Sportronic is perfect for charging through the mountains of Southern California, where the updated Outlander was introduced to the media. Its fully independent, MacPherson strut with coil spring front and multilink rear suspension grips the road extremely well, with direct turn-in and surprising balance for this class of vehicle. Standard P225/60R16 all-season tires on 16-inch steel wheels assist the process. It's especially talented at high speed maneuvers, tracking without a trace of nervousness even when road surfaces are less than ideal. The brakes are quite decent as well, especially when combined with the optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The Outlander handles well even at high speed. Rooted to the road it inspires confidence even in less than ideal conditions. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

While all-wheel drive is preferable in colder climes, it's only absolutely necessary if regularly climbing steep grades on wet slushy surfaces or extremely icy conditions. Those who live in flatter or dryer areas might appreciate the 0.43 km/L (1 mpg) fuel economy benefits of the front-wheel drive Outlander, resulting in 8.9 / 11.1 L/100 km (21 / 26 mpg). In either front-wheel drive or viscous coupling center differential equipped all-wheel drive, Mitsubishi's compact SUV seems rooted to the road, and very confidence inspiring.

A great deal of attention has be paid to sound deadening, increasing the Outlander's sense of luxury. It's a veritable isolation booth. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Part of its feeling of connectivity has to do with its solid construction, along with a great deal of attention paid to sound deadening. Interior noise levels have been reduced substantially, taking what was already a fairly quiet vehicle and transforming it into an isolation booth. Blocking out exterior noise, by going so far as to add insulation to the front-deck and fenders, increase the thickness of dash panel insulation and add a larger engine intake resonator, heightens the Outlander's sense of luxury, now feeling more like a Lexus than an entry-level crossover SUV.

That's especially true when equipped with optional leather, as part of the luxury package that also includes heated side view mirrors, heated front seats, dual front side airbags, and an auto dimming rearview mirror incorporating an integrated compass and exterior temperature display. The optional Sun and Sound package adds a one-touch power glass sunroof with sunshade, taking care of the sun, with sound delivered by a 210-watt, 6-speaker Mitsubishi/Infinity AM/FM/CD audio system.