A 4WD car, such as the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, is necessary if you want to appreciate Illinois’ undiscovered forest trails.
In This Article...
The Mitsubishi Outlander has four wheels.
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport provide optional four-wheel drive systems that improve their general competence, adaptability, and dependability on all types of roads.
A real 4WD Outlander, though?
In the Outlander, all trim levels provide all-wheel drive. Although this isn’t an off-road vehicle evaluation, its mud-plugging capacity is adequate. Off-road or all-terrain tires are not included in the normal set, but you may easily install such after you buy the vehicle.
The lone 4×2 in the lineup, the front-wheel-drive ES, is perhaps not the best choice for wild camping adventures.
What drives the Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD?
Before the word “SUV” or “Sports Utility Vehicle” became common usage, the category of all-terrain cars was simply referred to as a “Four-Wheel Drive.”
Older people might even call them by a general name like a Pajero or a Land Rover. It doesn’t matter if the car in question is a Honda CR-V or a Toyota Land Cruiser. It honors the 4×4 legacy of the brands.
In fact, it might be claimed that the Pajero paved the way for the current generation of urban-focused SUVs, sometimes known as crossovers, by demonstrating to Malaysians how an SUV can fit into their lifestyle better than a standard sedan.
Later, Mitsubishi made its debut in Malaysia with the first-generation Outlander, also known as the Airtrek in Malaysia because it was the Outlander’s turbocharged brother.
Mitsubishi’s selection of SUVs is now more varied than ever before, ranging from the little ASX for growing families to the mid-size Outlander with seven seats and the Pajero Sport, based on the Triton pickup truck, for ardent off-roaders.
Although the Outlander is primarily designed for urban families, many people may be shocked to learn that this urban SUV that is “softer on the edges” actually conceals a fairly advanced 4WD system.
We also enjoy how it successfully blends urban appeal with true 4×4 competence. It can fit up to 7 adults and has a rather upscale interior with a full third row seat. For adults to sit in the third row of the Outlander, which has a 5+2 seat configuration, there is adequate legroom.
And unlike its rivals, the Outlander nevertheless has a pretty high-tech 4WD transmission despite its urban-biased orientation. After all, this is still a Mitsubishia brand, and it is very proud of its expertise in 4×4 technology.
The Outlander’s Multi Select 4WD technology constantly predicts what will happen in the background, unlike other mechanically triggered, passive operating 4WD systems. This contrasts with passive systems, which only activate when at least one tire begins to lose traction.
The All Mode 4×4-i technology employed by the Nissan X-Trail closely resembles the Outlander’s, in contrast to the Honda CR-passive V’s Real Time 4WD system. Although the Mazda CX-5’s iActiv AWD system is an active-type system, it lacks the Outlander’s ability to easily transition to a 2WD only mode to save gasoline because it is an all-wheel drive (AWD).
In order to save gasoline, the Multi Select 4WD system on the Outlander decouples the rear axle when driving in 4WD Eco mode, transferring all available torque solely to the front wheels (effectively functioning in 2WD mode). However, as soon as the systemvia a sophisticated network of sensorsdetects that the road’s conditions have gotten more difficult, it immediately re-engages the rear axle to send the right amount of torque backwards, maintaining the best possible traction for all four wheels.
Additionally, drivers have the option of switching to 4WD Auto, which improves driving performance by directing the right amount of torque to the rear axle when accelerating on all types of surfaces and, if necessary, adjusting torque distribution when navigating tight turns.
Only utilize the ultimate 4WD Lock mode on slick or uneven surfaces (avoid using it on paved roads). This mode provides the optimum navigation (steering) and forward motion control by directing greater torque to the rear wheels.
Few owners would ever need the watch’s 500 meters of water resistance or its 25 years of illumination, exactly like Luminox watches, but it’s good to know that you are getting a product that is made to be much tougher than necessary. Most owners will be well-served with just the 4WD Eco and 4WD Auto settings.
After all, this is still a rather upscale urban SUV with a power tailgate, sunroof, voice-activated entertainment system, dual zone climate control, and upscale cabin materials. It also has the extra capacity to get you through nearly any difficult scenarios the weather may throw at you.
Does Mitsubishi make an SUV with four wheels?
You can anticipate amazing things from your Mitsubishi car when additional innovative powertrain innovations like Twin Motor Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) and Active Yaw Control are combined with them. Your Mitsubishi vehicle will keep you safe no matter the weather or the state of the roads. Here are a few automobiles with all-wheel drive: Mitsubishi Outlander.
Is an Outlander from Mitsubishi all-wheel drive?
A 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque powers the Outlander. It only works with an automatic transmission with a constantly variable ratio (CVT). Although all-wheel drive is an option, front-wheel drive is the default setting. Despite having comparable acceleration times to other compact crossovers (with the exception of speedsters like the supercharged CX-5 and Kia Sportage), the Outlander seems less responsive and sluggish on the highway, which is made worse by its gearless transmission. But compared to the previous model, the Outlander drives with a greater agility and poise. It has nicely weighted steering, controlled body motions, and a firm ride. On all but the smoothest roads, we did note a lack of separation that enabled a lot of road noise to permeate the cabin, and our test vehicle’s huge 20-inch wheels with little sidewall padding didn’t help. Although the brakes on the Outlander we tried seemed mushy, they brought the SUV down from 70 mph in a class-competitive 172 feet. Mitsubishi claims a plug-in hybrid version will ultimately be offered, but that is all the information we currently have.
Mitsubishi Outlanders: Are they capable off-road?
The ride is adequate, but the PHEV’s substantial additional kerbweight makes it feel stiff and unsteady over severe city bumps. Most owners are prepared to accept that in exchange for the loss in fuel efficiency. The Outlander is highly good off-road, and its abilities is enhanced by a locking center differential. The petrol model should be your pick if you intend to travel off-road because it has a 4WD lock mode for more difficult terrain. The PHEV, in contrast, only has 4WD due to the electric motor being located at the rear of the vehicle. Since there is no propshaft connecting the front and rear axles, you must rely on the car’s electronics to direct power to the wheels that have the most traction.
Why is all-wheel drive preferable to four-wheel drive?
The Function of Four-Wheel Drive Similar to AWD systems, 4WD is made to distribute torque to all four wheels of a vehicle to improve traction as necessary. However, 4WD systems are typically more durable and capable of navigating more difficult terrain than AWD systems. They also come in full-time and part-time varieties.
Can you engage 4WD while you’re driving?
Normally, you can change to 4WD while you’re on the road. However, it’s ideal to make the change while you’re moving slowly and straight forward. On slick, mud, or any other terrain with poor traction, doing so can be very beneficial.
Can 4WD be disabled while driving?
An additional excellent driving surface for 4WD. In certain circumstances, you could even swap between 4hi and 4Lo. Deep mud is a surface with high resistance that puts a lot of strain on your clutch and drivetrain. Modern 4WDs allow you to securely convert from 4Lo to 4Hi while you’re driving, but you must always stop before switching from 4Hi to 4Lo.
Similar to driving in sand, you should do it in 4H since it gives you stability and allows you to gain speed while you track through soft, muddy muck. You should use caution while approaching mud holes because they might be hazardous.
A 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4WD, right?
There are two drivetrain options available for the used 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander: front and all-wheel. Transmissions with six speeds and manual shifters are also available.