2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Overview

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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

While the previous-generation Mitsubishi Outlander never amounted to much more than basic transportation in the shape of an SUV, the 2008 model makes a compelling alternative to the category's best. Completely new last year and based on the same platform that's used for the Lancer sedan (and the hot-performing Evo sport variant), the sportier and more powerful Outlander is transformed most significantly by a huge leap in refinement. Combined with available features that include a hard drive-based navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 650-watt audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface and keyless entry and start, it wouldn't have been surprising if Mitsubishi had given its compact crossover a new name altogether. Like the latest Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe, the Outlander also offers a small, "just in case" third-row seat.

You'll Like This Car If...

Arguably the most tech-savvy vehicle in the category, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is further distinguished by a combination of energetic driving dynamics and an available third-row seat.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you'll be using a third-row seat with any regularity, you'll definitely want something bigger. While the stable and confident Outlander isn't one to turn its nose up at a little enthusiastic driving, it's not as sporty as the Mazda CX-7, for instance.

What's New for 2008

Big changes for the relatively new Outlander include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with CVT automatic transmission on ES trim levels (replacing the standard V6), heated side mirrors on four-wheel-drive models and a keyless remote fob for the ES trim. LS and XLS trims receive an auxiliary audio input jack, while XLS trims receive new 18-inch wheels. The sliding second-row seat feature has been deleted from ES and LS trims.

Driving the Outlander

Driving Impressions While the sportiest crossovers on the market can actually encourage spirited driving, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander tends to simply tolerate such frivolity. Still, that's enough to qualify it as livelier...

than most. Excellent steering and brake feel, a well-tuned suspension and supportive front seats combine to deliver a balance of comfort and confidence that will accommodate a range of driving styles. Even when we had to use all the available horsepower to do so, the Outlander never had trouble merging or passing. Not surprisingly, we had the most fun in the most expensive model -- a four-wheel-drive XLS -- which seems to handle corners more responsively than front-wheel-drive models and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Favorite Features

30-Gigabyte Hard Drive
The Outlander's hard drive-based navigation system is refreshingly quicker and more responsive than more common DVD-based units. It also allows you to store up to six gigabytes of digital music.

Keyless Entry and Start
The available FAST Key system lets you unlock and start the Outlander without even touching the key/transmitter.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Details

Interior

By several measurements, the Outlander's available third-row seating area is the smallest in the category. For a group trip that includes one or two kids, however, that extra capacity is enough to turn a two-car convoy into a single-vehicle jaunt. By collapsing flat into the cargo floor when not in use, it's basically a "why not?" feature (and one that's available only on the top-line XLS model). For their parts, second-row passengers in the XLS can slide and recline their way to maximum comfort. Well-bolstered front seats and a very modern instrument panel with a technical aspect to its appearance further the new Outlander's more vigorous, even athletic demeanor.

Exterior

Parked next to its predecessor, the second-generation Outlander commands a much larger presence than its increases of four inches in length and one inch in width would suggest. LED taillamps and available HID headlamps help communicate the new level of refinement, while an innovative "flap-fold" two-piece tailgate -- with a bottom section that folds level with an already low load floor -- provides for easy cargo loading and unloading. It also functions well as a bench or table for outdoor activities. The wheel lineup ranges from 16-inch steel wheels to 18-inch alloys, and top-line XLS models can be identified by silver-painted door handles, bumper extensions and roof rails, plus dual exhaust outlets.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment included on the base Outlander ES includes air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, engine immobilizer and an AM/FM/CD/CD-MP3 audio system. Standard safety equipment includes Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags. The LS trim adds the 3.0-liter V6 engine and a variety of other features. The top-line XLS trim adds 18-inch wheels, Sportronic shift paddles, automatic climate control, fog lights and Bluetooth.

Optional Equipment

The Outlander's premium-like list of optional equipment is, for the most part, in packages, and includes leather seats, heated seats, a sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, hard drive-based navigation and audio system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, FAST Key keyless entry and start, 650-Watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an auxiliary audio input.

Under the Hood

The 3.0-liter V6 isn't the most powerful in the category, but, by generating 90 percent of its peak torque at just 2,000 rpm, it's responsive around town. The base 2.4-liter engine and CVT transmission help reduce the price, but seem to sacrifice a good deal of power for not much better fuel economy. Power is routed to the wheels via a manually selectable six-speed automatic transmission with available steering column-mounted paddle shifters. The Outlander is available in front-wheel drive or three-mode four-wheel drive (FWD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Lock), both with electronic traction control. Towing capacity is rated at up to 3,500 pounds.

2.4-liter in-line four
168 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
167 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/25 (2WD), 20/25 (4WD)

3.0-liter V6
220 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
204 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (2WD), 17/24 (4WD)

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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 195 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

WILL DRIVE IT FOREVER :)

By HAPPY OWNER!!!! (VA) on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Dependable/great handling/roomy/great heater/ac"

Cons: "Wish they had other than black seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my 2007 Outlander with a few thousand miles on it in 2008. I now have about 78,000. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned....only oil changes, new tires and a battery. It is now 2013 and I know I will be keeping this vehicle for many many more years. I love the handling, and for a six cylinder I have learned not to "punch it" when passing other vehicles as it is very powerful. My gas mileage averages around 26 mpg/more on the highway. Very solid and plenty of room on the inside. You may not find many used Outlanders as people are keeping them...but if you deside to buy new, they come with a wonderful warranty!"

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