A few weeks ago I had the privilege to drive the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for two weeks. Being an All wheel drive compact sports wagon was really interesting to me as I had some meetings in a town that was due for some snow so I had the opportunity to test it’s all wheel drive. I drove the car testing the things that are most important to me in any vehicle that I would want for an everyday driver.
What I liked right away:
Wow, what a sound system. Right away when you turn on the sound system you realize this is not your typical system. Looking in the back I noticed a factory installed Rockford Fosgate System with a huge sub-woofer. That mixed with the integration of the sound system in the information GPS system made for a nice combined electronics package. Very well thought through and easy to use. But most of all… a great sound!
Traction control system: Was spot on and easy to use. As I got into some sloppy roads going down a hilly winding road, I engaged the traction system. It was an easy to find knob on the center console between the seats. I turned the knob to the label snow. That was easy to figure out. Immediately the system engaged and the road felt as if there was no snow at all. It was a seamless transition and I felt secure driving in a difficult road condition.
What I thought was interesting:
The look was really cool and sporty looking. People mentioned that they really liked the front of the car and its sleek look. Funny, in the front it looked real sporty and in the back it looked like a normal station wagon.
Room for seven? I don’t think so. It has a pop up seat in the rear storage area that allows up to 7 passengers. It was really comfortable at 4. Five was a bit tight, but seven? I”m not convinced.
Things that could see some improvement:
Gas mileage just ok. I test drove the six cylinder version and the gas mileage was just ok. It had plenty of power and was really fun to drive but I would sacrifice a smaller engine for better gas mileage.
Better sound insulation. The road noise was a bit loud at highway speeds. I think with some strategic placement of sound insulation this would be easily fixed.
Overall, it was very enjoyable to drive and go down the road with one of the best sound systems I have ever listened to in a car. Families would enjoy this car for in the city and to take to the ski slopes. It serves well for the suburban dweller as well as the family’s weekend adventures.
Click here for all the specs and more amazing details for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. – you know the things the men ask about.