2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

The completely redesigned 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in four trim levels. ES, SE, and SEL models share a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and employ an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT). The GT S-AWC trim is powered by a 224-horsepower 3-liter V6 and sends power to all four wheels by means of a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models can be equipped with Mitsubishi's advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system, Super All Wheel Control or S-AWC. The S-AWC system is standard on V6 powered GT models.

Base prices range from $22,995 to $30,995.

Mitsubishi put an enormous effort into creating a stiffer body and firmer suspension for 2016. The result is a quieter and more refined crossover.

• Steering feel, while still uninspiring, is less neutral than previous models and the brake pedal is more communicative than ever before. Acceleration from zero to sixty happens a second faster than the outgoing base model.
• With the 2.4-liter engine, the Outlander gets 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined, making one of the most efficient three-row vehicles currently available.
• Worth noting is Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable New Vehicle Limited Warranty. New Outlander’s also come with a 7-year/100,000 mile corrosion/perforation limited warranty and 5-years/unlimited miles roadside assistance, giving the Outlander one of the best warranties in the industry.

Even when opting for the top-trim GT S-AWC with a V6, the 2016 Outlander is a performance lightweight. With the 2.4-liter engine, the best case scenario for acceleration to 60 mph is 10.2 seconds. That means merging and passing with seven passengers and a full load takes careful planning.

• Very few vehicles provide standard seating for seven at the Outlander's price point. Matter of fact, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is the only vehicle in its class to offer standard seating for seven.
• Mitsubishi has worked diligently to build the quietest Outlander cabin to date; improved sound dampening inside and out, complemented by sound-insulating windshield glass and a retuned suspension result in an all-around improved driving environment.
• Abundant soft touch surfaces, improved seating materials and a new upscale steering wheel add a touch of luxury to the relatively inexpensive people mover.

Forget using the third-row seats for anything other than small children or short treks around the neighborhood with adults. Legroom is almost non-existent and the seating position is compromised, to say the least.

I know, I’ve said it already, but the Outlander is a compact crossover that provides standard seating for seven -- even if it is a 5 + 2 arrangement -- and that sets it apart from the competition.

Soggy performance from the underpowered heavyweight steals the thunder away from the excellent gas mileage numbers available in the four-cylinder-powered trim levels.

Mitsubishi has gone to great lengths to offer a better handling and performing crossover while simultaneously improving interior build quality. For families on a budget who want a five-seater with room for a few extra occasional passengers, the 2016 Outlander is definitely worth investigating. Unfortunately, for the rest of us, in a highly competitive market the Outlander falls a little short, hindered by less than thrilling driving performance.