2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT
While likely the best-handling crossover in its class, with cabin tech that doesn't disappoint, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT has much room for improvement--particularly in the engine bay.
These days most of Mitsubishi's lineup shares the Lancer platform and corporate grille that debuted with the Evo X. However, the Outlander GT has a bit more in common with the Evo than most.
In GT trim, the Outlander is equipped with Mitsubishi's S-AWC system. This isn't just shared branding. The Outlander GT and Evolution X share many of the same technologies.
An active center differential (ACD) is able to shift up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear axle on demand.
The Evo's AYC torque-vectoring system has been moved to the Outlander's front axle, making it the only vehicle on the market to feature a front-axle active differential.
The Outlander's S-AWC system isn't as sharp as the Evo's, but its front-axle AYC makes it feel more stable up to its generous handling limits.
Unfortunately, providing the power to the S-AWC system is Mitsubishi's underwhelming 3.0-liter V-6. Torque delivery isn't what we'd call disappointing, but it hardly lives up to the sporty promise of the GT badge.
Also hampering the Outlander GT's performance is the six-speed automatic transmission, which emphasizes shifting smoothness over speed.
Out back, the Outlander features a split tailgate for easy loading and much more hauling space than the Outlander Sport.
However, there's still not a ton of space in the Outlander's rear hatch.
The space is particularly compromised with the third-row seat in the upright position.
Inside, the Outlander's cabin is standard Mitsubishi Lancer equipment.
The Outlander's steering wheel features metallic paddle shifters attached to its steering columns.
Audio controls, voice commands, and cruise controls also populate the steering wheel's various surfaces.
The Outlander's instrumentation is simple and easy to read, with a small LCD between two analog gauges.
When equipped with the navigation package, the Outlander gains a 40GB hard-drive-based GPS system.
Maps are clear enough to read without issue, but don't feature 3D data or a three-quarters view. Top-down is all you get. Hyundai does the same with 8GB of solid storage.
What Mitsubishi offers that Hyundai doesn't is that you can also rip audio to a MusicServer partition on the 40GB hard drive.
Satellite radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, and USB and iPod integration round out the digital audio sources.
There's also an odd RCA analog audio/video input for connecting audio players, video players, or gaming systems.
When paired with a compatible Bluetooth phone, the Mitsubishi system will sync your address book and support voice commands for phone calls using its FUSE system.
There are also dozens of other oddball features hidden in Mitsubishi's touch-screen interface, such as this maintenance computer.
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