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Mar 19, 2013– Tokyo, Japan (Techreleased) – With breathtaking new styling inside and out, a new engine equipped with next-generation MIVEC variable valve-timing, technologically-advanced safety features and a lightweight, aerodynamically-enhanced body, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient compact CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating available to automotive consumers […]
Mar 19, 2013– Tokyo, Japan (Techreleased) – With breathtaking new styling inside and out, a new engine equipped with next-generation MIVEC variable valve-timing, technologically-advanced safety features and a lightweight, aerodynamically-enhanced body, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient compact CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating available to automotive consumers in North America with a manufacturer-estimated 31 mpg highway (ES and SE FWD models; pending EPA fuel mileage rating).
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
Powered by either a refined 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder (Outlander ES and SE models) or a workhorse yet fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 (Outlander GT model) and available with either 2WD or Mitsubishi Motors’ outstanding Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, the Japanese auto manufacturer’s latest CUV offering is the ideal blend of exquisite styling, performance, ecology and comfort – all at a very affordable price point. Mitsubishi 4WD heritage is showcased in the availability of Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with the mid-grade Outlander SE model and standard on the high-grade Outlander GT model.
Making an important contribution to the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander’s efficiency and eco-friendly nature is a new driver-activated ECO-mode setting that is standard on all 2014 Outlander models. ECO-mode helps to further reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by slightly reducing engine power on initial acceleration as well as the airflow volume of the air conditioning. Furthermore, when Outlander models equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) are driven with 4WD engaged, the driver-activated ECO-mode will allow the vehicle to function as a 2WD vehicle until sensors instantaneously reactivate 4WD when deemed necessary (poor road or weather conditions, etc.).
Inspired Aesthetics, Both Inside and Out
With its eye-catching, thoroughly modern all-new sheet-metal design, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most aerodynamically-efficient vehicles in its class and represents a full 7% reduction in aerodynamic drag (down to a Cd of only 0.33 – very streamlined for a crossover/SUV) when compared to the previous-generation Outlander.
Much of the credit for this wind-cheating low-drag configuration goes to the streamlined and much tidier in appearance front fascia. This new-look front end treatment emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency just as much as it does a crisp and clean design aesthetic.
Another great contributor to the new 2014 Outlander’s excellent fuel economy is the extensive use of highly-tensile steel in the car’s body; it now tips the scales about 200 pounds less than the body of the previous-generation vehicle.
Not to be outdone, the new 2014 Outlander’s clean, contemporary-looking interior receives an entirely new makeover as well that features vastly improved premium surfaces and high-grade materials including a soft-touch instrument panel, attractive high-gloss piano black center console panel and, standard in the top-level Outlander GT model, rich wood grain appearance trim.
Helping to make the cabin exceptionally quiet is an abundant use of high-grade sound insulation material throughout the vehicle. And for additional comfort and improved ergonomics, all seven of the passenger seating sections have been completely reconfigured – with the designers paying particular attention to making the fold-flat seats (2nd and 3rd row seating sections; 2nd row is 60/40 folding while 3rd row is 50/50) easier to operate and allowing up to 128.6 cubic feet of passenger room.
Other points of refinement included at no cost to the consumer as part of the new 2014 Outlander’s standard equipment package include air conditioning with micron filter; tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment; electric power steering; redesigned steering wheel with easy-to-use cruise control and audio system controls; premium security alarm system with remote keyless entry and engine immobilizer; an exquisite-sounding 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible audio system; intermittent rear wiper with washer; and halogen headlamps.
In addition to its comprehensive standard features, available options for the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander include:
Chassis Redesign for Improved Ride Quality & Handling
Handling performance and ride quality have been improved thanks to numerous design changes to the suspension at all four corners of the vehicle.
The MacPherson strut suspension layout at the front of the vehicle features optimized and fine-tuned springs and shock absorbers as well as newly added front suspension subframes and strut top mounts for increased stiffness. These provide more well-balanced handling, stability and ride comfort as well as reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
The new multi-link rear suspension is an evolution of the former Outlander’s design that includes new suspension arms for reduced unsprung weight, smoother suspension stroke and improved ride comfort; fine-tuned bushings within the trailing arms to lessen noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); and low-friction seals for the rear hub unit axels to help reduce wheel rolling resistance.
