In the world of the SUV, size does matter.
Behemoths such as the Nissan Armada and Dodge Durango may be popular, but their bulk and dismal gas mileage make them extremely impractical for urban drivers.
Shrunken SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape seem to fit the city life just fine, but Mitsubishi hopes the new 160-horsepower engine in the 2004 Outlander will make it a player in the competitive midsize SUV market.
The Outlander boasts striking looks and sharp angular lines that propel it far beyond its competitors in the style category. And while looks may be superficial in dating, car buyers shouldn’t be ashamed to take them into account.
Today’s car designers are hoping to spark an emotional reaction between drivers and their vehicles. Every SUV on the market offers similar size and utility, but Mitsubishi is gambling that aggressive styling will bring in customers.
Unfortunately, when the Outlander dropped in 2003, the anemic 140-h.p. engine turned off those that were drawn in by its looks. Mitsubishi quickly remedied the problem with the 2004’s 160-h.p., 4-cylinder engine that can now match Honda’s 160-h.p. CR-V.
“While the power of the original engine was competitive, the new engine provides more responsive, smooth acceleration,” Mitsubishi spokeswoman Janis Little says.
An expertly done auto-shift feature on all trim levels also may add to a slight advantage over the competition.
Crisp handling also is an asset, but the LS test model could have benefited from wider tires to cut down on the tipsy feeling generated during sharp turns. The more expensive all-wheel-drive editions should provide better traction.
A simple, understated style pervades the interior, which is punctuated by a numberless analog clock that sits dead center in the dashboard. A sub-standard-looking CD player comes standard, and the 140-watt unit causes repeated fumbling for the controls. Luckily, the speakers have a crisp and vibrant sound even in the base LS model. An upgraded 210-watt Infinity system is available in the XLS.
The upholstery is sturdy and functional, maintaining the preconception that drivers might actually lead the rugged, multi-tasking lifestyle as seen on TV.
“The Outlander is a very versatile vehicle with the handling characteristics of a car, elevated command seating of an SUV and flexible cargo capacity,” Little says.
The 2004 Outlander doesn’t blow the competition away, but Mitsubishi has turned a decent small SUV into a real player just by listening to the complaint department.
2004 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD
Price: $18,449
Engine: 160 h.p.
Miles per gallon: 21/27 (city/highway)
RedEye road test
Pros: Smooth ride, sharp looks
Cons: Subpar audio controls, stability is lacking on tight turns
Parking: Nimble for an SUV
What a valet says
“I don’t know if it’s a station wagon or an SUV. It kind of looks like the soccer mom car of the future,” says Joe Malone, a valet at a Wicker Park restaurant.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
