WASHINGTON — Looking for a compact crossover with seating for seven? The Mitsubishi Outlander can do that.
The compact crossover market is hot and just about all the manufactures have a model in play, trying to get their piece of the pie. But most are simply five-seat, two-row machines designed not to interfere and take away from their larger midsize crossovers and SUVs.
Mitsubishi doesn’t have anything larger than the Outlander, so it has no problem offering a third row standard for around $24,000.
Let’s go ahead and talk about space with this 2017 Outlander.
Yes, there is seating for seven, but those in the last row better be children as it’s not very large. Luckily, that second row slides forward so there is a bit of space for legs and smaller feet.
The removable headrest for the two rear seats takes up a lot of space and rearview mirror visibility. Be sure you store them when not in use.
There’s not much cargo space either when all the seats are in use, but you can easily fold them for space that is comparable with the rest of the compact class.
Those up front are treated to a nice interior with quality materials. The leather, heated and power seats are standard on the top of the line SEL trim level for around $27,500. Even the back seats are good for regular-sized adults, and the seats slide and tilt for extra comfort.
My ride also had the SEL Touring package that adds a heated steering wheel, glass sunroof, loud 710-watt premium audio system and a power-lift gate that’s a little slow. But it also adds some safety features such as blind-spot warning and lane-change assist. Adaptive cruise control, which does a nice job of following without being jerky or abrupt, and forward collision mitigation help make this a safer crossover.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a standard four-cylinder engine good for 166 hp, and that power is adequate most of the time. A few times, I wished for more when loaded with people or merging in with traffic on the Route 32 to the Interstate 95 left-hand entrance. The engine is a little noisy when you push it and the CVT transmission keeps it droning along, so better to be easy on the gas pedal.
Mitsubishi offers a V-6 option with a regular automatic transmission, but you lose some miles per gallon going that direction. The four-cylinder model with all-wheel drive gets around 26 mpg combined and managed closer to 28 mpg for my week of mixed driving on regular gas. But during daily driving and on trips, this 2017 Outlander seems more hushed than before with less wind noise than I remember from earlier Outlanders.
The Outlander was given a refresh on the outside last year. With a modern and sleek look on the front end, a large grill gets larger toward the bottom of the small lower bumper. It might not be as stylish as some others in the class, but it’s an overall handsome look with a liberal use of chrome trim up front and a bit on the lower portion on the side of the crossover. Somewhat stylish 18-inch wheels add a bit to the conservative styling along the side, and the standard tinted rear glass is a nice touch. Chrome and silver-colored trim is splashed on the rear tailgate and the lower bumper. There is plenty of glass on the rear tailgate, but otherwise, it’s pretty plain.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is an interesting crossover in the compact segment with seating for seven and a price that won’t break the bank even when fully loaded. With good safety ratings and a long 10-year powertrain warranty, the 2017 Outlander is the crossover that is a worthy, cost effective alternative to the compact class.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
