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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Overview

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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

By KBB.com Editors

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 204 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

This is a great crossover

By PK (NY) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Good value, Fun to drive"

Cons: "Why does navigation cost 2k+"

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

"A true do it all vehicle. I own a GT with v6 and AWD. Awesome power, 27.8 mpg highway. Kickin' Rockford-Fosgate stereo. Can't believe how well this handles. No body roll, no wallowing in the corners, yet very comfy ride. Normally, I wouldn't buy an automatic trans., but the paddle shifters are fantastic. Lots of room inside for the size of the vehicle. Even put two adults in the third row for a 50 mile ride with no complaints. Would buy this again."

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This really is the Best vehicle I ever owned

By Ken (NV) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have almost 90,000 miles on this Outlander and all I have done is change the oil and bring it in for a couple of regularly scheduled service appointments, some of which Mitsubishi did for free. The 3.0 engine is a great engine and never lacking for power, really nice pick-up. That fold down bottom part of the tailgate is a great idea and I have used it more than I thought I would. I would recommend Mitsubishi to anyone, anytime."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this car!

By miss marie (CO) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great in all weather, excellent mileage,"

Cons: "inside carpet thin and came loose, turns wide"

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

"I traded in a Subaru Forester for the Outlander and have not regretted one day. The outlander is versatile, with its third row seating, shift on the fly 4WD and the cargo area is much roomer. The gas mileage is great, especially for someone with a mobile business like mine. My assistant loved mine so much, she had to buy one of her own."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome, you'll not be disappointed!!

By Moose (NJ) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "all"

Cons: "none"

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

"I love driving this car. I bought if for my wife but I drive it every opportunity I get. Great handling and the acceleration is that of a V6. The CVT Transmission takes a little getting used to but now I prefer it. And it gets great gas mileage. Great bank for the buck!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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