2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review  - Reviews - Mitsubishi Outlander

Halfway through this review, I realized I was convincing myself — one paragraph at a time — that I actually don't like the Mitsubishi Outlander, so I had to reverse course. See, the utilitarian in me wanted to give the crossover a thumbs-up. It's strong on all the practical fronts a family-minded shopper ought to weigh: cargo and seating versatility, reliability, safety, gas mileage and overall value. But so are a number of prominent competitors, and it's when you compare the Outlander with those vehicles that you realize you're left with a car that's far less refined than it ought to be. As a utility vehicle, the Outlander gets the job done. As something you and your family can enjoy day in and day out, it may not be the best choice.

The five- or seven-seat Outlander comes in front- or all-wheel drive (click here to compare it with the 2008 Outlander). Trim levels include the four-cylinder ES and SE, and the V-6 XLE. Last year's LS trim is gone. I drove an all-wheel-drive SE, but I've also driven a V-6 version, a couple years back.

See also:

Rear seat
WARNING • When a person sits in the rear seat, pull up the head restraint to a height at which it locks in position. Be sure to make this adjustment before starting to drive. Serious injuries ...

Wiper and washer switch
CAUTION • If the washer is used in cold weather, the washer fluid sprayed against the glass may freeze, which may hinder visibility. Warm the glass with the defroster or rear window demister be ...

To deactivate
The set speed driving can be deactivated as follows: ► Press the “ON OFF” switch (A). (Cruise control will be turned off.) ► Press the “CANCEL” switch (D). ► Depress the ...