2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander got a full redesign for the 2014 model year, although it has seen minor changes since then. For this model year, a midgrade 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has finally arrived with a variety of trim levels. The crossover also gets a modified navigation interface and a folding process for the 2nd-row seats that are more user-friendly.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander – The Pros
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a utility compact crossover that offers up to three seating rows. In the current market, it is competing with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson Dodge Journey, Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sorento. The current Outlander is now in its 3rd generation of sales across the U.S.
The Mitsubishi Outlander got a full redesign for the 2014 model year, although it has seen minor changes since then. For this model year, a midgrade 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has finally arrived with a variety of trim levels. The crossover also gets a modified navigation interface and a folding process for the 2nd-row seats that are more user-friendly.
Top Ten Reasons to Buy a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander:
1) Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is available with two engines, V4 and V6.
- Test drivers are in agreement that the SUV crossover feels composed when you take it through turns and straight-line stability also impresses.
- The 4-cylinder engine has a limited towing capacity at 1,500 pounds.
- The V6-powered will handle 3,500 pounds.
2) Acceleration and Power
The EPA estimates that your base 2016 Outlander earns approximately 25/31 mpg highway/city, better compared to the majority of rivals' estimates.
The 4-banger gets a new variable transmission that has:
- Better efficiency
- Better refinement
- Overall greater spread between the gear ratios
3) Handling and Braking
Automotive journalists concur that improvements in the suspension of the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander make for handling that is more secure compared to the outgoing models of the crossover.
- Straight-line stability has improved.
- The vehicle structure itself has improved.
- The engineers have reinforced the front cross-member
- Bracing in key areas has been added, improving the steering response and making the car more rigid.
For 2016, handling has improved noticeably thanks to newly retuned shocks and platform reinforcements that increase vehicle rigidity.
4) Outlander Interior
Auto journalists are happy with the interior updates of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. These include:
- Quality materials that create a quiet and pleasant environment
- Sound-deadening materials
- An attractive dashboard accent
- New stitching on nicer materials
The updated navigation system and steering wheel now give the interior a modern and fresh feel.
5) Tech Levels
The touchscreen infotainment 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard.
You will get:
- 6.1-inch display
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- Bluetooth connectivity that has music streaming abilities
- Wide-angle reversing camera
On the 2016 Outlander, Bluetooth pairing easy, and to receive calls is not problematic. An available option is a DVD rear-seat entertainment system.
6) 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Seating
The front seats have been reported by auto critics to offer decent comfort levels.
- Reviewers have noted that both the 2nd and 3rd-row seats are now much easier to fold compared to previous models.
- You don’t have to remove the headrests and adjust the cushions.
7) Cargo Capacity
With 34.2 cubic feet behind your 2nd-row seats and 10.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd-row (plus 63.3 cubic feet when both are folded down), the overall cargo space is rated as being above average for this segment.
- Reviewers have appreciated how folding the seat is easy to create extra space.
- Available as an option is a power lift-gate.
8) Driving Impressions
The Outlander is an agreeable vehicle for your long trips.
- At speed, it has less noise in the cabin thanks to several extra sound-deadening measures for 2016.
- Around turns, handling is secure.
- Drivers report that for this segment, it has surprisingly responsive steering.
- If you do lots off-pavement driving, the Outlander's AWD system offers selectable modes to give more capability in deep snow and on dirt roads.
9) Safety Rating
The IIHS has awarded all Outlanders its best possible “Good” rating in several tests. These include:
- Roof strength and side-impact
- Small overlap frontal offset
- Moderate overlap frontal offset
For whiplash protection during rear impact cases, the head/seat restraint design has been rated "Good". Also to be noted is that the Outlander with optional equipment earned a rating of "Advanced" regarding front crash prevention.
10) Recalls and Reliability
The Mitsubishi has been given a 60,000-mile limited 5-year warranty as well as a 10,000-mile ten-year powertrain warranty. The Outlander is free from NHSTA recalls.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander – The Cons
1) Sluggish Performance
Reviewers have expressed disappointment with both the 4-cylinder and the optional V6 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander engines.
- Both deliver somewhat sluggish acceleration.
- Even for the V6, engine performance still lacks.
Auto writers are also very disappointed with the lackluster power of the base engine and its slow acceleration.
2) Limited Cargo Space
Regarding hauling stuff, you will get:
- 10.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd-row.
- 34.2 behind the 2nd-row seats
- 63.3 cubic feet when all seats are folded
However, these numbers fall short of what the majority of other compact crossovers are offering.
3) Driving Impressions
The 4-cylinder 2.4-liter engine’s acceleration is not going to stir your soul. Even the 224 hp doesn’t come out as particularly generous for today’s V6.
- There’s not much engine power for passing or merging at highway speeds.
- Moreover, the mandatory CVT of the 4-cylinder keeps your engine groaning at elevated rpm levels during acceleration, which could be irritating.
How it stacks up to the competition:
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has been compared by reviews with Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson 2016 models.
- At $22,995 MRSP, the Outlander is almost at par with the Tucson’s $22,700both cheaper than Honda’s $23,745.
- At a passenger capacity of 7, the Mitsubishi beats both the rivals which can only carry 5.
- Similarly, with Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) at 128.2, the Outlander also beats the Honda (104.1) and the Hyundai (102.2)
Conclusion
Many automakers tend to relax after introducing a redesigned vehicle model. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander has managed to receive considerable changes just two years after being on the market. The Outlander of 2016 is offering one of the most powerful sets of standard auto equipment for that kind of money, among the compact crossovers.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander now has a new and fresh look that is evident by a new grille that is quite adventurous, while lots of extra standard features have been added throughout the cars lineup.
