Mitsubishi SUV
Mitsubishi has been a popular vehicle choice for consumers for many years now. While the Mitsubishi SUV may not have been the first one to hit the SUV market, the ones the company has produced have done well.
The two being reviewed here are the 2012 Outlander and the Endeavor. There are pros and cons to both, and comparing each side by side can help you decide which one you may want for your hauling, towing and family traveling needs.
The Outlander
The first thing most potential buyers want to know about is the engine. On this Mitsubishi SUV you get a 2.4 liter, DOHC MIVEC I4 on the standard and a 3.0 liter, SOHC MIVEC V6 on the upgraded trim package. This results in either 168 horsepower or 230 and 167 or 215 torque. Also, the transmission is either a CVT Sportronic or a six speed Sportronic with Idle Neutral Logic.
The range in fuel efficiency varies a bit from each of the five models of this SUV. The standard ES two wheel drive gets 23 city miles per gallon 28 for the highway. On the opposite end of the spectrum there is the GT S all wheel drive, which gets 19 miles per gallon for city driving and 25 for the highway. So, you get more power and features with the upgrade but lose a good bit of the fuel economy.
Outlander Safety
You get some of the obvious basics with the Mitsubishi Outlander such as air bags and anti lock brakes, but there is more to the safety features than this. Unfortunately, some of the best safety features are not available on the basic ES. Things such as the Hill Start Assist and the Active Stability Control are only available on the top of the line GT edition. There is Traction Control Logic and active front seat headrests for all models though.
The Endeavor
This is the Mitsubishi Midsize SUV that seats five. The engine is a 3.8 liter, V6 that generates 225 horsepower and has 225 pounds/feet torque. The transmission for the Endeavor is a four speed automatic. As far as fuel efficiency goes, you get 15 miles per gallon for city driving and 21 for highway roads.
One reason for the popularity of the Mitsubishi Endeavor is that consumers love the room it provides for passengers and cargo alike. Not only that, but the overall design and look is one of the more popular ones on the market. You get elevated seating combined with the hauling and towing capabilities of bigger SUVs, but feel as if you are behind the wheel of a smaller and more compact vehicle. To top it all off, reviews give the Mitsubishi Endeavor high marks for the smooth ride it provides.
Endeavor Safety
One thing that potential Endeavor owners should know is that one downfall to this SUV is that it received less than favorable marks for the rear crash and roof strength tests. For frontal and side impact, the scores were better, but those who consider safety the highest priority may want to opt for the Outlander instead. The standard package includes air bags, anti-lock brakes, roll over protection and Active Stability Control that puts some drivers at ease about this choice.
Mitsubishi Reviews
Overall, the Outlander did well in reviews from experts and consumers. One complaint was in relation to the third row seating. Though the Outlander has this option, most felt that it was uncomfortable and hardly even roomy enough for child sized passengers. In fact, even the second row seating was not adequate when compared to the competition in the eyes of many consumers.
On the upside, this Mitsubishi SUV gets much praise for its pep and energy that comes from a strong V6 engine. In addition, those who are looking for a family friendly vehicle could really enjoy this option with the exception of the third row seating issues. Drivers also raved about the sporty handling the Outlander offered.
As for the Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV, there were several pros and cons listed. On a positive note, the overall look is a favorite in the SUV world. Also the off road handling abilities actually took many experts and consumers by surprise. The powerful engine running this SUV is also a feature that gets a big thumbs up time after time. The negative notes for this one include the lack of third row seating altogether and a lack of updates for the engine and other features while the competition moves forward. Overall, either Mitsubishi SUV could be a great choice for your family, depending on your seating and storage needs.
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