- 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Interior / Exterior »
What’s left here isn’t necessarily sporty, but it does lean in the direction of elegance–and its interior is simple, modest, and tasteful.
Inside, ‘simple’ is the word to describe the rather low-set instrument panel, which some may see as too plain or others mind find refreshingly straightforward. There aren’t a lot of buttons, and the layout and trims are spare, but not unattractive. At a time when almost every model tries to emulate luxury models, the Outlander cabin isn’t going above and beyond in design or materials, but it does feel warm and accommodating.
Going by its silhouette, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is pleasantly proportioned, if ordinary. Mitsubishi says that the new flowing front-end appearance—with the grille down below the bumper and merely an insert above—is as it is for aerodynamics, and to set a new, efficiency-minded look. However we think the softly contoured, smoothed-over look doesn’t seem nearly as exciting or commanding. The side profile is especially clean though, with a single, distinct crease running just below the beltline. In back, we think that the rounded corners and clear taillamp lenses look a little retro-1990s—and we’re not sure if that’s intentional or not.
On the plus side, Mitsubishi’s aerodynamics improvements have yielded a seven-percent reduction in the coefficient of drag (now a low 0.33) and things like roof grooves and a top rear spoiler help smooth airflow at highway speeds.
New for 2015, the front grille has been updated, and upper-trim models receive new leatherette and cloth-trimmed seats, as well as a leather-wrapped shift knob.
- Performance »
You get front-wheel drive in all Outlander ES models. SE and GT models get a step-up system called S-AWC. Here you get an electronically controlled center coupling, combined with an open rear diff, but it’s unlike some AWD systems in that it has a separate active front diff to help get the right torque split for the conditions, which helps power through some exceptional conditions, like when one wheel is on ice.
Mitsubishi’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine here makes 166 hp and is more refined and stronger where it counts—in the low and mid revs—and a about 200 pounds of weight loss versus the previous generation, the base four-cylinder Outlander is now well-suited to everyday commuting conditions.There’s no turbocharger, but it does include MiVEC (continuously variable valve timing with lift), adjusting the intake valve timing and height. This engine makes 166 hp and 162 pound-feet of torque, and it comes only with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
If you know the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, the driving experience for the Outlander is fully competitive, if not a bit more refined. GT models pack a 224-hp V-6 that’s disappointing in that it’s considerably thirstier, asks for premium fuel, and doesn’t develop all that much torque until you rev it. The paddle-shifters and six-speed automatic spice up the driving experience a bit, though.
Premium fuel is recommended for the V-6, though. The single attribute that may tilt you in favor of the V-6 is that this model is rated much higher for towing—3,500 pounds, versus 1,500—which makes it able to tow a small boat or camper (if not all that quickly).
There’s an electric power steering system that’s precise, and rather firm, considering the mission. The suspension layout is pretty typical for a crossover, with MacPherson struts and a new multi-link rear geometry.
Seeing the 2015 model next to the previous generation tells the story with ease. Gone is any notion of bold styling with its shark-nose front end, performance-tinged interior, and wedgelike personality–replaced with something that feels restrained in the name of practicality. What’s left here isn’t necessarily sporty, but it does lean in the direction of elegance–and its interior is simple, modest, and tasteful.
Inside, the Outlander is well above par in almost every respect, compared to other roomy compact crossovers. As one of the lowest-priced vehicles offering three rows of seating, the Outlander can fit up to seven and includes a good driving position (with tilt/telescopic steering) and good headroom and legroom for adults in the second row. It’s also one of the most compact three-row vehicles, though, so think of that third row only as a backup plan for carpool duty. That said, the seats fold flat, the cargo floor is rather low, and the second row slides fore and aft to fine-tune legroom. However, at a time when almost every model tries to emulate luxury models, the Outlander cabin isn’t going above and beyond in design or materials, but it does feel warm and accommodating.
Now Mitsubishi may aspire to reach more value-minded families with the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it’ll need to be those who aren’t all that interested in fashion-forward design. Driving enjoyment, too, is no longer as much of a priority. The former Outlander was also, we dare say, a better drive. Although heavy, especially in top GT form, this former version was tuned (deceptively) for the back roads.
The 2015 Outlander may feel relatively nimble, thanks to an aggressive weight-loss plan in the structure that includes more high-tensile steel; and it might be a bit faster, by the numbers. But with a softer suspension and other changes aimed at refinement, it’s not more fun to drive than previous generations. If you know the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, the driving experience for the Outlander is fully competitive, if not a bit more refined. A base 2.4-liter four-cylinder now includes variable valve lift as well as timing, making 166 hp and feeling quite perky and at ease with the continuously variable automatic transmission. GT models pack a 224-hp V-6 that’s disappointing in that it’s considerably thirstier, asks for premium fuel, and doesn’t develop all that much torque until you rev it. The paddle-shifters and six-speed automatic spice up the driving experience a bit, though.
On the plus side, Mitsubishi has put a lot of effort into aerodynamics; there’s a seven-percent reduction in the coefficient of drag (now a low 0.33) and things like roof grooves and a top rear spoiler help smooth airflow at highway speeds. In its Eco Mode, the Outlander reverts to sending all power to the front wheels unless needed for traction. The payoff: Both ES and SE models with the CVT and front-wheel drive earn a rating of 25 mpg city, 31 highway—numbers that according to Mitsubishi are best-in-class among seven-passenger vehicles.
Mitsubishi has also gone to a electric power steering system, redesigned the rear-suspension geometry, and gone to somewhat softer springs—plus loads more noise insulation—so the cabin feels tight and quiet, though there’s a bit more roll and body motion than we remember from the previous version. Again it’s about par for the class, unless you’re looking at the sportier entries like the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5. One thing the Outlander does have is enough toughness for minor off-roading or deep snow; the AWD system that’s offered on mid-grade ES and sporty GT models includes a front e-diff and a ocking center diff but no low range
Firsts for Mitsubishi in the Outlander include Adaptive Cruise Control (with three distance settings), Lane Departure Warning, and a Forward Collision Mitigation that will, at lower speeds, first signal that an obstacle or other vehicle is ahead and then brake the vehicle fully to a stop. Otherwise the Outlander is shaping up to be one of the top-rated vehicles in its class for safety, having achieved both a five-star federal rating (with all-wheel drive) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ status—including a top ‘good’ result in the new small overlap frontal test.
Mitsubishi was selling the Outlander on more aggressive styling and driving attributes, but it’s clearly repositioned the new generation, in its new form, toward value—and offering one of the strongest sets of standard equipment for the money, among compact-to-mid-size crossovers. And if it’s three-row models you’re considering, the new model is the features-for-money champ. The 2015 Outlander is offered in ES, SE, and GT models, and we tend to think that the best value in the lineup is found in the middle SE models. Base ES models don’t include Bluetooth or alloy wheels, but if you can look past that they include automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker, 140-watt audio system, among other things. ES models add push-button start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a touch-screen system with the FUSE HandsFreeLink system and a rearview camera—and an interface that’s superior to what’s offered in most other rivals. With the V-6 GT you can get leather, a sunroof, and the power tailgate.
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