Mitsubishi Details 2014 Outlander Features and Fuel Economy

Mitsubishi provided details on its new seven-passenger 2014-MY Outlander compact crossover. The automaker estimates the Outlander will get 31 mpg highway on the ES and SE front-wheel-drive models. Models include ES, SE, and GT, with GT being at the top end.

New features on the 2014-MY Outlander include Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system on the mid-grade SE model rather than only on the top-end GT model. The crossover has a new exterior design that is 7% more aerodynamic and 200 lbs. lighter, according to Mitsubishi than the previous model. The vehicle also has a new interior HVAC system that uses less energy and a lighter weight S-AWC system.

The vehicle comes in six colors: Cool Silver Metallic, Cosmic Blue Mica, Mercury Gray Metallic, Copper Metallic, Diamond White Pearl or Labrador Black Mica.

Under the hood, the 2.4L four-cylinder engine comes with the latest version of Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC) with continuously-variable valve lift timing technology. The engine can produce 166 hp at 6,600 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. All 2014 Outlander models meet LEV II – ULEV emissions standards, according to the company.

This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a new feature called Acceleration Control, which Mitsubishi said is designed to provide better throttle response during early acceleration and postpones upshifting to later in the rev range.

A new ECO-mode setting, which the driver can activate, is standard on all 2014-MY Outlander models. The new ECO mode allows the vehicle to operate as a 2WD vehicle until sensors reactivate the 4WD mode when necessary.

The 2014-MY GT edition of the Outlander gets a 3.0L V-6 MIVEC engine that can produce 224 hp at 6,250 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm. Mitsubishi matched this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For safety, Mitsubishi offers the following on the SE and GT models: Adaptive Cruise Control, a radar-based system that measures the distance between the Outlander and a vehicle in front of it and allows the drive to set one of three different following distances; Forward Collision Mitigation, which uses radar to warn the driver and apply brakes if it detects a potential collision and the driver doesn’t respond; and Lane Departure Warning, which is a camera-based system that warns the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of a lane.

Other standard safety features include seven airbags; a brake pedal recession protection structure, which is designed to protect the driver in case of a frontal crash; a tire pressure monitoring system; active stability control; traction logic control; hill start assist; anti-lock brakes; and a new “ultra-rigid” chassis.

In terms of options, the mid-grade SE model features a six-inch touch-screen display audio system; rearview camera; SiriusXM satellite radio; Digital HD Radio; fog lamps; 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; a FAST-key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch; and Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link system with USB that allows voice activation of iPod and cell phone via voice commands. The GT level features the 3.0L V-6 as noted earlier, S-AWC, wide-beam HID headlights, and wood-grain interior trim.

Other features available on the SE and GT models include a Rockford-Fosgate sound system, a navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen; and a remote power tailgate that can be activated from the driver’s seat or keyfob.