2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover was designed to offer a sporty alternative to family mid-size SUVs. The Outlander actually toes a fine line between the compact and mid-size SUV which helps to make it appealing to both crowds of shoppers. Originally manufactured for the Japanese market, the Outlander was first known by the name Airtek. The name combined the words and air and trek and was used to symbolize the freedom and adventure that could be found when driving the vehicle. It wasn't until the second generation when the Outlander name was adopted by all markets including the Japan market where it originated.

The original Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover, at the time known as the Airtek, was designed based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept that had been premiered at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. The goal was a vehicle that offered off-roading abilities looked for in an SUV while still having the benefits of a family vehicle. Like most crossovers at the time, the Airtek offered the benefits of four wheel drive combined with the economy and size that was friendlier to the family crowd. This included lower emission levels that complied with the strict standards in the Japanese market.

The Airtek was introduced on the Japanese market on June 20, 2001. At the time there were two engine choices and trims that did not differ greatly. Both had a four speed semi-automatic transmission and there was both a front and four wheel drive option. A model with a stronger engine and offering more power was introduced in 2002 and the Airtek arrived in North America in 2003. The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover would replace the Mitsubishi Montero Sport in North America and would offer buyers the choice of front or four wheel drive. It was when the SUV was on its second generation in 2005 that the name Outlander officially replaced the Airtek globally. The new version of the Outlander offered a stronger engine and an all wheel control system to improve on the already excellent handling. In 2006 a V6 version of the Outlander was debuted at the New York Auto Show and later released to buyers.

The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover was redesigned in 2008 and again in 2010. When Mitsubishi decided to cancel the Grandis in 2011, the Outlander became the company's only vehicle capable of transporting seven passengers with an all wheel drive system. From the beginning buyers have been drawn to the Outlander for both its appearance and performance capabilities. The SUV has significantly stylish and sporty design characteristics that stem from Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution sedan. Unlike the average crossover, the handling of the Outlander keeps up with the sporty appearance. It is considered an SUV that is actually fun to drive with handling that is among the best in its class. The comfort and style of the Outlander may have been a late entry into the mid-size SUV market, but it has made a significant impact while there. Still, there are limits to the off-road abilities that the crossover possesses.

The first generation Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Crossover was sporty and stylish, but when put side by side with the competition it lacked in many areas. The most notably was the engine capabilities and the room inside the vehicle. When it was redesigned, Mitsubishi would address these concerns with the addition of a third row seating and a V6 engine option. While the engine did boost the performance and power of the Outlander the third row seating is little more than wasted space. With a flimsy foundation and barely enough space for small children the third row is used infrequently by buyers. In the end, the Outlander offers an excellent small SUV with all wheel drive and plenty of features. Still, it cannot compete adequately with the reputation of most well known smaller crossovers.