2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a car-based sport utility. We found the Outlander runs smooth and quiet, and feels rock steady at highway speeds. Similar in size and character to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Outlander has four doors and a roomy cargo area that's easily accessible. Like other small crossover sport utilities, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers elevated seating for better visibility.

The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is available with a five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes, which improve fuel efficiency and performance for those few American buyers who still wish to shift for themselves. Thus equipped, the base Outlander LS is the quickest of three models. However, most Outlanders come with an automatic transmission.

Outlander is neither tall nor tippy and its compact size helps it negotiate the often-hostile asphalt jungle. All-wheel drive is available for improved traction and handling stability on snow and ice or gravel.

Taut and toned, the Mitsubishi styling is bolder and more aggressive than that of other small SUVs. Aggressive pricing makes the Outlander an alternative to the big name brands.

A new Limited model is available for 2005 that comes with heated leather seats, front side-impact airbags, heated outside mirrors, and body-colored fender flares and air dams.

Mitsubishi Outlander presents a bolder appearance than the other sport utilities in its class. Mitsubishi says styling is very important to its customers, so it wanted its entry-level SUV to be distinguished from the RAV4, CR-V and Forester with a muscular, masculine, aggressive appearance.

A wide nose section splits the grille and flows back over the hood. The aggressive look is enhanced by large, tinted headlight covers and fog lamps mounted at the edges of the bumper on the XLS and Limited models. Gray cladding on the bumpers and side sills adds to the aggressive appearance, and the 16-inch wheels lend substance to the Outlander XLS's stance. The Limited features handsome body-colored cladding.

The aerodynamic design minimizes excess noise going down the road. Mitsubishi Outlander presents a wind-cheating, wedgy profile that provides an 0.43 coefficient of drag, making it more slippery than the CR-V, RAV4, or Forester. Its standard rear spoiler and the optional roof rack with tubular rails give it a substantial appearance. Getting in is aided by well-designed door handles that are easy to grab