2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD 4dr ES

Introduction

All Outlanders are available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (4WD).

Competitive performance, fuel economy, and interior space along with aggressive pricing make the Mitsubishi Outlander a compelling SUV.

For 2009, a third row, giving seven-passenger seating capacity, is optionally available with the four-cylinder SE model, the factory-optional navigation system on the XLS six-cylinder model now includes a rear-view camera and the hard-disc drive capacity is increased from 30 GB to 40 GB.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on Outlander ES and SE models, which are EPA-rated 20/25 mpg City/Highway.

The Outlander can be equipped to be quite luxurious, boasting automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch LCD screen and wireless remote and headphones.

The Outlander can seat up to seven passengers when equipped with a fold-down, compact third-row seat. A GPS navigation system featuring a seven-inch touch-screen is available with a hard disk for speedy data retrieval and recorded audio tracks. All models come with a full complement of occupant safety features. Formula 1-style magnesium shift paddles mounted on the steering column allow the driver to shift manually, while a keyless ignition system eliminates the need to fuss with keys. Its available four-wheel-drive system is designed more to be pavement-friendly than backwoods-capable. Other changes for 2009 include some new features and trim details. The four-cylinder engine is matched with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, designed to offer good fuel economy and operating smoothness. The four-cylinder version is rated to tow 1500 pounds; the V6 is tow-rated at 2000 pounds with 2WD, and 3500 pounds with 4WD because the 4WD models come with a bigger radiator. The LS V6 model has been dropped. The Mitsubishi Outlander is a tidy and versatile sport utility vehicle that offers a choice of a thrifty four-cylinder engine or a responsive V6, two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, five or seven-passenger seating, an affordable price, and an appealing list of standard and optional features, all wrapped up in an attractive and modern shape. The Outlander features an electronic skid and traction control system and a modern four-wheel independent suspension. The Outlander XLS is standard with a 220-horsepower V6, which is matched to a six-speed automatic with a sport-shift feature, and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system.

Walkaround

The rear has a unified look.

The side view shows a sleek, rounded shape with deeply creased fender blisters that outline circular wheel wells, which are better filled by the 18-inch wheels than by the 16-inchers.

The sides of the Outlander bend inward toward the top, adding a distinctively aero-look to an otherwise mostly boxy shape when viewed from behind. A nice feature of the little tailgate is that it forms a small barrier at the back of the cargo bay, so that when you open the main liftgate your cantaloupe doesn't coming rolling out onto the ground, which has happened to us with other SUVs. Easy-to-grip door handles sit atop full-round indents. Front and rear bumpers flow seamlessly into their respective quarter panels. Headlight covers blend cleanly into the surrounding fascia and fenders. Many of the seams and lines draw the eye to the Mitsubishi trademark centered in the lift gate. The liftgate reaches all the way down to the top of the bumper, which functions also as a small, fold-down tailgate designed to support up to 440 pounds -- so no worries sitting on it at tailgate parties. The lower portion of the front bumper opens into a large air intake above a skid plate-looking under-panel. The Outlander is a four-door SUV capable of seating five or seven. The side glass tapers toward the back end, playing to the wedge look and ending in a substantial, sharply angular D-pillar. The spoiler topping the backlight extends directly from the roof. Up front is an understated, traditionally shaped grille opening with the three-diamond Mitsubishi trademark floating on thin, horizontal bars.

Driving Impression

(A window decal will tell you if the Outlander on your dealer's lot is a PZEV.) We doubt you'd notice the difference, especially given that, either way, the V6 rates 204 pound-feet of torque. (Instead of a fixed set of gear ratios, a CVT relies on a pulley system that provides infinitely variable ratios, a true shift-less transmission.) The floor-mounted control lever permits the driver to select modes labeled P-R-N-D-DS; where the first four are the familiar Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive.

At speed, the Outlander handles freeway and even extra-legal speeds with ease.

The 3.0-liter, single-overhead-cam V6, like the four-cylinder, features four valves per cylinder with MIVEC valve-timing control, plus two-stage variable induction for strong power at a wider range of engine speeds.

The four-cylinder comes with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic.

The four-wheel-drive system features three selections controlled by a single knob mounted in the center console just aft of the shift lever.

The navigation system features Diamond Lane Guidance, an industry-first development that includes HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane information along with the usual directions.

The steering is responsive and offers good feedback.

The V6 boasts comparable fuel economy as the four-cylinder on the highway.

