With its incomparable head-turning styling, well-appointed cabin, roomy accommodations for up to seven, and outstanding 5-Star safety rating, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander truly exemplifies the Japanese auto manufacturer's "different for a reason" attitude that separates this car from its garden-variety crossover utility vehicle (CUV) competition.
And with an assortment of Outlander models available for the 2011 model year in both 2WD (ES, SE and XLS trim levels) and all-wheel drive (SE and the stellar amenity and technology-packed GT model), there is a version of this stylish and highly-efficient crossover that is a perfect fit for every young family's wallet and/or lifestyle.
New for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
Improved EPA Fuel Mileage Ratings
Every model in the Mitsubishi Outlander lineup now features improved EPA fuel economy ratings for the new 2011 model year.
Outlander XLS Receives the Top-of-the-Line GT Model Treatment
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS gains updated exterior enhancements that give it an enhanced appearance similar to that of the premium Outlander GT. Revisions include new xenon HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers, chrome beltline and tailgate accents, a blacked-out front fascia and Thule-plug roof carrier accommodation for the active outdoor set. Inside, the Outlander XLS also gains the slick-looking aluminum foot pedals that can be found inside every Outlander GT.
Free 3rd Row Seat (Outlander SE)
A welcome new addition to the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander SE (both 2WD and all-wheel drive versions) is a compact 3rd row seat that is now part of this particular model Outlander's standard equipment package.
"GT" and "S-AWC" Exterior Identification for the Outlander GT
The premier model in the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander lineup receives a "GT" rear badge along with a "S-AWC" rear decal, the latter alphanumeric designation signifying this crossover's exceptional traction enhancing Super All-Wheel Control system that was originally developed by Mitsubishi engineers for the company's legendary Lancer Evolution high-performance sports sedan.
Exemplary 5-Star NHTSA Crash Test Rating
In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mitsubishi Outlander has received the highest test score possible - a 5-Star rating - in several key crash tests undertaken by this governmental regulatory agency's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) including "Frontal Driver Rating," "Frontal Passenger Rating," "Side Driver Rating" and "Side Rear Passenger Rating" controlled crash test evaluations. These 5-Star ratings apply to all Outlander models and signify that the car's excellent engineering and included safety systems offer exceptional protection to both the driver and passengers in the event of front and side impact collisions.
Every 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander model features a wide array of advanced safety features as standard equipment. Among the long list are advanced dual-stage front air bags with seat positions sensors; side-impact curtain air bags (1st and 2nd row occupants); front seat thorax side air bags; active front seat headrests and head impact absorption roof and pillar trim. Electronically-controlled dynamic driving aids that help improve the driver's ability to control the car in adverse weather or traction situations include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL). A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can alert the driver should the air pressure decrease below an acceptable level within a tire is also included at no cost to the consumer.
Other design elements to the Outlander crossover that help protect all of the vehicle's occupants are a lightweight all-aluminum roof structure that helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity for improved handling capability and stability (since aluminum is lighter than steel, a byproduct of this feature is that it helps to contribute to improved overall fuel economy as well) and the implementation of Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE), a patented safety body construction system that allows the Outlander's chassis to act as a rigid safety cell to help protect the vehicle's occupants while also absorbing energy in the event of a front or rear collision.
Introduced just last year as a 2010 model, the top-tier Outlander GT takes safety a step further with even more advanced driver control features including Hill Start Assist (HSA) that maintains the vehicle's stationery position on an incline for several seconds even after the driver has removed their foot from the brake pedal prior to engaging the accelerator pedal. Even more significant is this model's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that employs an Active Center Differential (ACD) and an electronically-controlled center differential system that not only sends power from the engine to the front or rear wheels but also routes power to the left or right front wheels for maximum traction. What's more, the driver can utilize a "Tarmac, Snow, or Lock" selector knob to manually switch between modes for the best setting in adverse weather.
Choice of Two Engines, Three Transmissions
Matching the all-around versatility of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander are a pair of available engines that are more than up to the task of providing the motive force behind the company's best-selling crossover.
