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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

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

Overview

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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

By KBB.com Editors

It seems fairly obvious that if you build a vehicle with the right looks, the right equipment and the right price, success is sure to follow. That's the case with the Mitsubishi Outlander, a phenomenal crossover SUV with an impressive list of standard and available equipment unmatched by anything in its class. Sharing its platform with the Lancer sedan (and the hot-performing Evo sport variant) the sporty Outlander sets new standards in refinement and performance. 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 also given its compact crossover a new name. 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 2009 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 2009

A third-row seat is now offered on the four-cylinder SE trim, while a backup camera is added to the XLS' available navigation system. Rain sensing wipers and auto on/off headlamps are added to the available Luxury Package.

Driving the Outlander

Driving Impressions While the sportiest crossovers on the market can actually encourage spirited driving, the 2009 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

40-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.

2009 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. 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

The second-generation Outlander commands a much larger presence than most vehicles in this category. 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 chrome-plated door handles, side sills and grille bar, 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 SE trim adds fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio and the FAST Key entry system, while the top-line XLS trim tosses in a the 3.0-liter V6 engine, Sportronic shift paddles, automatic climate control, six-disc CD changer and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

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, 40 gigabyte hard drive-based navigation with rear backup camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, FAST Key keyless entry and start, 650-Watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, auto on/off headlamps, rain sensing wipers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an auxiliary audio input.

Under the Hood

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander's 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: 17/24 (2WD), 17/23 (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 201 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."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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!!"

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Great SUV

By Erixon84 (NY) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great handling, gas mileage."

Cons: "Pedals are a bit spaced apart, a bit uncomfortable"

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

"I love my Outlander! Bought this brand new from the dealer because it was a good deal. I got almost everything with it except navigation. I got to test drive it during Sandy and the past 2 snow storms we got here on Long Island and this SUV did not let me down. I love everything about it especially the fact i can choose when i want to put the AWD on it or not. Sound system is great. Handling is great. Gas mileage is very good, i only put premium gas and i can get about 300 miles to the tank. The seats can be moved a few inches front or back which is great. Definitely love my car. No issues at all."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great decision - stylish, reliable, options galore

By Ryan (CA) on Saturday, March 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great deals, fun to drive, high-tech, stylish."

Cons: "Slow acceleration from stand-still, resale value."

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

"I'm a huge fan. I got the car over $7k under MSRP and got a black/black 2012 SE with Premium Package (leather trim w/ white stitching, backup camera integrated into rearview mirror, moon roof, amazing upgraded sound system) and FUSE system which integrates your phone and offers voice recognition. Most of these options either aren't offered in the other cars in the segment, or if they are, you're talking $27k and up. Mine was $20k brand new. I like this car because it's not a plain-Jane Rav4 or CR-V that you see in every single parking lot. It's stylish and people are usually surprised to find out it's a Mitsubishi. I personally don't mind that the brand recognition isn't great, because at the end of the day that's how I got such a great deal. Mitsu's are still quality cars with high reliability ratings and a 10yr/100,000mile warranty. I highly recommend the premium package - the interior upgrade is so worth the extra penny and makes it feel so much more luxurious. I haven't had any issues with the car so far and have impressed a lot of friends with the backup camera that pops up on my rearview mirror when I'm in reverse. Parking's been SO much easier with that. I'm glad I didn't get the nav because it's easy enough with phones nowadays to navigate, plus the USB port allows me to charge my phone while the FUSE system allows me to play my music and listen to GPS Nav commands from my phone through the car's speakers - and all wirelessly! It's a tech-savvy car with high-style points and great quality. When it comes to the engine (my Outlander has the 4 cylinder), I wish it accelerated faster from a stand-still but the handling on the car is pretty sporty. Even though you have to push the engine a bit, it's a fun ride and it's fun to push it to its limits. Gas mileage is okay, definitely not bad for its size but fluctuates a lot depending on how fast you drive. I drive 75-80mph on highway and drive mostly highway and get between 22-25mpg. When I'm driving more cautiously around 65mph, I'll get 26mpg easy. City driving is almost always 22-23mpg. Overall, I love the car and am glad I have something different, something fun, something stylish, and something high-tech. Not to mention, for much less than the competition!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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