2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Exterior

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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

New four-cylinder emphasizes economy.
Walkaround
The Mitsubishi Outlander was re-shaped, re-contoured and refined for 2007. Only minor appearance changes have followed for 2008: The V6 models now sport V6 emblems on their front fenders, and the alloy wheels on XLS models have a new look.

The Outlander is a four-door SUV capable of seating five or seven.

Styling is more refined and understated than older models. Up front is an understated, traditionally shaped grille opening with the three-diamond Mitsubishi trademark floating on thin, horizontal bars. The lower portion of the front bumper opens into a large air intake above a skid plate-looking under panel. Headlight covers blend cleanly into the surrounding fascia and fenders.

The side view shows a sleeker, rounder shape than that of the pre-2007 model. Deeply creased fender blisters outline circular wheel wells, which are better filled by the 18-inch wheels than by the 16-inchers. The side glass tapers toward the back end, playing to the wedge look and ending in a substantial, sharply angular D-pillar. Front and rear bumpers flow seamlessly into their respective quarter panels. Easy-to-grip door handles sit atop full-round indents.

The rear has a unified look. 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. 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.

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. Many of the seams and lines draw the eye to the Mitsubishi trademark centered in the lift gate. The spoiler topping the backlight extends directly from the roof. Next Page



2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  
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