2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
Halfway through this review, I realized I was convincing myself — one paragraph at a time — that I actually don't like the Mitsubishi Outlander, so I had to reverse course. See, the utilitarian in me wanted to give the crossover a thumbs-up. It's strong on all the practical fronts a family-minded shopper ought to weigh: cargo and seating versatility, reliability, safety, gas mileage and overall value. But so are a number of prominent competitors, and it's when you compare the Outlander with those vehicles that you realize you're left with a car that's far less refined than it ought to be. As a utility vehicle, the Outlander gets the job done. As something you and your family can enjoy day in and day out, it may not be the best choice.
The five- or seven-seat Outlander comes in front- or all-wheel drive (click here to compare it with the 2008 Outlander). Trim levels include the four-cylinder ES and SE, and the V-6 XLE. Last year's LS trim is gone. I drove an all-wheel-drive SE, but I've also driven a V-6 version, a couple years back.
- Not Too Quick
- But Still Fun
- Cabin Quality
- Cabin Quantity
- Reliability, Safety & Pricing
- Outlander in the Market
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Not Too Quick
The four-cylinder provides adequate, if noisy, power. A continuously variable
automatic transmission is standard; it's not the quickest responder around town,
taking its time to gin up the proper
But Still Fun
Green-light power isn't the only ingredient in driving fun — just test a car
like the non-turbo Mini Cooper or even Mitsubishi's base Lancer. The Outlander
is fun in the same kind of way: The st
Cabin Quality
So could the cabin. Well-appointed interiors aren't a Mitsubishi hallmark,
but the Outlander feels like one of the brand's shoddier efforts. Dashboard
plastics are hard to the touch and have a tex
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To unfasten
Hold the latch plate and push the button on the buckle.
Note
► As the belt retracts automatically, keep holding the latch plate while retracting
so that the belt stows slowly. Failure to do this could damage the vehicle.
Operating range of the keyless operation system
If you are carrying the keyless operation key, enter the operating range of the
keyless operation system, and press the driver’s or front passenger’s door lock/unlock
switch, the tailgate LOCK switch or the tailgate OPEN switch, the ID code for your
key is verified.
You can only lock and
