Car Review: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE AWD SUV

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The sharp looking Outlander Sport Limited Edition compact crossover was a great choice to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors entering the North American marketplace. Our laguna blue test model was very sleek and sporty and stood out from the crowd.

EXTERIOR

Mitsubishi designers and engineers have given the 2014 Outlander a fresh, contemporary face that is both appealing and functional with reduced aerodynamic drag. Further aiding fuel economy is a lightweight body that tips the scales approximately 200 pounds less than that of the outgoing Outlander – all while providing a high level of collision safety and structural rigidity through use of high-tensile steel.

Manufactured at the company’s automobile assembly plant in America’s heartland in Normal, Illinois, the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition makes quite a visual statement with its distinctly ominous look, thanks to its blackout side mirrors, center bumper, wheel arch trim and roof rails, accompanied by special argent Limited Edition alloy wheels. Rounding out this exquisitely styled package is special “Limited Edition” badging, black roof rails, front bumper with black center, black side view mirrors, black wheel arch moldings, 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome finish, super wide range and HID headlights.

INTERIOR

With its sleek, new interior design direction and high-quality cabin materials, the all-new 2014 Outlander is an affordably priced crossover that is an ideal vehicle for the cost conscience automotive consumer. The 2014 Outlander’s new interior design emphasizes ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort and quality. From the new soft-touch instrument panel, to the eye-catching gloss black center waterfall, to the lovely wood grain trim, the interior of this handsome crossover exudes opulence. In addition to the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander’s long list of welcome standard amenities, our Limited Edition (LE) model sported features like a next-generation navigation system, a state-of-the-art 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system, the latest version of Mitsubishi’s extraordinary Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, rear camera system, engine switch with chrome accent, Fuse hands free link system with USB port, one-touch engine start and stop, fast key entry system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, full color multi information display, ECO driver indicator lamp, rain sensing wipers, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped shift knob, keyless entry with panic alarm and much more.

The feel of the interior is very inviting and space is plentiful. Don’t let the word “compact” fool you, as the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE AWD SUV has a boatload of storage behind the second row of seats.

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PERFORMANCE

A new engine balancer shaft provides quicker and smoother acceleration for increased performance feel to match the model’s muscular new looks while maintaining the vehicle’s outstanding 29 mpg highway. Thanks to a re-engineered version of the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system with continuously-variable valve lift, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) will deliver fuel economy that will place the all-new Outlander among the most fuel-efficient vehicles as standard in the CUV segment. Although we appreciate the solid gas mileage, we feel that power is somewhat lacking and makes it difficult to maneuver in traffic at times.

OVERVIEW

There is no doubt that the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition makes quite a visual statement with its distinctly ominous look. The interior receives the same foreboding treatment with as tested black leather seating surfaces. This is one sharp vehicle with a sleek look that folks will find very appealing. At a price point of $30,916, there is value here for the price conscious buyers, and with a little added power under the hood, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE AWD SUV will make buyers very happy!