The Mitsubishi Outlander is a small crossover SUV vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It is loosely based on the Mitsubishi Lancer platform, though its engine is derived from the Mitsubishi Galant.
History
First introduced to North America in 2003, the Outlander had been sold in Asian markets under the name Airtrek. The North American version is available in three trim styles: LS, XLS, and Limited. All trim styles have the option of front wheel drive or all wheel drive. The North American version, however, only offers one engine type - a 2.4 L four cylinder engine which produces a maximum of 160 hp and 162 ft·lbf of torque. The Airtrek, on the other hand, offers the additional option of a turbocharged engine.
Another feature which sets the Outlander apart from some other crossover SUVs is its Sportronic semi-automatic transmission system (sometimes referred to as a Tiptronic shift system), which allows the driver to selectively shift gears up or down by pushing the shift lever up or down. This system has recently been used on many different types of vehicles, and is generally regarded as a good compromise between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. The 2005 model year, however, introduced a 5-speed manual transmission for the LS trim.
Main competitors
The Outlander's main competitors in the North American market are the Subaru Forester, the Toyota RAV4, the Toyota Matrix, the Honda CR-V, and the Honda Element. Secondary competitors include the Pontiac Vibe, the Saturn VUE, and the Ford Escape.
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