Outlander offers the best of both worlds

Tougher than a wagon and more appealing than a minivan, the SUV has been with us for some time now. Like any good bartender will tell you, sometimes experimenting with various ingredients creates great things.

By nature, a small Sport Utility Vehicle has the capability and sturdiness of a truck, the space and convenience of a minivan, and the handling and economy of a car. The result is a safe and sure footed vehicle that can get you and yours around safely in any sort of weather. Trouble is that many entries into this segment just aren't very exciting. But that's just my opinion, and opinions are a bit like compact SUV's: everybody's got one to sell you.

Most carmakers have at least one machine in the same size class as the Outlander, but few have one that is as much fun to drive. Where others tend to fall short on excitement and simply blend in, the Outlander Limited really delivers uniqueness and a win-win compromise between its performance and mileage, and its room and Mitsubishi Outlander-- The Women's Postsize.

In this case, the seamless combination of the key SUV ingredients makes me wonder if the folks on Mitsubishi's design team were ever bartenders.

With fuel prices skyrocketing, a big, thirsty V8 is out of the question for budget minded families. Mitsubishi has specified a 2.4 liter, 16 valve engine with 160 horsepower to motivate all four wheels. In a vehicle this size, 160 horsepower provides adequate motivation. The engine delivers velvety smooth and quiet operation, and cruises along nicely using little more fuel that a four-cylinder powered car. An automatic transmission is the only one offered on the Limited, though it has a sport-shift mode which allows drivers to take the reins of all 160 ponies.
The all wheel drive system constantly adapts to road conditions with no driver input required, always finding traction whenever you need it. Snow, ice, pavement, dirt or anything in between require no second thought: there are no modes to select and no buttons to press, just impressive grip available at all time. When the driving gets rough, this becomes important, allowing drivers to focus solely on the task at hand.

Not only is the Outlander capable, but it's one of the best looking mini-utes currently on the market, too. The Limited model includes 17 inch wheels, aluminum roof-racks and clear tail lights, as well as a distinctive and aggressive front grille that will turn heads.

Inside, occupants are treated to an especially inviting interior — one of my favorites in the price range. There is plenty of room for all passengers, and the headroom is especially impressive. Even larger rear-seat passengers will find plenty of room. Leather covers the seats, steering wheel and shifter, and the 6 disc CD changer is attached to a phenomenal stereo. A power sunroof resides overhead, letting in the wind and sun at the touch of a button, while a cargo organizer and self dimming rearview mirror complete the package. It's a safe interior too, with standard front and side airbags.

A common concern about vehicles like the Outlander is the handling. The all-wheel-drive coupled with the car-derived suspension makes for a precise and nimble feel to the steering and handling, while the ride remains comfortable and compliant. If you think an SUV can't be fun to drive through winding roads, you've really got to try one of these.

With all the comfort and room of a luxury sedan, the Outlander Limited combines car like fuel mileage, an impressive list of features and an unbeatable warranty to create a fantastic deal at $33,600.

Image courtesy of Consumer Guide Automotive.