Next-generation 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander brings some of the biggest new ideas in flexibility to the compact sport-utility vehicle segment
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander melds bold, sporty design with impressive room and utility. Larger in every respect than the first-generation Outlander it replaces, but still with agile compact dimensions, the 2007 Outlander offers 5- or 7-seat flexibility, clever cargo area packaging and the segment's first flap-fold tailgate.
The new Outlander debuts a new Mitsubishi design language that conveys the performance-oriented essence of the brand. Clean, sharp lines, featuring a "diamond cut" front end and boldly sculpted fender flares, evoke the athleticism of a sport sedan and the sophistication of a premium SUV. The LED tail lamp clusters give the rear of the vehicle a distinctive appearance.
Responding to changing customer demands, the compact sport-utility segment has been evolving with larger vehicles, though these are still appreciably smaller and more nimble than mid-size entries. The compact SUV segment demands vehicles that offer ample room and comfort for five passengers, with the appeal of an optional third-row seat expected to grow.
"The 2007 Outlander perfectly fits into what is becoming the 'right size' profile in the growing compact SUV segment," said Dan Sims, general manager, Mitsubishi R&D America, Design Center. "These customers want nearly the same utility and function found in midsize models, but with greater nimbleness and fuel economy, and sporty design."
Room for Five or Seven
The 2007 Outlander is longer, taller and wider than the model it replaces, with a longer wheelbase (105.1 in. vs. 103.3 in.) that adds to second-row legroom. A wider track, in addition to aiding in vehicle stability, also helps to increase hiproom. Careful attention to packaging the multi-link rear suspension, the fuel tank and spare tire enabled Mitsubishi to give the 2007 Outlander a lower cargo floor than in the previous Outlander or most competitors (23.6 in. vs. 31.7 in. for previous Outlander). Step-in is easy and car-like, yet Outlander provides a generous 8.5 inches of minimum ground clearance, which is more than most competitors.
The 2007 Outlander offers ample room for five, or seven with an underfloor-stowable compact third row seat (XLS models) that folds flat into the floor when not needed. Five-seat models feature an under-floor storage compartment. The second-row seat features both a 60/40 split seatback and a 60/40 split seat cushion to balance customers' needs for utility, passenger room and comfort.
Seats to Make A Sport Sedan Jealous
The Outlander's sporty design DNA is carried inside, where the deeply contoured front bucket seats and motorcycle-style instrument panel gauges suggest "sports car" more than sport-utility. All models feature as standard premium fabric seats that combine a suede-style knit and sporty mesh. The Outlander XLS models offer an optional luxury package that features high-quality leather seating and heated front seats.
Seats in the new Outlander were designed to provide improved comfort, especially for long-distance drives (or sitting in traffic for long periods). In LS models, the driver's seat features a manual pump-type height adjuster that's easier to operate than the previous knob-type. The adjuster raises the whole seat cushion, not just the front or back. Height adjustment range is now 1.8 in. vs. 1.2 in. for the previous model.
Given the 2007 Outlander's handling capability, Mitsubishi used front seats that are more like those in a sport sedan than an SUV. The seats' substantial bolstering gives the driver and front passenger the feeling of sitting in the seats rather than on them. The combination of the Outlander's flat cornering performance and the sporty, comfortable seats help eliminate the top-heavy feel that even some car-based compact SUVs can exhibit.
Second-row seat room and comfort are improved over the first-generation Outlander. The five-passenger models offer 39.6 in. of legroom, a gain of 4.1 inches over the previous model and on par with larger SUVs and some large sedans. The seven-passenger Outlander models provide 36.8 in. of second-row legroom, still a significant gain over the previous model. The second-row seat cushions in three-row models independently offer a 3.15-in. fore/aft slide range to enable optimizing passenger room or cargo room as needed. In addition, the seatbacks also recline independently, allowing second-row passengers to tailor their own comfort.
What the passengers can't see helps reduce what they hear. Strategic use of sound insulation materials includes a soft material behind the dash panel and inside the floor console. Blown foam is used as floor spacer material over a broad area, not just at seat mounts, resulting in a flatter, more uniform floor surface. With its hollow core, the material is lightweight, absorbs noise and serves as heat insulation, as well. The carpeting features a molded one-piece base material and non-phenol felt to seal snugly to the floor. Rear fender wells contain acoustic splash shields, and an outer panel stiffener is used in the cargo area floor.
Cargo Versatility
To expand cargo capacity and provide a flat load floor, the second-row seat backsfold forward and then the seats can be tumbledforward into the foot wells. Operation is easy - lower the headrests (no need to remove them), and then the seat will fold, slide and tumble forward in one easy motion.
The second row seat incorporates a "why doesn't everybody do that?" feature: when returning stowed seats to the seating position, releasing the tumble locks activates two small lamps on the seat bottoms, illuminating the area behind the interior to aid operation in the dark or to light an exit path for third-row passengers. The lights turn off after 10 seconds.
The second row outer seats are fitted with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), with anchors on the seats rather than the body, enabling the customer to slide the second-row seat holding the child seat to the preferred position.
On third-row models, the third-row seat easily unfolds from the cargo floor: the seatback is raised first, then the headrests, followed by folding down the seat cushion. The thin profile of the third-row seat enables under-floor stowage without the seat protruding into the cargo area.
The Outlander carries its spare tire underneath the vehicle, which provides several benefits. In keeping with the Outlander's sporty performance mission, this location aids weight distribution, and therefore handling.
