Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD 2011 Review

The compact and mid-sized SUV market has been going gangbusters for the best part of the last 15 years, to the point where SUVs in total currently constitute more than a quarter of all passenger vehicles sold Down Under.

But a lot has changed since the likes of Toyota’s RAV4 softroader first hit the scene and changed buyers’ perceptions of what a passenger or family vehicle should look, function and drive like. Apart from the proliferation of models in the compact SUV market (22 at last count), the most prominent trend in the last couple of years has been the emergence of the ‘faux-wheel-drive’: an entry-level, 2WD SUV that offers the same appealing attributes of traditional 4WD SUVs (high driving position, interior functionality, off-road looks) but with a cheaper pricetag and in theory, less running and maintenance costs.

One of the latest faux-wheel-drives to hit the market is Mitsubishi’s Outlander LS 2WD, which offers most of the features of the LS 4WD Outlander but at a saving of $4250. Priced from $28,990, the Outlander LS 2WD is fitted with the same 125kW/226Nm, 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual as the 4WD version or, as in our test car’s case, optional ($2500) continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Apart from manual adjust air-conditioning instead of climate control, the LS shares most of its 4WD sibling’s equipment. Standards include electric windows, remote-control locking, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, two-speed/variable-delay intermittent wipers and a USB music interface port.

The Outlander LS is bigger and more powerful than many of its compact 2WD rivals, but it’s also generally more expensive, coming in $1000 more than the Holden Captiva 5 2WD, for example. That said, Toyota’s 2WD RAV4 is priced the same from $28,990.

Unlike some of its other sub-$30K competitors though, the 2WD Outlander misses out on the important safety features of side and curtain airbags, which are an $850 option. Cheaper rivals like Kia’s Sportage Si and Hyundai Ix35 Active include six airbags as standard.

But if it’s punchy performance and a user-friendly interior you’re after, the entry-level Outlander delivers. Although slightly hesitant off the mark, the CVT/four-cylinder petrol combo provides decent acceleration and smooth, zippy progress through traffic and on the highway.

Although willing, the engine is a tad noisy at higher revs, while road noise from the Yokahama tyres also disturbs cabin ambience at freeway speeds.

While solidly-built overall, with no rattles detected during our time together, the Outlander does feel a bit ‘tinny’, lacking the reassuring, door-closing thud and NVH levels experienced on rivals like the Captiva 5.

The Outlander’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend time, with a modern, functional layout and enough storage spots for a small family’s needs. We had the chance to go on a four-hour (return) trip to regional Victoria and the firmish seats proved comfortable, if somewhat lacking in lateral support.

While it has the typical SUV high-riding stance, the Outlander’s ‘command’ driving position is not as impressive as some, although it still affords good visibility in traffic.

Handling is above average for this type of vehicle, with light but direct steering, reasonable levels of grip and minimal body roll considering its top-heavy structure. The Outlander is definitely set up for smooth tarmac (think of it as an oversized hatchback) with its taut suspension relaying some harshness over rough patches and crashing over larger bumps.

The only time we missed the lack of ‘on-demand’ 4WD was when the front tyres scrabbled for mid-corner grip on a slippery road and during over-zealous off-the-line acceleration. With traction and stability control on hand to assist if things get out of hand, all-paw traction in this style of vehicle is mostly redundant around town.

Fuel economy overall was about par for the course; just over 11L/100km which included a fair bit of highway driving where we managed to get it down as low as 7.0L/100km.

Considering its compact dimensions the Outlander offers excellent room in the rear seats, with good head and legroom for three adults, although shoulder room is restricted.

Perhaps its biggest strength though is its impressive loadspace, with a cargo area of 589 litres (or 1691 litres with the seats down), all easily accessible via a handy split-fold tailgate and rear seats that slide, recline, fold and tumble via button controls.

Considering it’s almost half the cost of the top-spec VRX variant, the 2WD LS Outlander makes a strong case on price alone. It’s a shame part of that price ‘advantage’ comes at the hands of chopping safety features that should be standard.

That said, if you rarely venture off-road but appreciate the Outlander’s performance and packaging, and don’t want to pay for the benefits of 4WD or other ‘premium’ add-ons, put it on your test drive list.

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