2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi came to San Diego to show off their all new 2014 Outlander last week to a group of media hounds, and the event was a major success. This is an all new Outlander.
You get three models to choose from, the base model, the ES that sports a 4 cylinder engine that develops 166 Brake horsepower with a CVT transmission and you even get paddle shifters on a CVT transmission? Fuel mileage is 27 combined and 31 freeway, best in class. Base price is $22,995.
Then you move up a trim level to the SE, here you have a choice of the already mentioned 4 cylinder or the V6 that produces 224 Brake Horsepower and this engine package with a 6-speed automatic transmission will get you 28 miles per gallon. The Se starts out at $23,795 (2WD)
Then last but not least the GT model with the V6 engine and 6 speed automatic and 4-wheel drive and top of the line features and this Outlander starts out at $27,795.
What is interesting about the 2014 Mitsubishi outlander is even though it is all new for 2014 it is the 3rd generation of the Outlander, first introduced in 2003 to 2006, then 2007 to 213 and now 2014, but wait as I mentioned the target for this platform is their 2015 Outlander PHEV Plug-In Electric, more to come on that model.
Mitsubishi has packaged all three levels so you the consumer can pick and choose and not be forced to take features you may not want.
There are three packages available, first you have the first level after you have purchased the SE Trim Package, with SE-S-AWC you get Super All Wheel Drive Control which distributes the power electronically to all four wheels only when needed. You also get Active front Differential (must have SE-S-AWC to get Active Front Differential) and a decal.
Then moving up the option ladder you come to SE-Premium Package ($2,800) which gives you a power sunroof, leather seating in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd row seating, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with 9 speakers and a 10-inch dual voice coil subwoofer with Punch control, DTS Neural Surround, Premium DIA-WIDE surround and Dolby Sound as well, Sirius/XM with the first 3 months subscription free, power driver seat adjustment wood grain trim and a power lift gate.
Touring Package which contains the following features ($3,300), MMCS navigation system with 3D mapping, point of interest information and real time traffic reporting, Adaptive Cruise control, Forward Collision Mitigation System and Lane Departure.
You get your monies worth by buying a Mitsubishi Outlander especially if it fits your life style. Did I mention the warranty? 5 year 60,000 mile Bumper To Bumper coverage, 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
How did it preform? Well if I was buying an Outlander for myself or the little woman I may be tempted to opt for the 4 cylinder, better price, better fuel mileage (Even though I am not a fan of the CVT transmission) but on the open roads in the East County I was very impressed with the 4-cylinder.
One thing that needs to be brought up is the 3rd row seating, it is not really for adults, in fact it has been deemed an emergency seating for folks that just need a safe place to sit while getting from point A to point B. Did I try and sit back there! No. But the good thing is they are there if you need them and they operate flawlessly.
I really like the exterior, smooth sleek and the old girl lost weight from last year! The 2014 Outlander is 220 bounds liter than the 2013, that's to high tensile strength steel it is also quieter and has a much lower COD or drag while slipping through the air, 0.36 COD last year, .033 this year, 7% reduction which gives you the fuel mileage it does, and it is best in class at those numbers.
I was very impressed with al 3 trim levels and there is a lot more to learn from Mitsubishi so if you're in the market for a family hauler all I ask you to do is put Mitsubishi on you shopping list. You may be pleasantly surprised! I was!

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