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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

Overview

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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

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)

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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 181 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

Great car on ice and driving around the corner..

By John (MO) on Thursday, May 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

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

Pros: "Great handling on icy roads and cornering"

Cons: "None"

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

"We bought this car last November in saint Louis..and just last winter time it was put in to test when modot forgot to treat the road with salt.black ice was all over the city.thanks to its four wheel drive and wider tire it seems like aside from large pick up trucks and large suvs I'm the only one moving where almost all cars and compact SUVs created a mess along I-64. I would say its FWD feature is way much better than most suvs AWD capability. Plus the aluminum roof it has..it so handy when you are driving in a winding road.it so stable.you are not gonna swing all over your car.maybe it's because most its weights we're under you. Compare to the rav4 you have to hold on whenever your going around the corner.."

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Great car, fun to drive, lots of space

By xyx (CA) on Wednesday, April 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "smooth, comfortable for families with kids"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"We are family of 4 with many guests and we love our Outlander. Fun to drive in mountains, large enough for 4 adults and 2 kids to travel cross country in it (with some of the stuff on the roof rack). Smooth and happy ride."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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