You can almost hear Mitsubishi sayin’, “Hey Coach…I got this. Put me in!”
Why?
Well…let’s be honest. Mitsubishi has been making cars since 1917, but in spite of that history…in spite of the fact that Mitsubishi is the world’s largest industrial conglomerate…they’re still not #1 on everyone’s automotive radar.
Let’s just blame that on management and not the vehicles themselves, OK?
So let’s look at Mitsu’s Outlander. For starters, it’s America’s lowest-priced three row SUV…starting right at 30 thousand.
For that 30K starter version, you’ll get 18” alloys, a non-turbo 181 HP 2.5 liter four, a CVT automatic, cloth interior, 12.3” screen, Yamaha audio, blind-spot and lane change alerts, rear parking sensors, and “Mitsubishi Connect” with a two-year no-charge subscription.
Anyone with a significant other…to say nothing of Mammas and Daddies…will appreciate Mitsubishi Connect. In addition to remote locking / unlocking and temp control, you get SOS emergency roadside assistance, collision notification, car finder, and teen driver monitoring. Good stuff.
Our top of the line SEL All-Wheel-Drive S was 15 thousand more than the 30K base, and as you’d expect, came with just about everything that you expect to see in a luxury vehicle.
In addition to the all-wheel-drive, we had 20” two-tone alloys, quilted semi-aniline heated and ventilated front row seating with power lumbar for the driver, heated second row seating, heated leather-wrapped steering, power folding heated mirrors, LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, a rear spoiler, and aluminum trim.
Regardless which trim level you choose, you’ll be able to tow 2,000 lbs and the EPA rates your mileage at 24 city and 30 highway.
Acceleration a bit raspy under full throttle, but it’ll get you there just fine, and being a non-turbo engine, it may just last well into triple digits if taken care of properly.
And in any event, Mitsubishi is there to take care of you with a 10-year / 100K limited powertrain warranty, a 2 year / 30,000 mile service program, and a 5-year road service program…all just a standard part of the deal.
So if you value content, price, comfort, and security over heady acceleration, a fully loaded three-row Mitsubishi Outlander with a window sticker under 46 thousand offers more than enough value to deserve a serious look.