Available with either the ES or SE Outlander models is a workhorse DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter (2360 cc) normally-aspirated inline-4 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) to maximize power production, improve fuel efficiency and minimize exhaust emissions. Utilizing an aluminum block and head, a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and a bore and stroke of 88.0 x 97.0 mm, this engine produces 167 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (161 bhp at 6,000 rpm for the PZEV-rated version) and has 167 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,100 rpm (161 lb.-ft. at 4100 rpm PZEV). This engine has a 6,500 rpm redline and can run on regular unleaded-grade fuel as an added lower cost benefit of operation.
Of note, the lower-emission PZEV version of this engine is only available on the 2WD iteration of either the ES or SE Outlander models in the state of California. This engine is paired with Mitsubishi's highly-efficient Sportronic® continuously-variable transmission (CVT) on both ES and SE models, but the latter trim level has the added benefit of sporty steering wheel-mounted magnesium-alloy paddle shifters that allow the driver to manually make gear changes with the CVT. The towing capacity of this drivetrain is rated at 1500 lbs.
Both of the more upscale Outlander models - the XLS and the superior GT - make use of a 3.0-liter (2998 cc) normally-aspirated MIVEC-equipped SOHC V-6 engine that directs power to the driven wheels via a responsive 6-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission with Mitsubishi's smart Idle-Neutral Logic technology that intuitively switches the car to neutral whenever the car comes to a complete stop, helping to reduce fuel consumption. Like the 4-cylinder engine, this 6-cylinder powerplant has its block and cylinder heads composed entirely of aluminum-alloy, has a 6,500 rpm redline and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. The bore and stroke measure 87.6 x 82.9 mm, with power rated at 230 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm. The Outlander GT model packs plenty of toy-pulling power with a maximum towing capacity of a full 3,500 lbs. (the 2WD Outlander XLS has a rating of 2,000 lbs.).
Engineered for Agility
In addition to the aforementioned lightweight aluminum roof, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover is equipped with a finely-tuned independent suspension at all four corners as well as a very stout braking system, along with variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering that helps give the driver excellent steering feel, competent stopping power and a firm but compliant ride quality that feels more like a well-engineered sedan than the typical crossover vehicle. These refined driving characteristics can be attributed to the Outlander's MacPherson strut suspension up front and multi-link suspension in the rear of the vehicle, large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars (22 mm up front, 20 mm at the rear) and large disc brakes (11.6-in. ventilated discs in front with even bigger 11.9-in. solid discs at the rear).
The Outlander's exceptionally rigid platform - the same structural underpinning that makes up the foundation of the all-new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover - also aids the vehicle's exceptionally capable driving dynamics and refined ride quality.
Standard Equipment and Accessories Aplenty
All 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander models come equipped with a wide array of standard amenities and convenience features. These include air conditioning with micron air filtration; auto off headlights; intermittent rear window wiper/washer and electric rear window defroster with timer; rear combination LED tail lamps with clear lenses; fully-flat-folding 1st and 2nd row seating; 60:40 rear split-fold 2nd row seats; multiple 12V accessory outlets; anti-theft security alarm system and engine immobilizer; remote keyless entry with panic alarm feature; cruise and audio controls with steering wheel-mounted switches; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; MP3/auxiliary stereo RCA input and a fabulous-sounding 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, digital signal processor, equalization control and speed compensated volume.
The more upscale Outlander XLS and GT models offer an even longer list of luxury features including automatic climate control with micron air filtration; chrome-trimmed HVAC controls; FAST-Key passive entry and starting system with panic alarm feature; a front mesh grille with chrome surround; fog lights with chrome surround; dual exhaust; attractive 18-in. alloy wheels; and an available rich-sounding 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium sound system with 6 CD/MP3 in-dash changer, 9 speakers including a 10-in. dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch® control, digital signal processor, 3-band equalization and speed compensated volume, an MP3/auxiliary stereo RCA input and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 400 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishcars.com
