2007 Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

3:35 min

Business up front, party out back - like the much maligned mullet from the 80s, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is an attempt to offer the best of two worlds that typically don�t mix well. You need features like a third row seat, occasional seating for seven and ample storage space but you want a car that looks good, has a decent stereo and is reasonably quick. Just in time for anti-minivan rhetoric to reach a fever pitch, Mitsubishi offers a stylish, sporty and all new version of the Outlander. It's a compelling package that will have many young families rethinking their next Toyota purchase - minivan or otherwise. While other compact and midsize SUVs opt for more formal and squarish rooflines, this Mitsubishi strikes a more rakish silhouee accented by bulging fenders and an almost sneering front end treatment. It just looks meaner than SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV - a definite advantage in a segment crowded with "me too" look-alikes. While it's not exactly a modern interpretation of an IROC Camaro, the Outlander does back up some of its aitude with a 220-hp, aluminum block V6. In fact, it's now the only available engine. The 3-liter V6 combined with a six speed automatic transmission and part time all wheel drive had us expecting blistering 0-60 runs but our best run was an adequate 8.2 seconds - a full second behind the RAV4. The Outlander doesn't exactly feel quick but there's plenty of power for passing on the open highway and the motor is both smooth and quiet. We also like the steering which feels much quicker than in the previous Outlander and delivers a tight turning circle as well. Braking was another story altogether. Despite the standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, overall pedal feel was unremarkable. And the 128 feet it took to bring the SUV to a stop was equally unimpressive. Both the RAV4 and Mazda CX7 come to a stop much quicker. At the slalom, the Outlander was stable and predictable with much beer speed and grip than we'd have guessed given its high center of gravity. With a 61.3 mile per hour run, it's several ticks behind the CX7 but still proves to be an entertaining drive. Inside, there's plenty of aractive surfaces and most controls are easy to use although some simply feel low budget compared to Honda and Toyota interiors. Our XLS with the luxury package came with leather seats and aractive contrasting white stitching. Unfortunately, the boom cushion is a lile too flat and firm to be really comfortable. Rear seat booms are also slightly short which diminishes thigh support, and at 36.8 inches, the Outlander's rear leg room measures an inch-and-a-half less than the RAV4's rear foot well. However, the rear seat is raised theater-style, offering back seat passengers a slightly beer view of the road ahead. Both second and third row seats fold allowing for a spacious cargo area and we especially like that the rear hatch is split into two sections making it easier to load heavy cargo. It also makes a slight "tailgate" if you fold the lower part down. Third row seats and tailgates are fine for practical chores - thankfully, the Outlander has the fun covered too with an optional 650 wa Rockford Fosgate stereo. Throw in another $1800 for a nav system you'll get the benefit of a hard drive that lets you use up to 6 gigs for stored music. That stereo also includes Siruis satellite radio and an auxiliary jack for connecting hand held MP3 players. The redesigned 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is beer looking than most other crossover SUVs and offers many compelling features like a killer stereo and a unique fold down tailgate. It doesn't necessarily top the competition in any one area but it does provide all the expected versatility of a midsize SUV with a lile extra style - and that will likely make many owners very happy.