Mitsubishi Outlander

Acceleration is leisurely but the continuously variable transmission is responsive, and the Outlander managed 25 mpg overall. Handling is quite nimble and secure but the steering is overly light and nervous. The ride is stiff and wind noise is noticeable. The first two rows of seats are comfortable, but the third row is tiny. Most controls are easy to use, including the infotainment system. The joystick-like electronic gear selector, though, suffers from unintuitive labeling. Standard active safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, and LDW. The plug-in hybrid, which has been on the previous generation's platform, has also been redesigned.

Handling suffered from overly light steering and pronounced body lean. A 2007 redesign considerably improved the Outlander, making it a competitive small SUV. Originally available only with a punchy V6, an improved four-cylinder arrived in 2008, returning 22 mpg overall. Responsive steering with good driver feedback gave the Outlander a sporty feel. An optional third-row seat was unusual for the class. A 2014 redesign stripped the Outlander of any athleticism, making it feel dated and cut-rate. Emphasizing utility on a budget, the third-row seat became standard. A plug-in hybrid joins the line in 2018. Updates for 2020 included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning on all but the base trim. For 2021, the Outlander only comes as a plug-in hybrid that has been updated to a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine with an upgraded electric motor that provides a combined output of 221-hp. It can do a claimed 24-miles on electric power before switching to hybrid mode. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter V6 engines have been dropped. Outdated and outclassed, the Outlander struggles to compete. A tiny third-row seat, that is a high point, is not offered in the plug-in hybrid. When we tested the Outlander with the four-cylinder engine, its ride felt too buoyant and not tied-down. Handling was clumsy, with slow steering response and lots of body lean in corners.