Many midsize crossover buyers probably don't even realize that Mitsubishi still sells its Outlander SUV, the model that preceeded the compact Outlander Sport. This week, we've been in the driver's seat of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWD, a crossover on the small end of the $30,000-$35,000 midsize class. The SUV proved to be a credible player, but that's in a crowded field.
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What helps the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT distinguish itself includes the cool dual-folding liftgate, magnesium paddle shifters, and an infotainment screen that includes an altimeter, barometer, and lap timer. Yes, that's right, you could have had a lap timer in your all-wheel-drive V-6 crossover.
$35,300 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWD: The $35,300 price for this V-6, AWD, three-row crossover included a navigation system/rear-view camera package, leather seats, a sunroof, a 710-watt sound system, and an entertainment package (rear seat DVD player, wireless headphones) we tested but would gladly skip to save more than $1500.
Against the $34,425 Dodge Journey R/T: At that price, a Dodge Journey has a more modern navigation system than inside the Mitsubishi, a third row seat, sunroof, and a much less expensive rear seat entertainment system. Would you go for the value of the Journey or the more exclusive appeal of the Mitsubishi?
Against the $36,520 Hyundai Veracruz Limited AWD V-6: Yes, the Veracruz is nearly 7 inches longer than the Outlander GT, but it's also priced similarly. Both crossovers have long generous basic warranties and are nearing the end of their production lives. The third row of the Veracruz is more hospitable than that of the Outlander GT. Would that sway you toward the Hyundai?
Against the $35,650 Kia Sorento SX AWD V-6: The Kia Sorento SX has far less attitude than the Mitsubishi Outlander GT, but it also offers a panoramic sunroof for extra money. The Kia has a power passenger seat unlike the Mitsubishi yet both cars have a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Where the Mitsubishi excels ahead of the Kia is in rear visibility. Which would you choose between these two SUVs?
Against the $32,425 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD V-6: The RAV4 V-6s extra horsepower serves it well here. We've tested a 2011 model sprinting from 0-60 mph in an impressive 6.3 seconds. The last 230-hp Outlander GT we tested ran from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The RAV4 may be quicker, but it's also a bit soft compared to the rougher riding Mitsubishi, which also has magnesium paddle shifters and HID headlights that are unavailable on the 2011 RAV4 at any price. This decision really depends on a buyer's priorities: better acceleration and comfort or sportiness?
Summed up: The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWD has an appreciable dose of attitude, but could use tuning and volume knobs on the entertainment system plus more low-end power. After a tank consisting of mostly city driving, we got 18.0 mpg, below the Mitsubishi's 19/25 mpg city/highway rating. Which of these mid-$30,000 crossovers would you choose?
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