We found the V6 smooth and powerful and the six-speed automatic that comes with it manages the delivery of that power with finesse. A lower center of gravity makes for a vehicle that leans less in corners and is less likely to roll over. And that's a good thing. Another setting is 4WD Auto, which apportions power front-to-rear according to speed differences between front and rear wheels, but with some power (up 40 percent) always going to the rear wheels for more balanced handling. DS in this case mimics the operation of other sporty auto-manual shifters by providing manual operation through six pre-selected ratios. In most states the V6 rates 220 horsepower at 6250 rpm, dropping to 213 in states where the Outlander V6 is sold as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). In sportiness, it's competitive with the class. Initially, careful attention to the speedometer is vital to avoiding roadside discussions with the authorities. It gets an EPA-rated 20/25 mpg City/Highway, 2WD or 4WD. It thoroughly suppresses any front-wheel drive contortions yet provides front-wheel traction when needed, but all the while responding to power and steering inputs more like rear-wheel drive. It's torque, not horsepower, that you feel more in everyday driving, propelling you away from traffic lights and smartly up hills. Likewise, kickdowns for passing or for merging onto freeways are relatively languid. One setting, the most fuel-efficient, engages the front wheels only. Order the SE, and you can zip up and down through the ratios via shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; ES pilots will have to make do with the floor lever. Road noise is more evident in the 4WD models. The 2.4-liter Outlander engine delivers 168 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 167 pound-feet of torque at 4100. The 4WD system adds about 140 pounds of weight, some of it in the form of unsprung mass, which deadens suspension response somewhat over rippled or broken pavement. The ample torque from the V6 engine reduces the need for downshifting on upgrades. The disc brakes have dual-piston calipers in front and single-piston calipers in back for firm pedal feel and sure stopping, backed by ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution for stable braking in an emergency. The engine and transmission computer mapping seems focused more on gas mileage than silky gear changes and optimal power delivery. The navigation system with music server is available as a factory option only on XLS but can be added to any other model (at slightly higher cost) as an accessory. The Outlander ES and SE models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine based on the same dual-overhead-cam architecture as the 2.0-liter engine that powers the latest Lancer. The Outlander has an aluminum roof, which is 11 pounds lighter than an equivalent steel roof, and this drops the Outlander's center of gravity almost half an inch. The result is a confident Outlander, with crisp turn-in and relatively flat tracking through curves. The ride is comfortable and well managed and it's stable on the highway. The third setting is 4WD Lock, which is actually a misnomer, as it doesn't truly lock front/rear power distribution in the same manner as with a true four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. The V6 gets an EPA-estimated 17/23 mpg with 4WD, and it rates 24 mpg on the highway with 2WD. This is most apparent at moderate road speeds in the higher gears and under light loading, when what feels like torque-converter lockup holds the engine at relatively low rpm. This is the more fun, more agile setting. Throttle tip-in from a stand-still is a bit sensitive, requiring some tempering of the right foot for smooth starts. Under hard acceleration, there's a trace of torque steer, a phenomenon common on front wheel-drive vehicles, where the steering wheel pulls to one side or the other under hard acceleration. Using HOV lanes, where permissible and accessible, can help reduce driving times. What it does is give the rear wheels preference in power distribution, directing as much as 60 percent their way under full throttle on dry pavement.

Interior

Access to the third-row seat is surprisingly easy for a sport utility of this size.

Collapsing the third-row seat into the cargo floor is relatively easy, requiring little more than pulling a couple straps and pushing where noted.

Cubby storage is respectable.

In cargo room, the Outlander bests all the competition save the CR-V and RAV4, and it loses to those two only slightly.

Sight lines from the driver's seat are good most ways around.

The fabric upholstery that comes standard feels durable, the optional leather in the XLS is pliant.

The second-row seats are contoured more like bench seats than buckets.

