With the addition of the new-for-2010 Outlander GT last year - an amenity-packed version of this rugged crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that features advanced electronic driving aids similar to those found on Mitsubishi's ultra-high-performance Lancer Evolution sports sedan - it's no wonder that the rugged Mitsubishi Outlander (starting MSRP of only $21,995), with seating for 5 or up to 7 passengers, has proved to be a popular choice for tens of thousands of consumers across North America. And with key enhancements for the 2011 model year - including a price reduction for the top-of-the-line Outlander GT model - the award-winning Outlander looks to become an even better value in the competitive mid-size crossover segment.

Available in five trim levels - the 2WD ES, SE and XLS models as well as 4WD SE and GT editions - upgrades to the Outlander's engine management system have led to improved fuel EPA ratings across the lineup.

But perhaps the most exciting news for the new model year is that the starting MSRP on the Outlander GT has been substantially lower $27,795 - nearly $1700 less than the starting price of last year's model.

The Outlander SE (starting MSRP of $22,995), available with 2WD or all-wheel drive, now includes a 3rd row seat standard and an upgraded interior with new soft-touch leatherette trim on the instrument panel and doors as part of the premium equipment package.

The premiere 2WD model - the XLS (starting MSRP of $25,795) - now sports a revamped appearance package that gives the car an enhanced look similar to that of the top-of-the-line Outlander GT that includes standard xenon HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, chrome belt line and tailgate accents, blacked-out front fascia, aluminum pedals and Thule-plug roof carrier accommodation - the latter item no doubt a handy fixture for the active outdoor set.

Other minor changes to the Outlander lineup for 2011 include the addition to the GT model of a "GT" rear badge and "S-AWC" rear decal that reflects this model's adoption of Mitsubishi's remarkably-advanced Super All -Wheel Control (S-AWC) active all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive versions of the ES and XLS Outlanders have been eliminated from the 2011 model lineup.

Two normally-aspirated engines are available in the Outlander: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower (PZEV version - 161 bhp) in the Outlander ES and SE models while the XLS and GT grade vehicles feature a 3.0-liter V-6 that is capable of producing a full 230 peak horsepower. The base model Outlander ES comes equipped with a Sportronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT); the 2WD and 4WD Outlander SE's make use of this same CVT transmission but also have the added benefit of steering wheel-mounted magnesium-alloy paddle shifters that allow the driver to quickly toggle between gear ratios. Both the Outlander XLS and GT models also possess the enthusiast driver-oriented paddle shifters but are mated to a technologically-advanced Sportronic® 6-speed automatic transmission.

Every Mitsubishi Outlander model benefits from advanced design and engineering systems including an all-aluminum roof that not only helps to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency, but also helps to lower this stylish crossover's center of gravity, thus aiding in handling, controllability and stability for the driver; eye-catching exterior details including LED tail lights with clear lens covers; and wonderful conveniences including fold-flat 1st and 2nd row seats along with a unique, easy to access flat-folding tailgate - clever features scarcely found in expensive high-end luxury crossovers and SUVs, let alone the lower-priced mid-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV) class that the very competitively-priced 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander resides in.

Having been awarded the highest 5-Star safety rating in crash testing performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all 2011 Mitsubishi Outlanders feature a lengthy list of advanced safety and security features as part of their standard equipment package. Helping to protect the driver and passengers are such items as advanced dual-stage front air bags with seat position sensors; side-impact curtain air bags (1st and 2nd row occupants); front seat borax side air bags; active front seat head rests; head impact absorption roof and pillar trim; Active Stability Control (ASC); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Traction Control Logic (TCL) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Offering further peace of mind are an anti-theft engine immobilizer, an anti-theft security alarm system and rear door child safety locks.

Key Specifications – Outlander GT S-AWC

Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 183.7 in.
Height: 66.1 in. (w/roof rails: 67.7 in.)
Width: 70.9 in.
Engine: SOHC MIVEC 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower: 230 @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 215 lb.-ft. @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Sportronic® with Idle-Neutral Logic and steering column-mounted paddle shifters
Dynamics: Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) with Active Front Differential (AFD), Hill Start Assist and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Wheels: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy
Tires: 225/55R18

Major Standard Features – Outlander GT S-AWC

• Auto off/on headlight control
• Xenon HID headlamps
• Heated side view mirrors
• Chrome tailgate Accent
• Chrome door beltline accent
• Dual exhaust finisher
• Automatic climate control
• Aluminum pedals
• 3rd row compact seat (underfloor stowable)
• Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) drive mode-selector (Tarmac/Snow/Lock)
• FUSE HandsFree Link System™
• Active Front Differential (AFD)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Rain-sensing windshield wiper system
• 6 CD/MP3 in-dash changer
• SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription
• Center mounted roof short-pole antenna
• Side sill extension w/ chrome accent
• "GT" rear badge
• "S-AWC" rear decal
• Aluminum gas/brake pedals
• Steering column mounted magnesium alloy paddle shifters
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with seat position sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors
• 60/40 split folding and reclining high-back rear seats
• High-contrast gauge meters with full-color LCD Multi-Information Display
• Color-keyed side view mirrors with LED indicator lamps
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• FAST-Key passive entry and starting system
• Power door locks and side view mirrors
• Power windows with driver's one-touch up/down
• Leather seating surfaces with power driver's seat
• Soft-touch upper I/P and door trim with double stitch accents

