Mitsubishi's Outlander outstanding in large field of crossovers

It's amazing the way automotive marketing departments reason. Decision-makers often will deprive a model of a specific engine or what many potential buyers would consider essential equipment. They fear "cannibalizing" sales from vehicles further up the line. Of course, those models are larger and/or more expensive, but they forget they may lose the customer entirely to more nimble rivals.

Such is the case with Honda's CR-V, Toyota's RAV4, Ford's Escape, Mazda's Tribute and many other "crossovers" in the Mitsubishi Outlander class. For 2007, the wagon-like Outlander is completely new. It's now four inches longer than its rivals and offers an inch or two more in all critical dimensions. Overall, it's a fine machine.

Inside, the mid-line front-drive-only LS tested impressed with thoughtful design and quality materials. The cabin features twin wide, comfortable cloth front buckets; leather and heated seats are optionally available. The driver's seat is height-adjustable; the split/foldown rear bench is OK for *****s for moderate trips. Reserve the rearmost seat for tots. There's plenty of cargo space; a fold-down tailgate is standard, but the spare is a space-saver.

Glancing around the interior of this Lancer-based vehicle, you'll discover numerous well-designed cup holders. The dash contains a paucity of analog gauges. Steering wheel height is adjustable; power steering dampens wheel kickback. Storage-wise, you'll find abundant nooks and crannies; power points abound, and there's a between-seats console with an elbow rest.

Keyfob entry, power four-wheel disc antilock brakes, electric windows, mirrors and locks, cruise, floor mats and too much more to name are standard.

Source: [url=http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2007/09/13/business/sj2tn20070913-0914stc_auto_1.ii1.txt]St. Louis Post-Dispatch[/url]