A Review of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Are you on the market for a new family vehicle? A few weeks ago, my family and I had the chance to test drive a  2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC is a seven-passenger crossover that has undergone considerable styling tweaks. It features a new transmission and a redesigned front-end design to conform to Mitsubishi's Dynamic Shield styling concept. I think its perfect for families, especially since it has a three rows of seats. However, the third row can only accommodate children comfortably.  It’s pretty tight back there.

This three-row sport utility vehicle is powered by an impressive V6 engine and is an inch longer than its predecessor. Buyers have the option of two engines, including the 3.0-liter V6 that boasts 215 pound-feet of torque and 224 horsepower in addition to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 162 lb-ft of torque and 166 hp.

The V6 engine uses a conventional six-speed automatic transmission while the four-cylinder uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Buyers can choose between a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive when opting for the four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine variant only comes with all-wheel-drive. On the other hand, the GT S-AWC boasts a power sunroof, LED headlights, transmission with paddle shifters, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate and standard all-wheel drive. Despite it’s size, I found the Outlander to be a very smooth ride. I also thought the front bucket seats to be very comfortable.

Some of the key features that families will find very useful include:

1. Cargo space – When the third row seats are folded, the vehicle provides reasonable cargo space and the same applies to the door pockets. The second-row seats can be folded easily in a three-step process to open up 63.3 cubic feet of additional cargo space.  Hubby was traveling to South America during the week of our test drive and there was ample room for his luggage.

2. Sound system –  The vehicle boasts a 710-watt nine-speaker premium sound system with 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer and Punch Control. The model we tested also featured Sirius XM.  Z.E.N. loved having so many stations to choose from.  His favorite was a reggae station called “The Joint.”

3. Power remote lift gate — For added convenience, this model comes with a power lift gate that opens and closes the rear hatch using a remote button or key fob. This makes loading up groceries so easy!

4. Safety features – Some of the standard safety features on offer include traction and stability control, a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags, hill-start assist, antilock disc brakes, lane departure warnings and front seat side airbags. The 2016 Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC earned an impressive five-star rating for overall crash protection.

5. Rearview camera system — This safety feature is a must-have!

7. Power folding side mirrors – The side mirrors automatically fold when the vehicle is locked. This feature is genius! It is especially useful when you are parked in tight spaces.

Some of the extra safety features available include a forward collision warning and mitigation system, which is capable of sensing and alerting the driver about an impending frontal collision. The system first applies light brake pressure and eventually full panic braking in the event that the driver fails to react to the warnings. It can bring the vehicle to a complete stop at speeds below 20mph.

I love all the safety features that are included in this vehicle.  All the safety features make the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander a great option for families.