One even has all-wheel drive in that price range.
Take your pick from the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester (with AWD), Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4 and today's test car, the Mitsubishi Outlander SE.
I expect the thrifty credentials of these small utilities will put them on more shopping lists this year. Not one has sexy styling, but the everyday usability is hard to beat.
And these little sport utilities are workhorses.
The Outlander is in the middle of the pack. The styling is more lifted wagon than SUV, but it is peppy, handles better than I had expected and is an easy commuter with room for bikes and home improvement essentials.
The SE is the midrange model that replaces the XLS, but keeps the high level of features and adds some style treatments to help it stand out from the pack.
Look for the silver-tone treatment on the large roof rack rails, grille bars, lower door strip and a chrome-like finish on the 17-inch alloy wheels and exhaust tip. The taillight lenses are clear. Inside the cabin are white-face gauges.
The SE price of $22,594 includes a long list of conveniences: remote locking, air conditioning, six-speaker 210-watt Infinity six-disc CD audio system, power locks-windows-mirrors, 10-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar, rear center armrest and floor mats.
The cargo area has an in-floor storage bin and a stowable cargo cover and privacy glass. The 60/40 split folding rear seatback doesn't form a flat floor, however, so don't plan on this as an alternative to the tent while camping.
Thank the safety influence from Hyundai and Kia for anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags that were added as standard equipment on all Outlanders.
And don't overlook the basic warranty coverage of five years/60,000 miles that matches Hyundai/Kia but goes two years better on rust protection, seven years/100,000 miles.
The interior has a plasticky appearance, but I got past that quickly because I enjoyed driving the Outlander. It is simple to get seated, belt up and get going. Sightlines are no issue, but the turning circle, 37.4 feet, is a couple of feet wider than the tightest of the competitors.
If Mitsubishi could get over trying to call the Outlander an SUV and just embrace it as a tough wagon, they could lower the body closer to the tires for a more dramatic styling effect and even better on-road handling. The raised ride height doesn't do much to gain visibility when you're stuck behind Explorers and large sedans.
Next year, there will be an all-new Outlander with big updates, Mitsubishi promises, including the option of a 3.0-liter V-6.
SPECS BOX
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 2WD
Body style: Compact 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
Engine: 2.4 liter, SOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder with valve timing and lift electronic control
Horsepower: 160 at 5,750 rpm
Torque: 162 at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed Sportronic automatic
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 26 highway
Fuel Capacity: 15.7 gallons; 87 octane recommended
DIMENSIONS
Length: 179 inches
Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38.9/42.3/56.1 inches
Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 38.2/35.5/54.4 inches
Curb weight: 3,329 pounds
Cargo capacity: 60.3 cubic feet, rear seat folded
Tow capacity: 1,500 pounds
FEATURES
Standard equipment: Remote locking, air conditioning, 6-speaker 210-watt Infinity 6-disc CD audio system, power locks-windows-mirrors, cruise control, white-face gauges, variable intermittent wipers, rear defroster-wiper-washer, 10-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seatback, rear center armrest with cup holders, in-floor cargo area storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors, cargo tiedowns, stowable cargo cover, floor mats, rear privacy glass, fender flares, side air dam, roof rails, clear taillight lenses, exhaust tip
Safety equipment: Advanced front air bags, seat-mounted side bags, anti-lock brakes
CHASSIS
Suspension: 4-wheel independent with front MacPherson struts and rear multilink with front and rear stabilizer bars
Steering: Variable-gear rack and pinion; turning circle, 37.4 feet
Brakes: 4-wheel discs with ABS
Tires and wheels: 215/55R 17-inch on alloy wheels
PRICING
Base price: $22,594, including $595 freight charge
Options on test vehicle: none
The competition: Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4
Waranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic with 24-hour roadside assistance; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage
Where assembled: Japan
PLUSES: Easy driving and uncomplicated; long warranty.
MINUSES: Plasticky interior, road noise, wide turning circle.
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.
© Copley News Service
