2010 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV or Crossover take your pick!My overall impression of this car is it packs a lot of features onto a relatively small chassis for a VERY REASONABLE price. Considering most 6cyl. SUV-types start at $35k and quickly graduate to $40k, this is a nice blend of all the features we want; iPod, hard drive, above-average stereo, 18″ rims, tow capacity, heated seats, paddle-shifters, leather, moon-roof, long factory warranty and a peppy engine, at 230 hp, this v6 delivers nicely without being a gas hog; 18/22 and 22/24 respectively. Add the 5 yr. 60k Basic Limited and 10 yr. 100k power train warranty and great financing options; 0% for 36 mos. or a super lease payment, and the car buying public will either love or hate this ride, given the unique styling of the front grill (NOSE).
However, when I dig deeper there are some things about this crossover that leaves me wondering, WHY?
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Why have Heated seats and no Homelink?
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Why cheap-out on the steering wheel yet add extra bolstering in the sides of the bottom cushion and seat back?, (makes the seat feel too small on a typical American super-sized butt!).
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Why make this third row seat more difficult to manuveur than a Rubics Cube and as comfortable to sit on?
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Why use the 18” rims, McPherson struts and four-wheel independent suspension but skip the Breamo brakes?
The Fosgate stereo is surround-sound sex-appeal but muffles out when the third row seat is up, passenger in place or not.
The towing capacity suggests 3500lbs, however, I need to see it to believe this rig can still blow cold air during Vegas summers while maintaining speed on the grades with a 3500lb anchor on it’s tail.
All in all, there is enough to like about the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander to make it a worthy contender in a class that has serious competition from the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-7/Ford Explorer, Jeep Liberty and Hyundai Santa Fe or 2011 KIA SORENTO
Checkout my 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD 6cyl. test drive here:
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
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