2016 Mitsubishi Outlander: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander positions itself as a practical and capable compact SUV, offering a blend of family-friendly features, a standard third row, and available all-wheel drive. This generation saw a significant refresh, improving its styling, interior quality, and driving dynamics.
Highlights
- Engine Options:
- 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder: Standard on most trims, this engine delivers adequate power for everyday driving and city commuting. It prioritizes fuel efficiency.
- 3.0-liter V6: Available on the top-tier GT trim, this engine provides a noticeable boost in horsepower and torque, offering a more engaging driving experience and greater towing capability.
- Safety Features: The 2016 Outlander was designed with safety in mind, offering a robust suite of available driver-assistance technologies:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM): Uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set distance between the Outlander and the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to prevent tailgating.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): BSW warns of vehicles in the driver's blind spots, while RCTA alerts to approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA): These systems work together to enhance braking performance and stability during emergency stops.
- Trim Summary:
- ES: The base model offers essential features, making it a value-oriented choice.
- SE: Adds popular comfort and convenience features like a touchscreen infotainment system and heated front seats.
- SEL: Builds upon the SE with more upscale appointments, including leather seating and a power driver's seat.
- GT: The flagship trim, exclusively featuring the V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and the most advanced technology and luxury features.
- Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): Mitsubishi's advanced all-wheel-drive system is a significant highlight, particularly on the GT trim. It offers various driving modes (Normal, Snow, Gravel, Tarmac) to optimize traction and handling in different conditions, providing enhanced confidence and capability.
- Standard Third-Row Seating: Unlike many competitors in its class, the Outlander comes standard with a third row of seating, making it a more versatile option for families who occasionally need to transport extra passengers.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is generally characterized by its practicality and ease of use. The maintenance schedule is typically straightforward, with routine oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements being the primary requirements. Mitsubishi generally offers competitive maintenance intervals, and parts are readily available. Insurance costs will vary depending on your location, driving record, and the specific trim level chosen, but as a mainstream SUV, it's unlikely to be exceptionally high compared to luxury or performance vehicles. Many owners find the driving experience to be comfortable and composed, especially with the V6 engine and S-AWC system providing a more assured feel. The interior, especially in higher trims, offers a decent level of comfort and usability for daily commutes and family outings.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Outlander offers many strengths, potential buyers should be aware of a few areas:
- Base Engine Performance: The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while fuel-efficient, can feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded with passengers or cargo, or when merging onto highways. The V6 is a noticeable improvement in this regard.
- Third-Row Space: The standard third-row seating is best suited for children or occasional adult use for short distances due to limited legroom and headroom. It's more of a convenience feature than a truly spacious seating area.
- Interior Materials and Refinement: While improved for 2016, some interior materials in the lower trims might not feel as premium or as well-insulated from road noise as those found in some competitors.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While functional, the infotainment system's interface and responsiveness might not be as quick or as feature-rich as some of the latest offerings from other manufacturers.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling value proposition, particularly for families seeking a standard third row and available all-wheel drive. Its strong emphasis on safety features, comfortable ride, and the optional V6 engine with its capable S-AWC system make it a practical and dependable choice for a variety of needs. While not the most exciting or luxurious in its segment, its sensible approach and good feature set make it a solid contender for those prioritizing utility and peace of mind.