The stereo that comes standard delivers better-than-average sounds. A bi-level glove box fills the top and bottom of the right side of the dash. A major plus with the navigation system is that it and the sound system have separate on/off buttons. All four doors have bottle holders, the front ones sharing space with maps and the like. And the RAV4 seat is really a seat, with cushions instead of pads. Atop the storage compartment in the center console is a padded cover that adjusts fore and aft a couple inches. Buttons stacked along the sides of the LCD monitor provide basic access to the navigation system. Compared with those vehicles, the front seats of the Outlander offer headroom that's firmly in the upper half of the class and comparable legroom, though hip room is relatively tight. Easy-to-use knobs and buttons manage temperature and other functions. Even the third-row seat has cubbies on the side. Even with the short tailgate, getting to a couple of the requisite straps and then leveraging the seat up out of the floor and locking it into place makes for some awkward stretches and strains. Headroom and hip room for second-row passengers is below average for the class. Inside, the Outlander looks and feels upscale, quiet, and mature, with tasteful metallic trim and tighter integration of controls and fixtures. Lumbar and height adjustment offer sufficient range to accommodate almost every body shape and dimension. Many such systems in other vehicles do not. Not so retrieving it. Once back there, though, the third-row seats are not comfortable for adults. Outlander's short tailgate incorporates a feature we've noticed only on high-end SUVs, a flap that folds down when the gate is open to bridge the gap over the gate's hinges. Second-row legroom is among the best in the class. Side bolsters do their job without being overly confining. Still, for kids or short jaunts, the Outlander fulfills its purpose as a seven-passenger vehicle. The dropped-down screen obscures the rearward view when the kids are using the rear-seat entertainment system, but this is common with most of these systems. The fit and finish in the cabin impressed us. The front console has four cup holders, the second-row fold-down center another two. The front corners are in view, easing parking and maneuvers in close quarters. The front seats have deep bottom cushions that give good thigh support. The Outlander competes with the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-7, and Toyota RAV4. The Outlander's third-row seat comes up short against the RAV4 by a couple of inches in every direction. The robust D-pillars restrict the over-the-shoulder view, however. The seat bottom and seat back are mere inches in thickness, and the seat sits so close to the floor that adult occupants' knees come to about shoulder height. The second-row seat folds flat and then rocks forward against the back of the front seat, opening an expansive path to the rearmost seat; there's even a small courtesy light on the second-row seat bottom that illuminates the floor when the seat bottom is released. The second-row seats are split 60/40 for versatility with cargo and passengers. The speed-compensated volume and equalization help mask the low-level road noise and wind rustle from around the outside mirrors. The tachometer and speedometer are appreciably large with clear markings, but are so deeply recessed that reading them with a glance is difficult unless you're precisely aligned with their surrounding tunnels. The up-level, Rockford-Fosgate stereo, with 650 watts and eight speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, converts the Outlander into a rolling boom box, but with more clarity in the treble notes than is common in such systems. The XLS offers reclining rear seatbacks and the second row slides 3.2 inches fore-and-aft. This adds to the Outlander's practicality when moving stuff around. Thus, not only is there a short tailgate that eases loading and unloading cargo, but also it's a lot easier sliding awkward and heavy boxes into and out of the back.

Summary

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Northern Virginia. John Katz in Pennsylvania reported on the four-cylinder model. The cabin is comfortable, spacious and user-friendly, with available state-of-the-art entertainment and navigation systems. The Mitsubishi Outlander offers four-cylinder and V6 engines and sophisticated four-wheel-drive technology. Top-notch occupant safety equipment and crash avoidance features are standard across the line.

Liked Most

"The steering is nicely weighted, and the six-speed automatic can be controlled via paddle shifters."
By AUTOMOBILE

"Clever liftgate, carlike on pavement, hauls a lot o' stuff."
By CAR AND DRIVER

Liked Least

"Cheap-looking interior, gritty engine noise, vague steering."
By CAR AND DRIVER

One-Liners " The Outlander's first job is satisfying the masses, so Mitsubishi has given it all the key specs of a modern crossover. Crisp exterior styling but dynamically bland. Don't rule this out because of the last model."

Car Connection Review

2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER STYLING | [8 out of 10]
Car and Driver: "Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling"

ConsumerGuide: "Smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times"

Edmunds: "Sporty styling with useful rear tailgate/liftgate design"

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com reveal that the styling of the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is a hit with the automotive press. The interior styling also scores well, but doesn't receive quite the same praise as the sheetmetal on the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Motor Trend proclaims it "handsome, decidedly dashing next to its predecessor" and "has an air that's all SUV." Edmunds simply states it has a "stylish, distinctive-looking exterior." Car and Driver declares that "Mitsubishi certainly got it right with the vehicle's styling." Cars.com reviewers describe the major exterior styling elements on the Mitsubishi Outlander as "wraparound headlights" that "flank a trapezoidal grille," along with "a gaping intake below the front bumper" and a roofline that "terminates at angular D-pillars."

According to Edmunds, the "2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and XLS," though the external differences are minimal, as the ES "comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels," and the SE and XLS both offer standard "18-inch alloy wheels."

The interior of the Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander is redesigned, along with the rest of the vehicle, for the 2007 model year, and is unchanged entering 2009.

Not all impressions are positive about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, as reviewers at ConsumerGuide say that "the smallish digital display in the center of the gauge cluster can wash out at times" and lament "the climate controls are mounted too low for easy access while driving." Other than those few gripes, the Mitsubishi Outlander wins praise for a gauge cluster that Cars.com notes "is reminiscent of motorcycles." Reviewers generally approve of the interior design, with Motor Trend calling it "contemporary" and Edmunds adding "the Outlander's interior is attractive looking."

