2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander: Passing the Lab test
Sat, Jun 2nd 2007
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| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - small, 4wd |
| msrp | $29,000 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 18mpg/23mpg |
| rating |  |
When the Mitsubishi Outlander arrived, I could do nothing but nod in appreciation. It’s sleekly styled and well-sized – a little bigger than a “cute-ute” but a lot smaller than a full-sized SUV.
Impressive numbers, too. The top-end luxury package, with heated leather seats, great sound system (yeah, like the dogs care about the latter) and more, in a car priced thousands less than others offering similar — $29,000 on the tester I drove. Gas mileage isn’t bad either, EPA rated at 19 city, 26 highway.
But I had to raise an eyebrow at the name Mitsubishi gives to its glossiest black:
“Labrador Black Pearl.”
Now, that’s what I call pandering.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a great dog car any human would enjoy driving. The cargo space is large and well-shaped, without the sloping rear that ruins it on many other SUVs. The seats flip forward to open it all up, and the door lifts easily out of the way to make loading everything easier.
Even better: The bottom of the rear gate flips down, giving dogs a good target for jumping in, or humans a good place to sit while tailgating.
The Outlander feels tight and well-made, and in four-wheel-drive it handles as close to a sports car as any SUV can. Again, performance on par with vehicles costing thousands more.
It’s one of the few dog cars I’ve driven where compromise isn’t necessary. It’s a great car, at a great price – and a lot of fun to drive.
-- Gina Spadafori
Carguy Comments: The Outlander is the first Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) V-6 SUV in the U.S. and is available in three trim models: the basic ES, the well-equipped LS and the sport/luxury XLS. Both the LS and XLS are available with an optional electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Cargo area behind the front seat is a hefty 72.6 cubic feet total.
Barking Lot Banter:The Mitsubishi Outlander is not the flashiest compact SUV on the market, but it has plenty to offer at a decent price. The 3.0-liter, V-6 aluminum engine produces 220 horsepower and is mated with a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
Comments
love the room in our 2007…..previously had a 2003 but this one has more bells and whistles. Very comfortable for long distance. Great mileage. Only issue….dog hair sticks to cloth seats…shepherd, sheltie mix mommy in SC
2009-02-02 10:13:51
Just one papillon here. But she rules the roost and the Outlander. We have ther cloth seats and they clean up easily too. You forgot to mention how easy it is to fasten dog carseats to the carseats both front and back in the Outlander. I also get 27-30 mpg on highway. Very happy with the performance.
2009-01-04 21:23:17
I GUESS IT IS JUST FOR THE DOGS.
2009-01-04 11:14:14
WHEN I FIRST SAW THE OUTLANDER I WINDERED WHERE IS THE LARGER SUV. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS IT I WAS DISAPOINTED. IT IS A NICE SUV BUT DOESN’T TAKE THE PLACE OF THE ENDEVOR. WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK WITH A LARGER SUV? barbara
2009-01-04 11:12:11
I had to go from a 1998 Eclipse when we started to show our 4 Keeshonden in both conformation and obedience to a 2007 Outlander with all the bells and whistles and I love it. Before we got the Outlander I had a very nice 2003 Galant, but I really like 4 wheel drive and the tailgate that folds down so the dogs can jump in themselves and I can get the crates in very easily.
The Outlander doesn’t handle quite as good as the Eclipse, but I really love it and have recommended it to everyone who admires it at shows and trials. I get around 23 mpg on my dail 16 mile city commute to work and 26-27 on the highways, fully loaded.
I also love the service department at Mentor Mitsubishi near Cleveland, Ohio they are the BEST!
Ann, “mom” to 6 fuzzbutts
2008-12-22 20:12:08
I have two Papillons who take up most of the back seat sitting in their car seats. Behind them, I can store crates, grooming kits, chairs, coolers, cameras & tripod, with room to spare. This is my second Outlander, and is much roomier than the 2003! The tan leather doesn’t show dog hair much at all! My license plate? K9-RV
Our ride is an “Editor’s Pick” over on MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18802978
2008-12-22 17:50:13
I just got a “left over” 07. I can get 2 300 size crates in the hatch (while leaving the seats up). If going to a show; can put down the rear seats add table, generator, tack box, canopy and other all the other goodies I need! Am getting 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Couldn’t be happier.
Springer Exhibitor in California
2008-05-29 18:49:05
I have had my 2008 Outlander for about two months now and I LOVE it! I have a large sheltie and a Great Pyrenees. Both dogs can jump into the car and fit in the back seat together. The black leather shows dog hair, but is very easy to wipe clean. The sunroof, sound system, and overall look over the car make it very fun to drive. As an added bonus, I average 23-27 mpg!
2008-05-29 17:44:30
Bought one in fresno at Fresno Mitsubishi and I could not be any happier my dogs love it. Very dog freindly place I took my sadi in with me and they were wonderfull check them out!!! Amber
2008-01-12 19:15:44
great all around suv and dog taxi!!
2007-12-22 12:30:46
You forgot to mention that a large kennel fits in the back with out having to fold the rear seat!
Flyink9 in Washington
2007-12-13 18:53:48
Sounds awesome! Glad someone respects us Animal lovers!!! Maltese Mommy in Oregon
2007-10-18 17:03:06
2007 Outlander. Love that I can easily carry hard sided crate, wheels, assorted gear and suitcases for an agility or water trail weekend in rear cargo area. I do add a Thule roof box to carry the canopy and some bulky water equipment. This gives my PWD and daughter plenty of room to relax during a long trip. I also like that back is roomy enough for 6’4” husband to sit in back seat comfortably. Back seat window tint also keeps everyone one in back seat cooler. Added floor mats for cargo area. It helps make clean up easier. PWD Mom in So Cal
2009-02-05 16:02:41