TEST DRIVE - 2014 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER GT: A STEP FORWARD

For the first time in three years, I parked my keister in a Mitsubishi. It’s been a while, but I needed to take a sabbatical and refresh my thoughts. I felt ready to test the waters and my specimen of choice would be the Outlander GT, Mitsu’s mid-size crossover offering with the optional third row that just entered its third-generation.

It seems like our time apart was beneficial for both parties, as the new Outlander has gone through a complete overhaul, providing a look into what we should expect from the Mitsu brand going forward.

Gone is the trapezoidal open-face grille, to be replaced by a more subtle design that will hopefully speak to a broader spectrum of families. It’s not the most striking vehicle, but the dual hockey stickchrome design surrounding Mitsu’s logo is nice enough to keep the dealership conversation going.

Inside has never been a bright spot for Mitsubishi, but they’re starting to come around to making them less drab. They’ve identified their previous issues and have replaced those hard plastics, we so love to hate with enhanced materials including faux-wood trim.

Overall, the Outlander knows what it is and doesn’t try to fit in with the fancy crowd. As you take your seat in the seven-seater, you’re accompanied by cushiony leather seats, a tightly leather-strapped steering wheel and an optional seven-inch touchscreen instrument panel with navigation and a Rockford Fosgate audio system. A negative can be found in trying to work the navigation system. It was straight forward after finally realizing that I needed to press the checkered flag to prompt the address function, but I still found it to be slow and too safety conscious throughout the process.

Interior space has been increased allowing five adults to sit in the first two rows comfortably with room for two children in the third row. If you need more trunk space, just fold the third row down and voila! It’s not the most electronically advanced folding unit, well actually there’s no technology used at all. It’s all done manually and you might need to slide the second row up to fully fold down that third row. But we will take the positive out of that statement and be happy that the second row slides back and forth, which will allow you to adjust your legroom.

The Outlander GT comes with a 3.0-litre V6 engine that’s accompanied by a new six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). The power distribution is less than expected from a V6 with 227 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque, but when driving, you don’t feel that lack of power. The overall drive is smooth and when you need to pick up the pace, the Outlander GT surprisingly has some guts to it.

Handling was simple and direct without much need for correction. I was surprised to see such tight handling on corners from a Mitsu, which made me turn the corner on the brand. The crossover can hold its own against many of its competitors when it comes to the driving experience, while maintaining ride comfort.

Added to my tester were Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control. They were nice features to have, but the Lane Departure Warning drove me nuts throughout the week. It was way too sensitive, beeping and flashing in bright yellow on my gauge cluster when I was only near the adjacent lane. I turned the system off, but to my surprise and annoyance, it comes back on every time you restart the car and too me that's just unacceptable.

In the end, the Outlander GT impressed me. It was a combination of a smooth ride, surprising power from the V6, superb handling and extra roominess that won me over. It won’t blow you away with its looks and charm, but that has even been escalated from its outgoing model.

There’s plenty of competition in this segment and I wouldn’t put the Outlander GT at the top of any list, but it does belong in the conversation. Once you factor in costs (starting at $26,240), its all-wheel drive system, and the need of a seven-passenger hauler, the Outlander should be at least taken for a test drive. Its quiet cabin might make it more tolerable when you’re doing your soccer mom chores.

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FACT FILE
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
Trim level: GT 4WD
Price as tested (before taxes): $38,728
Options on test vehicle: Navigation Package ($2,730)
Freight/PDI: $1,450
Configuration: front engine/ all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0L V6 SOHC / six-speed automatic
Power/torque: 227 hp/ 215 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): Premium (60L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 10.1 city, 7.1 hwy
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.6 over 240 km
Warranties: 5 years/ 100,000 km (basic); 10 years/160,000 (powertrain)
Competitors: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Kia Sorento, Dodge Journey, Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue.

Report Card (out of 10):
Styling: 6 – It's a simplistic SUV design, but more in-tune with most families.
Performance: 6 – With the numbers on a V6 so low, it surprised me how quick it was.
Handling: 8 – This might have been its best feature. Superb feel and turning abilities.
Equipment level: 7 – You're treated to most amenities including heated seats.
Fuel Economy: 5 – Middle of the road numbers, but not shabby for a seven-seater.
Comfort (front): 7 – Elevated leather seats are comfy with decent space.
Comfort (rear): 8 – Lots of head and leg room for passengers. Third row adds convenience.
Storage: 8 – Dropping down the third row will give you more space than most SUVs.
Price: 8 – For a seven-seater, the Outlander's price will bring people to the dealership.
Overall: 7 – A big improvement for the Outlander, Mitsubishi has stepped up their game.