Conclusion: The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a handsome, flowing exterior, though a not entirely problem-free interior.



2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PERFORMANCE | [8 out of 10]



MotherProof: "easy access to speed"

Edmunds: "comfortable and well-mannered"

ConsumerGuide: "CVT adjusts ratios promptly for passing"

Good handling and a fuel-efficient engine make the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander appealing from a performance perspective, according to most reviewers, and while most were pleased by the available V-6, there are plenty of gripes about the standard four-cylinder.

The 2009 Mitsubishi V-6 scores well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, as MotherProof finds it "has impressive power" and offers "easy access to speed." Kelley Blue Book remarks that their 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander "never had trouble merging or passing." The four-cylinder engine is somewhat less enthusiastic, and ConsumerGuide indicates it is "slow from a stop," but they also claim it accelerates "adequately above 20 mph." Cars.com notes "for 2008, Mitsubishi added a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine" to the Outlander lineup on ES and SE trim levels. That engine complements the "3.0-liter V6" that Edmunds says is "good for 220 hp and 204 pound-feet of torque" and powers the Mitsubishi Outlander XLS.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered with just one transmission per engine. Edmunds says "four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a CVT, while V6 models have a more traditional six-speed automatic." Both transmissions "have manual-shift capability" and "all Outlander trims are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive," according to Edmunds. The CVT, or continuously variable transmission, on the four-cylinder engines receives mixed reviews; while ConsumerGuide comments that it "adjusts ratios promptly for passing," AutoWeek characterizes it as "wildly erratic." The six-speed automatic is certainly the more welcome transmission, and Edmunds praises the "crisp and well-timed" shifts that it offers.

Mitsubishi makes available all-wheel drive an option on Outlander models. "Choose '4WD Auto' and at least 15 percent of engine torque is routed to the rear axle at all times, and when you're accelerating on packed snow or other slippery surfaces, the rear wheels can accept up to 60 percent of the power," Edmunds reports. "Choose '4WD Lock' and the system sends a greater percentage of torque to the rear wheels--up to 60 percent under full-throttle acceleration."

The EPA estimates that the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander returns 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway when equipped with the V-6 in 2WD mode, while the V-6 in 4WD mode gets 17/24 mpg. Both drive configurations of the four-cylinder engine offer 20 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway.

While handling is a strong point of the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, the crossover isn't a stunner in terms of speed. Edmunds reviewers find that "driving the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is more fun than you might expect, as its well-tuned chassis gives it sporty reflexes around corners and transmits considerable feedback to the driver." ConsumerGuide adds that the Mitsubishi Outlander has only "moderate body lean in turns." The Mitsubishi Outlander's handling prowess is due in large part to the fact it is "based on a platform that sees duty in the current Lancer and Lancer Evolution sport sedan," according to Cars.com.

Car and Driver says the Outlander has "a stiff suspension for an SUV." ConsumerGuide observes that "the suspension does a poor job overall of absorbing sharp bumps," which makes for a rough and uncomfortable ride. Edmunds contends, "Ride quality is just as important as handling in a small SUV, though, and the Outlander is indeed comfortable and well-mannered when cruising."

Conclusion: The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most enjoyable small crossovers to drive--if you're willing to overlook the coarse four-cylinder engine.



2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER COMFORT AND QUALITY | [6 out of 10]

ConsumerGuide: "3rd row is suitable only for kids"

Edmunds: "particularly like the Outlander's dual-opening rear hatch"

Car and Driver: "doesn't quite match the RAV4 for material quality"

While the quality of interior materials used lag behind the competition, the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander boasts an impressive amount of cargo space and innovative features.

ConsumerGuide says that the "3rd row is suitable only for kids, and they will ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position on a cushion that uses webbed hammock-style material rather than conventional padding." Fortunately, the third row can collapse "flat into the cargo floor when not in use," leading Kelley Blue Book to term it a "why not?" feature. Edmunds reports that the Mitsubishi "Outlander comes with a third-row seat," though its "effectiveness is debatable."

According to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, passenger space is much more accommodating. ConsumerGuide says that the front seats in the Mitsubishi Outlander offer "plentiful headroom and legroom" and "the seats are generally comfortable, though some occupants may want more thigh support." They add that the second row features "good headroom" and "legroom on all Outlanders is more than sufficient for most adults."

