The previous generation was a 4-speed, with a 4 cylinder engine delivering 160 hp. Drawing inspiration from Mitsubishi's rally car expertise, the Outlander features AWD, a powerful engine, paddle shifting (XLS only), and MIVEC valve timing. (Read more about the Mitsubishi Pajero, their most successful rally car)
The Outlander is marketed as an XUV; a vehicle bringing the cargo room and off-road capabilities of an SUV, while also maintaining the size, fuel efficiency, and price of a car. The 2007 Outlander is 3 inches longer than its predecessor and includes 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Mitsubishi claims 19/25 mpg fuel efficiency for the AWD models, and 20/26 mpg for the 2WD, and a PZEV efficiency rating, although being listed as SULEV II by the U.S. Department of Energy.
It is available in three trim levels: ES, LS, and the XLS. All trim levels come equipped with front wheel drive, while the LS and XLS also include AWD and 50/50 fixed front to rear power split drive train options. The top of the line XLS model also includes third row seating that folds into a well in the trunk, allowing for up to seven passengers. Also, exclusive to the XLS is the steering-mounted paddle shifter; the ES and LS models both feature the Sportronic manually shifting as well, but located on the floor.
