Simply put: it works - well
Third row seats are not always essential for family vehicles. The sheer weight, size and packaging of most folding seats increases the heft of many vehicles they are put in. That is not quite the story of the Mitsubishi Outlander. The addition of the (optional) 3rd row seat in the Outlander adds just over 100 lbs which keeps the 4WD, V6 Outlander’s total weight to 3671.
What makes the Outlander so compelling to me is what it offers for the price. The excellent 3.0 V6 in the XLS produces 220 horsepower (204 lbs feet of torque) and it is paired to a sophisticated paddle shifting 6-speed automatic. My favorite feature is the 3 mode drive system: a rotary dial that allows you to choose from front-wheel-drive to 4-wheel-drive (inclement weather) to “Lock” (deep mud and snow). It can handle more than most drivers will throw at it including light off road driving. 
I have spent a lot of time driving various versions of the Outlander and I can confidently say that it is a remarkably utilitarian vehicle which is a joy to drive. Once you get past the cheap, hard plastics (especially the door panels) you will find a well laid out, functional cockpit. There are 13 storage areas, comfortable seats (front and back), 9 cup holders and plenty of useable amenities.
The rear loading floor is very low and flat. The rear seats flip and fold while the way-back seat (which is rather flimsy – but safe) folds directly into the floor like origami. A nifty half tailgate drops down for easy-peasy loading and great butt space for tailgating.
The optional 650 watt (that’s TONS) Rockford Fosgate stereo system is particularly nice. I am not a fan of the gaudy looking (read wanabe Hip-Hop) trunk mounted, subwoofer. It takes little space though I feel it looks amateurish and belongs in cars like the Lancer and Eclipse. Still, it adds to the great sound.
This is a great driving machine that I would recommend to anyone who wants a little bit of fun with their small crossover SUV. For a quality, reliable vehicle that costs between $20,000 to just under $35,000 loaded, you could do a lot worse. For any Coloradan I say the Mitsubishi Outlander works – well.
Very well indeed.
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