2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy and functional interior, comfortable ride, peppy around town, solid handling, standard ABS.
Cons
- Could use some more power, less cargo capacity than competitors.
What’s new
Mitsubishi has replaced the Outlander's XLS trim level with a new Special Edition (SE) trim. The SE has the same content as the former XLS but gains a few extra pieces of flashy exterior trim. The rest of the Outlander is unchanged for 2006, save for the addition of standard side airbags and antilock brakes to all models, as well as standard automatic climate control for the Limited trim.
Edmunds says
With its unique looks, pleasant handling characteristics and roomy, user-friendly interior, the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander has no trouble winning over its share of fans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$202/mo for Outlander LS
Outlander LS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Everybody who's anybody in the automotive world has a mini-SUV offering these days. Mitsubishi waited until 2003 to debut its own small SUV, the Outlander. What is it about the Outlander that sets it apart from the crowd? Well, for one thing, the distinctive styling is hard to overlook. With a bold snout and clear-lens taillights, the Mitsubishi Outlander certainly has a distinctive look.
The Outlander is dimensionally similar to the Forester in most respects. It's a little longer and wider but stands at about the same overall height, depending on the trim level. This makes for an easy entry and exit, especially for those used to climbing up into taller sport-utes. Despite its lower ride height, however, the Mitsubishi Outlander still gives drivers an elevated driving position for a clearer view of the road ahead, one of the perks that folks love about SUVs. Like its chief rivals, the Outlander utilizes a four-cylinder engine for less weight and better fuel economy, and buyers have a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive versions. Although it lags behind the class leaders in outright performance, the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is not without its virtues. For the reasons that folks buy mini SUVs -- like daily commuting and light-duty hauling (snowboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, etc.), this compact Mitsubishi SUV proves to be more than adequate.
Performance & mpg
Every Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS. Optional on the LS and standard on all other models is a four-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode. Outlanders can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Safety
Antilock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags and daytime running lights are standard on all models. In government crash tests, the Mitsubishi Outlander received four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in a frontal collision. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating for front-passenger protection and a four-star rating for rear passengers. In frontal offset tests conducted by the IIHS, the Outlander received an overall rating of "Good" (its highest). The IIHS gave it a "Poor" rating for side-impact safety, but the vehicle tested did not have this year's standard side airbags.
Driving
The 2.4-liter engine has enough power to give the Mitsubishi SUV a quick start in traffic and keep it humming along on the highway. The engine is sufficiently refined and high-rpm passing maneuvers, though not especially quick, don't elicit much racket from under the hood. The automatic transmission's shift points are perfectly acceptable in the normal drive mode, but for those who like to have a little bit more control, the automanual mode works well. If you want total control, get an LS model with the manual gearbox. Driven on tight winding roads and wide-open highways, the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander proves to be a very competent and comfortable handler. It drives more like a car than an SUV, with only moderate body roll and a solid feel for the road.
Interior
The cabin's overall look is clean and functional, with deeply recessed gauges and easy-to-reach three-dial climate controls. Extensive use of soft-touch materials adds an upscale, comfortable feel, while numerous storage bins and map pockets keep it practical. The two-tone color scheme and faux metal accents look great, but the optional leather upholstery isn't quite as impressive. Maximum cargo capacity is 60 cubic feet.
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander models
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact four-door SUV offered in three trim levels: LS, SE and Limited. The base LS comes with items like 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player and power windows, locks and mirrors. A roof rack, keyless entry and a cargo cover are also standard on LS models with an automatic transmission or all-wheel drive. Stepping up to the SE trim level adds a unique color exterior scheme, 17-inch wheels, an upgraded audio Infinity system with an MP3-compatible in-dash CD changer, upgraded cloth upholstery and heated front seats.. The top-line Limited has its own unique interior and exterior trim enhancements, leather seating, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof and automatic climate control.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander.
5 star(73%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the 06 Outlander!
gigemmer, 08/09/2011
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this Outlander used in 07 and continued to drive it until last week, when it was totaled in an accident. I actually cried when the adjuster told me it was totaled, because I LOVED this car! We put 80,000 miles on it over the 4 years, and not once did we need a repair, except to replace the brakes at 90k.
I wanted to write this review because of how well it held up in our wreck. … We were rear-ended while at a complete stop by a guy going 50.
We were thrown into the guardrail, but the only major damages were in appearance. The car held up extremely well, and none of us was injured. I was so impressed by how safe it was, I'm planning on buying another one!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Not for off road use
spudhikes, 11/16/2012
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Perfect on the road, crappy off of it.
Tiny rocks get caught between the brake rotors and the brake rotor covers.
Had them emptied six times in one year.
Drive dirt roads with the occasional rutted out section 3 times per week.
Broke the suspension over and over again.
Everything was perfect on the road, but off of it caused problems.
Sound system was great.
Heated front seats were … amazing.
Seats easily stain, even from water.
Plenty of room for a 6'5" guy.
Can't complain about anything on the pavement.
Can't suggest you use it off of the pavement.
Second Mitsubishi.
Will buy an older montero most likely.
Mitsubishi still rocks, just had the wrong one for day to day use.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive, lot of features vehicle.
Sidney, 10/04/2005
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
We traded in our minivan for our Mitsubishi Outlander. We were impressed by the 100,000 mile warranty, 5 year roadside assistance, all the standard features, and the great gas milage. The ride is nice, it has has plenty of pep for our conservative driving style. The vehicle seems well made, solid, and comforable. Of course, we gave up some room, however for an empty nest couple there is … plenty of room for the luggage we take on our many trips. My wife, being 5 foot 2, loves to drive it because the driver's seat elevates to give her the driving height she likes. If you are in the market for a vehicle of this style check it out, I believe you will be pleasantly suprised.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Young Family Car
ihab.salem, 07/27/2010
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
This car is very practical for small/young family. It's smooth, quick, not feature rich but do the required. Average cargo space, very comfortable with more than enough legs, head and shoulders space for 5 adults (or 2 adults, 2 child, and a baby seat). As I am living in a very hot country I found the AC is very effective in summer. The automatic gear is very responsive. I tried many … other SUVs nowadays (e.g. Acadia, Pilot, Explorer, etc) and can't find any match to its powerful & responsive brakes. I was near the Oman tsunami in 2006 (in Sharjah Emirate) and this car saved me from drowning in water in low streets while similar SUV drowned (CR-V, Sportage, Vitara). But very low MPG in city.
2006 Outlander Highlights
LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,499 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $202/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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