Used 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

It isn’t easy to stand out in the compact SUV segment, with over a dozen strong models like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. However, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander does, with unique styling, 7-passenger seating, a choice of a 4- or 6-cylinder engine, the ability to tow, and a strong value proposition. It may not have the most powerful engines, but the Outlander is one of the least expensive 3-row vehicles on the market, starting at less than $24,000. That price is actually $200 lower than it was for 2015, and includes more standard features. Keep in mind that Mitsubishi has a smaller dealer network, so you might have to drive a little farther for service and warranty work.

Despite being one of the few compact SUVs to offer an optional V6 engine, we recommend the standard 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4. The revised 4-cylinder works with an excellent new continuously variable transmission. Acceleration is good off the line, and the efficient transmission ensures fuel economy is up to 31 mpg on the highway. The inline-4 feels surprisingly spry, except when going uphill. Even though the 3.0-liter V6 has almost 60 more horsepower than the 4-cylinder, that power isn’t managed nearly as well. We would suggest the V6 if you need to tow, but the inline-4 has better response, better fuel economy, and is less expensive to buy, plus it doesn’t require premium gasoline, unlike the V6. Steering feels somewhat numb on center, and the Outlander’s ride is too firm. Handling is good, but not as good as in the Mazda CX-5, the segment benchmark, but the 2016 Outlander is getting closer.

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with seating for seven, who enjoy a noticeably updated cabin for 2016. Controls are easy to use, and attractive new dark bamboo-like accents on the dash and doors give the interior a more premium feel. The materials are nicer, the design is cleaner and the interior is pleasantly quiet. Flipping and folding the second row is now easy, thanks to a 1-2-3 system of straps and levers. That offers easy entrance to the very small third row. Fold down both rows and you create over 63 cubic feet of space for gear.

For 2016, Mitsubishi has given the Outlander a more aggressive nose and rear for a look that is unique, but isn’t universally loved. The angular new nose, while definitely fitting into the Mitsubishi family, also hints at the looks of the Lexus NX SUV. A cool new feature is the electric windshield wiper de-icer, which helps keep ice and snow from building up on the wipers. Also new are power-folding side mirrors.

CVT8 TRANSMISSION
Not only is the 2016 Outlander’s new CVT automatic transmission highly efficient, it also squeezes every drop of power out of the standard 4-cylinder engine, making this combination an appealing choice.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES
When you hear about vehicles that are available with features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation, they are usually luxury brands. However, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander breaks that mold, with systems that work seamlessly to keep you safe.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in four trims: ES, SE, SEL and GT. Base ES models come with automatic climate control, keyless entry, a 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, Bluetooth, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SE adds a rearview camera, fog lights, side mirrors with signal indicators, dual climate control, and pushbutton start. The SEL come equipped with a roof rail, leather seats and a power driver’s seat. GT models add all-wheel drive and a V6 engine in place of the 4-cylinder, a power remote tailgate, a 9-speaker audio system, auto on-off headlights, power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and paddles for manual shifting. All 2016 Outlanders carry Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Among the more impressive options available in the 2016 Outlander are its forward-collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning, three advanced safety features that can help prevent an accident. Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a pricier top-end GT model to obtain these features – they are available in the mid-level SEL trim, bundled in the Touring Package. The package also includes navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, windshield wiper de-icer, power folding side mirrors, auto on-off headlights, a power tailgate, and power sunroof.

Outlander ES, SE and SEL models use a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 166 horsepower and powers either the front wheels or all four. The fuel-efficient engine runs on regular unleaded and has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The Outlander GT uses a 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 224 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive. That more powerful engine uses premium gasoline and has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. All Outlanders are equipped with automatic transmissions, either a CVT in 4-cylinder versions or a 6-speed automatic when equipped with the V6.

2.4-liter inline-4 (ES, SE, SE S-AWC, SEL, SEL S-AWC)
166 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/31 mpg (front-wheel drive), 24/29 mpg (all-wheel drive)

3.0-liter V6 (GT)
224 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
215 lb-ft of torque @ 3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg