The 2013 Outlander comes in three main trim levels: SE, ES and GT. The SE trim offers up base-level pricing, but it actually has some premium features, like: LED taillights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, power windows, and so on. The ES trim level tosses in a little extra luxury with the addition of more leather, a higher-end audio system and upgraded climate control. The GT trim level adds an element of performance, with its upgraded engine and transmission, plus it tosses in a few extra amenities. The GT also gives buyers the ability to tow more than a jet ski, as its towing capacity jumps to 3,500 pounds. All three models comes standard with front-wheel drive, but the ES and GT trim levels do have optional all-wheel drive available.
In the land of the crossover SUV, models like the Outlander run free and are available in huge numbers, so buyers definitely have a ton of options. Starting off the list is the 2013 Kia Sorento, which features a standard 2.4-liter engine with 175 horsepower (3.5-liter with 276 horsepower is available), seating for five and a 1,650-pound towing capacity. Next up will be the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, which comes standard with a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (a 292-horsepower, 3.6-liter is available), seating for five and a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Finally we have the 2013 Honda CR-V, which comes standard with a 2.4-liter engine with 185 horsepower, a 1,500-pound standard towing capacity and five-person seating.
With all of that competition and not the greatest of track records, the Outlander has a lot of work to do in order to have a successful 2013 model year.