Mitsubishi is trying to push its way onto your shopping list by virtue of the Outlander's standard third-row seat (rare among small SUVs), its temptingly low base price, and some big discounts on the showroom floor. That might make the Outlander seem like a lot of car for the money, but don't be fooled. This is not a competitive model.
Despite a few updates for 2016, the Outlander feels old enough to have been cast in a "Friends" episode. Compared with the best in this class, the Outlander is almost the bottom feeder (the lowly Jeep Cherokee gets that honor).
The Outlander now has a slightly improved ride, it's quieter than it used to be, and it ekes out slightly zippier acceleration and better fuel economy -- a competitive 24 mpg.
But the Outlander is reluctant to corner, requiring lots of steering-wheel twirling. And with copious body lean, it's one of the clumsiest vehicles we've recently tested. The soft suspension makes the ride feel initially absorbent but can get unsettled to the point of occupants experiencing motion sickness. That's not exactly a recipe for a family friendly vehicle. And the continuously variable transmission and 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine emit a nasty howl befitting a Soundgarden reunion.
The touted third-row seat is okay in a pinch, but it's so tiny and limited to 5-foot 3-inch occupant height and you shouldn't count on it for everyday use. It's also odd that a vehicle with a third-row seat lacks A/C vents for rear passengers. While the second-row bench is rather roomy, the front seats didn't earn raves and don't offer lumbar adjustments. And like most small SUVs, getting in and out is a breeze.
The interior is dated, plasticky, and crude -- with the exception of the modern-feeling infotainment system.
But even factoring in the expected big discounts, we'd rather have a good used SUV. And if you need a third-row seat in the small-SUV class, you'd be better off with a Nissan Rogue.