features, but with the same engine. Top of the lineup belongs to the GT S-AWC, equipped with the larger V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. All versions-except top-of-the-line GT S-AWC, come equipped with optional front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The GT S-AWC is only available with all-wheel drive.

A three-row crossover SUV, the Outlander seats up to seven people and can be configured in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It can be optioned with one of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (166 hp., 224 lb-ft torque), or a 3.0-liter V-6 engine (224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque). The lower trim levels and smaller engine are equipped with a CVT transmission; the 3.0-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. After several delays, a PH EV version arrived this summer.

NHTSA gave the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander a 5-star rating overall, in the all-wheel-drive version, and a 4-star rating in the front-wheel-drive version.

The Outlander SEL comes equipped with the 710 Rockford Forgate Premium Audio System, with nine speakers (including a good size speaker in the trunk). Of course, all is power, including windows, doors and mirrors. The outside mirrors fold in when out of the vehicle. We think this is a feature that should be standard in all vehicles today, given the size of the mirrors. Rearview camera is also standard, and needed with today’s larger vehicles.

Other features expected, and standard on the Outlander SEL include fog lights, heated and power adjustable side view mirrors, Shark fin antenna and silver roof rails.

The Outlander features a 7.0-inch Smartphone Link Display, audio system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Inside, the Outlander has a standard cloth fabric interior with a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat and a 50/50 split-folding third-row seat. The center stack features a standard multimedia system that includes a 6.1-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, and a USB port. It can be upgraded with a 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, along with the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel, power windows/locks, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Leather-trim upholstery, a FAST-Key passive entry system, push-button start, a heated steering wheel, and power/heated front seats are available as well.

Some of the new updates for 2017 include updated technology, including support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a suite of updated safety technology.

Those things appealing to many buyers include decent fuel efficiency, a relatively quiet cabin, lots of interior space and comfortable seating. Styling also gets an A for 2017. What they may not appreciate are build quality-the SUV has a flimsy, tinny feel to it. When adding passengers, the vehicle feels loaded down and the engine strains. This 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is too small an engine for this SUV. And, with many 7-passenger SUV’s, the third row is small.

The Outlander received a front-end facelift, matching the other Mitsubishi models with the “Dynamic Shield” concept. It gets plenty of outside chrome accents and gloss-black surfaces. Silver garnishes at the front, sides, and rear contrast the black-clad underbody trim. It is a much updated and needed redo.

Key competitors for the Mitsubishi Outlander include Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Didge Journey, Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4.

Specs

MSRP: $27,495, total vehicle price $32,390, options $4,000
Engine: 2.4L, MVEC SOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder, 166 hp.
Transmission: CVT w/OD (available six-speed in GT trim model)
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 184.8 in.
Width: 71.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3,373 lbs.
EPA Fuel Economy: 24/29 mpg., avg. 26 mpg.
Tires: 225/55R18
Wheels: 18-inch two-tone, alloy, wheel arch moldings
Tow Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Warranty: 10 yr./100,000 miles powertrain, 5 yr./60,000-miles new vehicle limited, 7 yr./100,000-miles corrosion perforation, 5 yr./unlimited Roadside Assistance.