Edmunds reviewers report that "in terms of cargo room, a little less than 73 cubic feet is at your disposal with the second- and third-row seats folded," and they "particularly like the Outlander's dual-opening rear hatch, as the upper portion provides convenient access to groceries, while the lower portion" can drop down "to form a tailgate capable of supporting 440 pounds." Interior storage on the Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander draws praise as well, particularly from ConsumerGuide, where testers observe that the "good interior storage includes a nicely sized glove box and center console."

The 2009 Outlander can't overcome drawbacks regarding its materials and build quality. Car and Driver notes that it "doesn't quite match the RAV4 for material quality," while Edmunds mentions the "plastics and controls feel a bit low-grade." ConsumerGuide remarks that the "cabin has few padded surfaces and many plastic panels that feel thin and hollow to the touch" and "look on the cheap side," while one of their Mitsubishi Outlanders "suffered from a number of interior creaks and groans," a sign of poor build quality.

You can hear the Outlander's questionable build quality every time you drive down the highway. ConsumerGuide rates the Mitsubishi Outlander below the class average when it comes to interior noise levels and deems "engine and bump noise are the biggest sources of ruckus." AutoWeek adds that the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is plagued by "roaring engine, tranny, road and wind noise."



Conclusion: The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has enough space, but all the noises aren't reassuring.



2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SAFETY | [10 out of 10]

MotherProof: "an advanced air bag system and an anti-lock brake system"

Edmunds: "whiplash-reducing front head restraints"

NHTSA: Five stars, front impact protection and side impact protection

A long list of safety features and world-class crash-test ratings make the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander a wise choice.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) subjects the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander to its full battery of tests and subsequently awards it a perfect five stars in all four impact tests. The Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander earns this five-star rating for front driver and passenger impact protection, as well as driver and passenger side-impact protection. A further testament to the solid construction and engineering featured on the Mitsubishi Outlander comes from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), where testers award the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander their highest rating, "good," for frontal offset impact protection.

As important as crash-test results are, a second, and equally critical, component is the list of standard and optional safety features that come with a vehicle. Here, again, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the Mitsubishi Outlander is a standout, and all of its safety features come standard on every trim level. MotherProof reviewers state that these features include "an advanced air bag system and an anti-lock brake system," while Cars.com adds that "an electronic stability system" comes standard. Rounding out the list of safety features, Edmunds says that "whiplash-reducing front head restraints" are found on every 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander manages to excel at offering excellent driver visibility where other crossovers fail. ConsumerGuide notes that although the "tall 3rd-row seatbacks partially block the view astern," the "visibility is fine otherwise."

Both major crash-testing agencies, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have tested the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, and the results are very impressive.

Conclusion: The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander receives impressive results from both crash-test agencies and boasts a wealth of airbags.



2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER FEATURES | [9 out of 10]

MotherProof: "Overflowing with goodies"

Edmunds: "Update to the optional navigation system that provides additional carpool-lane routing"

Car and Driver: "650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with hard-disk music storage"

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is easily one of the class leaders in terms of both standard and optional features. With a base price around $20,000, the Outlander is not a likely suspect for having such an impressive list of features.

Edmunds writes that the Mitsubishi Outlander ES features "air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, a trip computer, full power accessories and reclining rear seats," while the LS adds "keyless ignition, an auxiliary audio jack, [and] a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls."

The Mitsubishi 2009 Outlander's four trim levels offer varying degrees of luxury when it comes to standard features, but even the base ES is nicely equipped.

For the two more luxurious trims, ConsumerGuide says to expect a "power sunroof," a "Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer," and "satellite radio" on the Mitsubishi Outlander SE, while the top-of-the-line XLS adds "automatic climate control" and a "wireless cell phone link."

MotherProof reviewers in particular rave about the fact that their Mitsubishi Outlander XLS is "Bluetooth capable with caller ID and voice-recognition software."

Options on the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander come in several packages and a few stand-alone features. Cars.com says that some of the most noteworthy options are "a 30GB hard-drive-based navigation system" and "rear seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch screen," both of which are available as stand-alone options. With that navigation system, Edmunds notes "for 2009, Mitsubishi has added a first-of-its-type feature that allows drivers to tailor their navigation directions based on carpool lanes."

ConsumerGuide lists the available packages as the Convenience Package on the ES trims, which include "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, auxiliary power outlet, wireless cell phone link," and "alloy wheels," while the XLS offers a Sun and Sound Package with the SE's "Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer." The other major package on the XLS is the Luxury Package, which ConsumerGuide says incorporates "leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, [and] xenon headlights."

Conclusion: The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander offers everything you could ask for in a $20,000 vehicle as standard equipment, and even more in the form of options.