With a heritage in rallying, Mitsubishi is famous for delivering cars which can withstand the most demanding conditions, and yet deliver on the comfort and practicality front every time. The Outlander is one of the most contemporary SUVs available today and, in SE S-AWC Touring trim, is packed to the rafters with equipment and capability.
The new Outlander brings a less aggressive design, but it also looks like it means business in a no-nonsense sort of way. You get smooth, clean lines which give you a clear idea of how spacious the car is. The wide headlamp cluster and chrome-garnished wraparound tail-lamps at each end of the rising shoulder line make it appear quite sleek. The blacked-out B-pillars and substantial rear pillars further aid its purposeful appearance.
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Step inside and the first thing which catches your eye is the control-center type dashboard and information console. The Touring package replaces the stock head unit with a modern 7-inch high-definition touch-screen which packs navigation, real-time traffic updates and MapCare. The beige leather upholstery and wood-grain trim work well to lend the cabin an airy feel with a touch of elegance. The sport aspect is, most certainly, lurking under it all! There are seven seats in total and the flexibility aspect cannot be ignored. Comfort levels too are high and passenger room is generous, especially if you intend to have children occupy the second and third rows of seats. If you need some air, the power sunroof is also part of the package. The Touring package also brings in the noted 710W Rockford Fosgate premium surround sound system complete with nine speakers, a subwoofer and Sirius satellite radio.
Safety is a given in a car of this class. The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander in SE trim with S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) offer all wheel drive, standard all-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. The Active Stability Control and Traction Control Logic further aid handling and control with the four-wheel traction from the S-AWC system. Furthermore, the Touring package adds all the bells and whistles including Adaptive Cruise Control, the Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) System and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. Rounding it all off are seven airbags which take care of all three rows of passengers in the event of an incident.
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So, how does the Outlander SE S-AWC handle on the move? For starters, the 2.4L motor makes 166 hp and a useful 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM. The CVT is convenient around the city and, if you put your foot down, it delivers a seamless surge of acceleration. The S-AWC all-wheel drive makes handling a breeze and, for a seven-seater SUV, body roll is well taken care of. You can cruise at high speeds all day long and the Outlander would take it all in stride.
The Outlander is covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile basic warranty. There’s also more peace of mind from the 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion warranty and a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty on the powertrain.
If you are indeed on the lookout for a family car, why settle for anything less than a well-equipped and dynamic SUV with flexible seating and cargo options. You get the best of both worlds and it offers a lot of fun anyway you look at it.
[table class=”table table-striped” caption=”2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Specs”]
Make, Model & Trim Package:[attr style=”width:120px;font:inherit;font-size:small;”]*** 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE, S-AWC, Touring
Base Price:*** $31,895
Body style:*** Four-door Crossover SUV
Engine:*** 2.4L, inline four, SOHC, MVEC, 166 hp, 162 lb-ft
Transmission:*** Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Curb weight:*** 3,461 lbs
Wheel & Tire size:*** 18-inch, 225/55 R18
Warranty:*** 5 year/60,000 miles basic
Towing Capacity:*** 1,500 lbs
Fuel economy EPA:*** City 24 / Hwy 29 MPG
0-60 MPH:*** 9.1 seconds
Quarter Mile:*** 17 seconds
Top Speed:*** 107 MPH
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