Mitsubishi has had good success in marketing the Outlander as an affordable CUV with plenty of amenities at an attractive price, and the 2012 version should be very similar to the current model lineup. All four trims should return, and the Outlander Sport, which will have a base price of perhaps $20,000 is equally affordable and has a very nice, modern appearance with plenty of interior space.
The Sport is not a powerful crossover by any means, but the 2.0L engine does provide a very good 30 mpg highway fuel consumption, something unheard of in a sport utility vehicle just a few years ago.
Proposed Features And Specs
The 2.4L engine in the 2011 Outlander will return, and buyers can expect about the same horsepower, perhaps 170 tops in the base trim, and the 3.0L v-6 that is standard on the XLS and GT models will also be back for the upcoming season. The air conditioning systems will vary between trims however, with the manual adjusting system as standard equipment in the ES and SE styles, and automatic control settings for the uplevel trims.
Styling
The front grille, head and tail lights may get a redesign, but the overall body shape will be retained according to the latest information. The aluminum roof panel is here to stay, and the tinted glass and LED combination tail lamps are going to be permanent features of the Outlander. The power sunroof will be available as part of an options package on all but the base model for 2012.
Safety And Security Features
Dual-stage front airbags and side-impact curtain airbags for the first and second row are standard on the upcoming Outlander trims, and the Active Stability Control technology will be built into every Outlander. The Traction Control Logic feature is one of the most innovative safety measures offered by any car manufacturer, and Outlander will be equipped with this technology as well. The anti-theft engine immobilizer will be standard equipment on all future Outback vehicles.
Competition to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape are comparable vehicles, and unless one of these auto makers decides on a price change, the Outlander will cost about the same as both. The appearance of all three vehicles is strikingly similar, and the Equinox currently has a slightly better combined fuel efficiency; no major change is expected for 2012. Ford does not offer as long a warranty on the Escape, and the Equinox has slightly more horsepower. The Outlander has more standard interior comfort amenities including micro filter and rear seat heater ducts.
Conclusion
Buyers will have the same choices of optional equipment on the new Outlander, and will be impressed by the continued low price of the Outlander Sport, but it is only a matter of time before Mitsubishi redesigns this model from the ground up. The current chassis and body style will remain intact for 2012, but other auto makers are already creating new concept SUV crossovers, and Mitsubishi will have to follow suit.
