2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-S-AWC 4-door SUV

As many thought, Mitsubish would be pulling out of the U.S. market as they really don’t have a substantial lineup to support sales here. On the contrary, they still seem to have a presence here and numbers have gone up. As they continue to improve their product and make upgrades, they seem to be bringing new customers to the brand.

Some changes to the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander include additional trim on the doors to distinguish the 2016 model from the 2015 Outlander. Other new touches include a are designed front fascia, more chrome, LED taillights with red lenses, LED position lights, new rear fascia tailgate extras. Models include the ES, SE, SEL and GT trim levels. Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line GT S-AWC Outlander in Labrador Black Pearl.

The top-of-the-line Outlander GT starts at $30,995 and only available with S-AWC. Included on our test GT model are Sirius XM satellite radio, auto on/off, power glass sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights, auto=dimming rearview mirror, roof rails, and 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system (9 speakers, subwoofer), among a lot of standard equipment. The GT also comes equipped with paddle shifters (not sure why).

Options included on our Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC vehicle included just one: GT Touring package (MMCS navigation system with two annual mapcare updates; forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, $3,350).

The Outlander isn’t a bad sport-ute; there are just so many to choose from, Mitsubishi would be far from first on our list. However, this writer did notice while in the Outlander there are a fair amount of Mitsubishi Outlanders on the road. Pricing is fare, and our test Outlander came very well-equipped. If we remember right, Mitsubishi engines were known as reliable and trouble-free.

We did a lot of highway driving in the Outlander and found it fairly quiet and for the most part, comfortable. However, it felt as though the vehicle was easily thrown off track, meaning the driver had to keep her hands on the wheel at all times. Not as heavy a vehicle as some SUV’s, the Outlander did not have a solid feel.

The 2016 Outlander offers two engine choices, both carried over from the 2015 Outlander. The 2.4-liter MIVEC SOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and is the only engine available in the ES, SE and SEL trim levels. The 2.4-liter is teamed with a next-generation continuously variable transmission. The 4-cylinder is rated at 25 mpg city/31 mpg hwy/27 mpg combined. Our all-wheel-drive GT Outlander gets the 3.0-liter V6 engine, with EPA ratings of 24/29/26 mpg.

SPECS

MSRP: $30,995; total vehicle price $35,195; destination $850
Engine: 3.0-liter MIVEC SOHC 24-valve, V6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 184.8 in.
Width: 71.3
Height: 66.1 in.
Curb weight: 3,593 lbs.
Tires: 225/55R18
Wheels: 18-inch two-tone alloy, 18×7.0
Class: Midsize SUV
Warranty: 10 year/10,000-mile powertrain; 7 year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation; 5 year/60,000-mile new vehicle; 5 year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.