For those of you who didn't know Mitsubishi had a first-generation Outlander, don't worry-you didn't miss much. Long of schnozz with an ultra-butch roof rack, the Outlander was a stealth bomber on the radar screens of guys like you and me.
Powered by a 3.0-liter, all-aluminum V-6 with variable valve timing (MIVEC), the Outlander makes 220 bhp and 205 lb-ft of torque, 90 percent of which is available at 2,000 rpm. Put your foot in it and you'll quickly dash any hopes of this being an Evo SUV. While it's no MR, acceleration isn't bad. However, with a stretched version of the same C-segment chassis the next-gen Lancer/Evo will use, the Outlander has a bit of that Evo rigidity. Monotube shocks and an all-aluminum roof also mean the car handles better than expected, with surprisingly little body roll. Mitsu engineers explained that using aluminum in the roof is three times more effective at lowering the center of gravity than using it in the hood.
With such a tight and willing chassis, it was a bit disappointing to find the steering doesn't match. Like the engine, it's pretty good, but neither especially quick nor precise. Then again, Moms don't want to find themselves making unexpected lane changes with every rearward swat at the rug rats.
With an active, tri-mode, electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, the Outlander can be hustled at a surprising pace through the Okazaki handling course. The 4WD Auto mode is the mode you'll want to leave it in, as it shifts torque to the wheels as needed. The Outlander will exhibit mildly alarming understeer if you run the sweepers as recklessly as I did, but the anti-skid control system is unflappable; never once did I feel out of control.
Since the midsize SUV segment is terribly competitive, the Outlander comes equipped with a few tricks to help separate it from the pack. One of them, the optional magnesium paddle shifters, is Mitsubishi's blatant attempt to appeal to guys like you and me. They are cool to the touch, with a smooth action that engages all six gears of the Sportronic transmission with acceptable speed and precision. But after fiddling with them for a while, I just left the puppy in Drive. When I'm cruising in an SUV I'm wearing flip-flops, not driving shoes.
In contrast, I found two of the other Outlander features much more appealing. The split hatch with fold-flat rear tailgate looked like the perfect place set down my bean and cheese burrito at the next kegger, while the odor-absorbing headliner would take care of any after effects.
As for nits to pick, there aren't many to my untrained eyes. The rear-seat headrests look goofy, while the head and legroom back there seems only appropriate for 3-footers with a penchant for SpongeBob. What are they called again? Oh yeah, kids.
Bottom line: The Outlander's driver seat is by far the best place to be. But of course, what else did you expect me to say?.