Expansive Inner Space
The cargo area is longer and taller than before (with seats folded), and a little over an inch wider. Overall cargo volume behind the front seats measures 72.6 cu. ft., a gain of 12.3 cu. ft. over the first-generation Outlander. With the second row seats up, cargo room measures 39.0 cu. ft., and 13.0 cu. ft. behind the third row seats on XLS models.
The 2007 Outlander will carry two bicycles inside with their front wheels removed. Rear utility bars (standard on XLS and available for LS) built into the cargo area side walls, and four tie-down hooks, make it easy to secure large items or bicycles. The utility bars can serve as assist grips when passengers are using the compact third-row seat.
Unique Flap-Fold Tailgate
The low-profile rear suspension design allows a cargo floor height of 23.6 inches, which is several inches lower than on key competitors. Taking advantage of the low load floor inspired the segment's first flap-fold rear tailgate. Mitsubishi rejected current designs for split tailgates, such as those with separately opening rear glass, because in real-world use, many customers found it inconvenient to lift even some small packages off the ground and through the open glass.
With the Outlander's unique flap-fold tailgate, many customers will find it easy to load packages just by opening the larger upper section. With the upper section open, the smaller bottom section then lowers with the push of a small lever, and packages can be more easily lifted to the cargo floor. As the bottom section of the tailgate is lowered, an integral flap slides into place, providing a flat, uninterrupted surface on which it is easy to slide packages into the cargo area.
As an additional benefit, when lowered, the flap-fold tailgate can also function as a seat for outdoor activities, with a generous 440-lbs. capacity. The 2007 Outlander can tow a trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (standard) and up to 3,500 lbs. with the available towing package, which features an increased-capacity radiator and automatic transmission cooler.
No Space Left Unused
The 2007 Outlander interior also provides numerous storage spaces and features. Starting up front, a dashboard center storage compartment opens with a push of its lid and will hold small items. The large, two-tier glove box is illuminated and lockable and features a card and pen holder in the lower tier.
The center console is itself a study in versatility. Its integral armrest features soft padding and can slide 2.5 inches fore/aft to adjust for optimal comfort. Lifting the armrest reveals a tray to hold a cell phone or other small items.
A larger compartment under the console tray can hold up to 10 CDs and also houses a 12V accessory power socket, with a slot in the tray and armrest providing a pass-through for a power cable. Finally, the underside of the armrest integrates a pocket tissue holder.
Front and rear doors all feature integrated bottle holders that will hold 16-oz. bottles. The center console provides two more cup holders, and there is a slide-out cup holder on each side of the dashboard. A fold-down armrest in the second-row seats features integrated bottle holders.
There is a small storage compartment at the top of each wheelhouse, plus a hidden compartment in the right side wall that also houses a 12V accessory power socket.
Odor-Defeating Head Liner
The 2007 Outlander introduces a unique new feature that's sure to enhance the long-term ownership experience: an odor-defeating head liner that absorbs cigarette smoke odor and decomposes it into water and carbon dioxide. The head liner also absorbs and decomposes formaldehyde. Because the head liner uses catalysis, there is no need to replace it, as you would a filter. The urethane base material reduces head liner weight and enhances noise suppression. To further reduce interior odor sources, Mitsubishi eliminated adhesives and used phenol-free felt in the assembly of interior parts.
Body Smarts
Studying real-world compact SUV usage convinced Mitsubishi to take steps to reduce the cost of repairing minor body damage. For example, the front bumper covers were divided into several parts in areas that are likely to be scratched or scraped, and painted in base colors.
In front, the lower bumper fascia parts can be replaced without removing the rest of the bumper. The bumper extension can be replaced by itself if damaged, and all the lower parts use a color that helps to conceal small scratches.
The rear bumper is likewise a multi-piece design, with side pieces that can be replaced independently of the others. The rocker panel cover also uses colors that can help hide small scratches.
Quality in the Small Details
It's not enough to have great traction in poor weather or road conditions - you have to be able to see where you're going. The 2007 Outlander helps provide a clear view in rainy conditions with aero-blade windshield wipers that use oncoming air to evenly distribute contact pressure along the blade. The wiper motor has been upgraded over the previous model to provide 40 percent greater torque, improving wiper performance in snow.
Equipment Levels
Generous standard equipment in Outlander LS includes air conditioning; ambient lighting; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm system; keyless entry, and a powerful audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability and six speakers. The manual climate controls are now electronic for easier use and a higher quality feel. The number of fan speeds has been doubled to eight over the previous model, giving the customer more control than other manual systems generally offer. A standard clean air filter protects the interior of the HVAC unit from foreign items, (dry leaves, etc.), removes dust and pollen, and improves air quality in the cabin.
Outlander XLS models add the underfloor-stowable compact third row seat; automatic climate control system; steering wheel audio remote control switches, and hands-free Bluetooth(R) cellular phone interface system with voice recognition. The available XLS Luxury Package augments interior comfort with leather seating surfaces (front and second rows), heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
With the 2007 Outlander, Mitsubishi grouped option packages to enable the customer to upgrade an LS model with the high-technology features, including the navigation system, Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio and DVD rear-seat entertainment package. In contrast, some competitors offer similar options only on the premium model in the line.
Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars and light trucks are backed by a comprehensive new-vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper for five years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty.
The program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.
Technical data, features, options and other equipment listed in this release are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 540 dealers.
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