2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover SUV is offered in 3 trim levels, ES, SE and GT, along with 2 engines depending on trim; a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 168hp/167lb-ft of torque and a 3.0 liter V6 producing 230hp/215lb-ft of torque. AWD is an option on the SE and GT, while the ES is FWD only. The entry level ES comes equipped with standard features including full power accessories, reclining rear seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and more. There are also customization packages to add even more luxury and high-tech features.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander stands apart from the sea of crossovers, with bold styling cues and a sporty appearance that doesn’t come at the expense of practicality or capability.
What’s New For 2012:
In 2012, the Mitsubishi Outlander received an Eco indicator drive lamp, an optional auto-dimming rearview mirror, its rearview camera was modified to display in the rearview mirror, and the amount of trim levels was reduced to three.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Mitsubishi Outlander earned a very good overall score of 73 on a scale of 100, with the lowest scoring vehicle in the small SUV category coming in with a 27. One of the specific high marks went for reliability, along with its agile and secure handling, fuel economy ratings, transmission, quick and well weighted steering and generous cargo capacity. Based upon the latest survey, reliability of new models is expected to be 32% above average
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In safety testing by the IIHS, the Mitsubishi Outlander received a high score of “Good” for side crashes and frontal offset, with a 2nd to best score of “Acceptable” for roof strength tests. In government testing the NHTSA awarded an overall 4 Stars out of a possible 5 in safety testing. The Outlander is equipped with safety features that include stability control, front-seat side/full length side curtain airbags, whiplash-reducing front head restraints and antilock disc brakes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Unique flip-down tailgate design
+ Spacious cargo space
+ Sporty transmission doesn’t sacrifice comfort
Cons
– Third row small/cramped
– Steering wheel is tilt-only
– Some might find cabin too stark
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting price that’s less expensive than both the GMC Terrain and Hyundai Santa Fe, and also offers the better fuel economy rating for in-town driving with 23MPG city/28MPG highway; compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe with 20/28MPG ratings and the GMC Terrain with ratings of 22/32MPG. Both the Outlander and Terrain have max towing capabilities of 1500lbs; however, it’s not available on the Santa Fe. The Outlander offers a 168hp engine while the Santa Fe comes in slightly higher with 175 horses and the Terrain offers more power with 182hp. Both the Mitsubishi and Hyundai offer basic warranties of 5years/60,000miles while the Terrain comes with a 3year/36,000mile warranty.
What Others Are Saying:
"Here goes: the Outlander may have the best steering of any mid-size crossover. Nicely weighted, communicative, and precise. This doesn’t surprise me, since Mitsubishi seems uniquely good at steering tuning." –Automobile Magazine
"The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t gigantic, but its diminutive size means it has sportier handling than most other affordable midsize SUVs." –US News
Read more about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, at the Mitsubishi manufacturer site.
