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2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT: features functionality, versatility

Published 12:14 pm Thursday, October 22, 2015

In the case of the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander, familiarity has not bred contempt, it has spawned fondness.

Due to a quirk in scheduling, the mid-year Outlander Sport GT 2.4-liter SUV fell into my lap, making three tests of various models over the last 12 months.

Produced in ES, SE, and GT models, the Outlander Sport makes an excellent choice for families looking for versatility, functionality, seating for five, and all-wheel drive control. All at an affordable price that doesn’t break the budget.

Outlander Sport achieves an EPA rating of 26 miles per gallon down the highway, and the rear cargo area is decent, and can be augmented by dropping either side of the split/fold-down rear seats. Below the cargo deck is a full-size spare tire – which is not to be taken for granted in this day and age.

In addition to the more powerful 2.4-liter engine that adds another 20 horses to the 148 generated by the standard 2.0-liter version, this model includes a power driver’s seat, outside mirrors with LED turn indicators, aluminum pedals, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, and black roof rails.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission with Sportronic steering wheel paddles that mimic manual shifting.

GT status is obtained via an optional package ($4,650) that adds a navigation system with high definition, seven-inch touchscreen and real-time traffic, leather seating surfaces, and, a mind-blowing 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with nine speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer with punch control.

It also includes a panoramic glass roof with LED lighting, which struck the fancy of my sister-in-law on a recent weekend excursion that brightened an otherwise cloudy day.

Other little things that add up to a lot more than that, include thicker windshield glass and rear quarter-panel sound insulation that make the Sport’s cabin a quieter place to be. Stylish looking LED running lights catch the eye, along with 18-inch alloy wheels. And the air conditioning includes a pollen filter, helpful for drivers with allergy issues or asthma – like me.

Outlander also offers an all-new interior update featuring a more minimalist, contemporary-looking aesthetic for the instrument panel, along with improved materials including high-grade, soft-touch premium surfaces, and a high-gloss, piano-black center console panel.

Standard features include hill-start assist, active stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Other features that add piece of mind are a rear-view camera, heated side-view mirrors, steering wheel audio controls and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Built in Normal, Illinois, the Outlander Sport is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” for 2015. It also comes with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT GT

BASE PRICE: $24,995

AS TESTED: $30,495

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.