There are so many small crossovers on the market it's hard to figure out which one to pick. Unless, of course, you want something different.
How about a V-6 engine, for instance? So you can pull more than a small car can?
How about an optional transmission that isn't a continuously variable automatic transmission.
How about a third row — in something that's not huge?
Here's one that offers all of that.
What It Is
The Outlander is a compact-sized crossover SUV — about the same size as better-known small crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX3 — but unlike them, it is available with a third row and offers an optional V-6 engine.
The CR-V, CX3 and pretty much all of the others come only with four-cylinders — and room for five passengers.
In addition, the Mitsu's optional V-6 is paired with a six-speed geared automatic. Not a continuously variable (gearless) automatic.
This — plus the extra cylinders — will be of interest to potential buyers who don't like CVT automatics for one reason or another (more on the why they don't like them below).
Prices start at $24,895 for the base ES trim with a 2.4-liter engine and front-wheel drive. This model does come with a CVT, by the way.
Adding all-wheel drive bumps the price up to $26,985.
The V-6-powered Outlander GT — which comes standard with all-wheel drive and without a CVT — lists for $33,745.
What's New
All but the base ES trim now come standard with an 8-inch touch screen and additional USB ports for the back seat occupants.
What's Good
Not everyone wants a turbocharged four — or a CVT transmission.
It has a third row without being too big.
Heated seats are standard.
What's Not So Good
The third row up eats up cargo space behind.
The CVT transmission is standard in all but V-6-equipped GTs.
It likely has faster/steeper depreciation than the blue-chip brands.
Under the Hood
The Outlander's standard four doesn't make as much power as the smaller turbocharged four in rivals like the CR-V (166 horsepower versus 190 horsepower) but it is under less pressure — less boost, to be precise.
The turbo pressurizes the engine's cylinders — stuffs more air into them — in order to make up for the lack of size, which would otherwise result in less power. This additional cylinder pressure could mean shorter engine life — and does mean more parts and the possibility of eventually needing to replace them.
There are no such worries with the Outlander because the extra parts aren't there.
You also have the option to buy a V-6 engine that makes 224 horsepower — which makes the Outlander GT one of the strongest small crossovers you can buy.
On the Road
So why don't some people like CVTs?
It's because they're shiftless — not in a ne'er-do-well way, but literally. There are no speeds, just ranges — continuously variable. This is a more efficient way to do business because the transmission is always in the right range for any given driving condition while a transmission with gears must shift up or down to get into the right gear for a given driving condition. That usually means using a bit more fuel — and always means you can feel the shifts.
On the downside, with CVTs, there are no shifts. Which sometimes means a lot of revs as the transmission slips into the right range — and stays there. With a conventional, geared automatic, the revolutions per minute decrease with each upshift. With a CVT, the revolutions per minute stay the same until you ease off the gas.
Some people dislike that feel — and the sound which goes with it.
The Outlander gives you the option to go either way.
And if you go with the optional V-6 and six-speed automatic, you'll go a lot faster than other small crossovers.
You'll also be able to pull more.
Equipped with the V-6 engine, the Outlander GT can tow a 3,500-pound trailer — more than twice as much as the typical small crossover's 1,500-pound maximum tow rating.
At the Curb
The Outlander is different in one other way — which has its upsides as well as its downsides.
On the upside, it seats seven passengers — unavailable in most small crossovers. On the downside, the extra row of seats reduces cargo capacity behind the third row to just 10.3 cubic feet, which is less cargo room than some two-door sports cars have.
And much less room than two-row, size-equivalent competitors like the CR-V have (39.2 cubic feet).
But if you don't need to carry more than five at the moment, you can stow the third row and increase the available space to 63.3 cubic feet, which is only about 10 cubic feet less than the CR-V's maximum of 75.8 cubic feet.
The Rest
All trims come standard with features that generally cost extra in two-row rivals — such as heated seats and dual-zone climate control air conditioner.
The Bottom Line
When you're different, you have to be daring!
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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