Key Specifications - Outlander XLS

Engine: SOHC MIVEC 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower: 230 bhp @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 215 lb.-ft. @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Sportronic® with Idle-Neutral Logic and steering column mounted paddle shifters
Dynamics: Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Wheels: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy
Tires: 225/55R18

Major Standard Features - Outlander XLS

• Outlander GT-like appearance (xenon HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, chrome beltline and tailgate accents, black out front fascia, aluminum pedals, and Thule-plug roof carrier accommodation)
• FUSE HandsFree Link System™
• Dual exhaust finisher
• "V6" badge
• Automatic climate control
• Soft-touch upper I/P and door trim with double-stitch accents
• Floor center console box with slide-adjustable armrest and cup holders (x2)
• Chrome AC outlet knobs
• HVAC automatic dial controls with chrome trim
• FAST-key passive entry and starting system with panic alarm feature
• Sportronic® steering wheel paddle shifter

Key Specifications - Outlander SE (2WD/4WD)

Engine: DOHC MIVEC 2.4-liter inline 4
Horsepower: 168 bhp @ 6,000 rpm (PZEV: 161 bhp @ 6,000 rpm)
Torque: 167 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm (PZEV: 161 @ 4,100 rpm)
Transmission: Sportronic® CVT with steering column-mounted paddle shifters
Dynamics: 2WD or available All-Wheel Control (AWC), Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Wheels: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy
Tires: 225/55R18

Major Standard Features - Outlander SE

• 3rd row compact seat (New for 2011 model)
• Upgraded instrument panel and door trim
• Auto off headlight control
• 6 CD/MP3 in-dash changer
• MP3/auxiliary stereo RCA input
• Front mesh grille with chrome surround
• Color-keyed front fascia with a silver skid plate extension
• Fog lights with chrome surround
• Sideview mirrors with LED indicator lamps
• 18-in. alloy wheels
• Air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• Sport fabric seats with leather bolster
• FAST-Key passive entry and starting system with panic alarm feature
• Sportronic® steering wheel paddle shifter
• High-contrast gauge meters with full-color display

Key Specifications - Outlander ES

Engine: DOHC MIVEC 2.4-liter inline 4
Horsepower: 168 bhp @ 6,000 rpm (PZEV: 161 bhp @ 6,000 rpm)
Torque: 167 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm (PZEV: 161 @ 4,100 rpm)
Transmission: Sportronic® CVT
Dynamics: Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Wheels: 16 x 6.5 in. steel (avail. 16 x 6.5 in. aluminum alloy)
Tires: 215/70R16

Major Standard Features – Outlander ES

• Auto off headlight control
• Aluminum roof panel
• Air conditioning
• 140-Watt CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, digital signal processor, equalization control and speed compensated volume
• Front mesh grille with black surround
• Color-keyed front fascia
• Color-keyed rear bumper
• Flat-type aero wiper blades
• Intermittent rear window wiper/washer
• Electric rear window to foster with timer
• Tinted glass
• Rear combination LED tail lamps with clear lenses
• Flap-folding tailgate function
• Center mounted short-pull roof antenna
• Space saver temporary spare tire
• Micron air filtration
• Rear heater floor ducts
• Power windows with auto up/down drivers switch
• Power central door and tailgate locks
• Multi-information meter display
• Chrome interior door levers
• Fabric wrapped door armrest & trim panel insert
• Fully-flat seating function (1st, 2nd row)
• Driver's seat height adjustment
• Dual visor-vanity mirrors with illumination
• Door scuff plate (front & rear)
• 60:40 rear split-fold/tumble seats (2nd row)
• Rear seat adjustable head restraints (x3)
• Advanced dual-stage front air bags with seat position sensors
• Side-impact curtain air bags (1st and 2nd row occupants)
• Front seat thorax side air bags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Active Stability Control (ASC)
• Traction Control Logic (TCL)
• Active front seat head rests
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer
• Anti-theft and security alarm system
• RISE body construction

Outlander Options:

Premium Package (SE 2WD and AWC models) adds: FUSE HandsFree Link System™ with USB port; Power glass sunroof w/ sunshade; 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio System; SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription; Leatherette upper I/P and front door trims with double stitch accents.

Touring Package (XLS 2WD and GT S-AWC models) adds: Leather seating surfaces (first- and second-row); Heated front seats; Power adjustable driver's seat; 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio System; SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription; Ultrasonic premium alarm system; Power glass sunroof w/sunshade.

Sun & Sound Package (GT S-AWC) adds: 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio System; SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription; Power glass sunroof w/sunshade.

Navigation w/Rearview Camera (GT S-AWC) adds: 40GB HDD Navigation with Music Server and Real-Time Traffic (RDS); Rear view camera system; Auxiliary video input jack.

Interior Package (all models) adds: Aluminum shift knob and brake grip.

Cargo Package (all models) adds: Rear shelf trim (cargo cover); Cargo mat; Cargo net – floor type).

Front Chrome and Grill Package (ES 2WD) adds: Fog lights; Chrome grille surround.