The new aluminum alloy wheels and tires on the 2014 Outlander are lighter than the wheels/tires fitted to the previous-generation Outlander for reduced rolling resistance and unsprung weight as well as helping to maximize fuel economy.
Choice of Two Efficient Yet Capable Powertrains
The new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a choice of two efficient yet capable powertrains: a 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder engine working in concert with a technologically advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or a 3.0-liter V-6 mated to a refined 6-speed automatic transmission.
Designated the 4J12, the 16-valve 2.4-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine features an aluminum engine block and the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-lift system for maximum power production and fuel efficiency as well as reduced exhaust emissions.
The bore and stroke of the 4J12 4-cylinder engine measure 3.5 in. (88 mm) and 3.8 in. (97 mm), respectively, and has a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Horsepower is rated at 166 bhp at 6,000 rpm with torque of 162 lb.-ft. derived at 4,200 rpm.
Improvements – including a reworking of the CVT control system and new unique ratio patterns – allow the updated continuously-variable transmission (CVT) to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions while providing additional driving enjoyment thanks to better shifting feel and smoother acceleration.
The V-6 engine that powers the premium 2014 Outlander GT model, dubbed the 6B31, is a SOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter powerplant that has achieved reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over the outgoing engine of the same configuration, thanks to reducing friction of various internal engine components, the adoption of high ignitionability iridium spark plugs and low viscosity engine oil.
Power is routed from this silky smooth yet potent V-6 engine to the wheels via an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission. Design changes to the 6-speed AT include a new final drive ratio ideally suited to the updated V-6 engine for improved fuel economy as well as a revised torque converter for better all-around transmission performance.
This V-6 engine is rated at 224 bhp at 6,250 rpm with torque at 215 lb.-ft. at 3,750 rpm with the engine making use of a 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Equipped with either the 4- or 6-cylinder engines, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is classified as a LEV2-ULEV ultra low emission vehicle as a result of the cleaner-burning redesigned engine and updated exhaust emission control system.
In addition to the implementation of a responsive electric power steering system (EPS), a new high-efficiency alternator is being used that helps to reduce parasitic drag on both the 4- and 6-cylinder engines. Additionally, both the 4- and 6-cylinder engines are cradled within a newly-designed engine mounting system that reduces overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), with the enlarged right-hand engine mount incorporating a specially-designed hydraulic chamber that further reduces transmission noise and vibration.
Sure-Footed Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) on SE and GT Models
Scoring numerous titles in the challenging World Rally Championship (WRC) and several outright wins in the famous Dakar Rally, Mitsubishi has taken the research and development know-how from world-class motorsports competition to develop exceptionally capable all-wheel drive systems such as its technologically-advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) for its production vehicles.
In the past, Mitsubishi’s remarkably fleet-of-foot electronically-controlled Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system had been restricted to the upper echelon Outlander GT trim level. But with the introduction of the new 2014 Outlander, the company is now offering this high-tech traction and vehicle stability-enhancing feature with the mid-grade Outlander SE, making Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) available at a more affordable price point for a wider automotive buying audience.
Lighter than the previous Outlander model’s system, the new 2014 Outlander’s push-button-activated and electronically-controlled Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system features four distinct driving modes – the highly fuel-efficient “AWC ECO,” the standard “NORMAL” setting, enhanced tractability in slippery conditions with “SNOW” and the maximum traction “LOCK.”
New additions to the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander’s version of Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) include:
Innovative Advanced Safety Features & Systems
The new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander features a plethora of cutting-edge vehicle safety features as part of the stylish crossover’s comprehensive standard equipment package.
Mitsubishi Motors patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) chassis safety cell design offers an exceptional degree of protection to the vehicle’s occupants by utilizing specially-designed energy absorbing sections in the body/chassis and in key areas including the engine’s sub-frame and beneath the front floor section of the passenger compartment.
Additionally, injury to the driver’s lower legs is reduced by a receding brake pedal protection design in the event of a high-speed frontal crash.
Furthermore, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander’s redesigned engine compartment hood and front fenders – along with a new open deck structure at the bottom of the windshield – offer pedestrians enhanced head protection in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
Every 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander includes Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Hill Start Assist (HSA); Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPMS); anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and a comprehensive seven (7) air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) consisting of driver and passenger side dual-stage air bags, front seat side air bags, driver’s side knee air bag, and curtain air bags for the front and 2nd row seats.
New available advanced safety technologies include:
