The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 GT is a decent people and cargo carrier for the midsize sport utility segment. My test vehicle came with signature Mitsubishi’s styling that was painted in eye-catching dark Cosmic Blue. It features the 3.0 liter V6 pumping out 230 hp, the six-speed Sportronic transmission is fun to operate and enhances the fuel economy while the Super All Wheel Control (AWC) 4X4 features a console mounted dial for tarmac, snow and lock to get you where you want to go. The modern interior is comfortable, convenient with seating for up to 8 people. It gives the new Outlander GT the ability to transport people and cargo virtually anywhere. This is the final year of production for this model and Mitsubishi is readying a completely redesigned all-new version of this well-received crossover SUV for the 2014 model year. The GT that I tested was fully loaded showing the best of the current model’s production.
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The signature Mitsubishi styling starts with the giant front grille in black with chrome surround. The headlights are HID and the rear lamps are LEDs. The windshield A-pillar is steeply raked up to the flat roof and then flows to the liftgate in the rear with its step-up bumper and chrome-tipped dual exhaust finishers found underneath. A spoiler mounted on the top of the liftgate helps with rear downforce and high-speed stability. The side shows a ‘hockey puck’ chrome strip around the greenhouse and a chrome strip below the doors. It is a clean, sleek look that cuts through the air with a minimum of wind noise.
The Outlander GT is fun and easy to drive with the six-speed Sportronic automatic featuring Idle Neutral Logic. It also features paddle shifters on the steering column so that you can easily change gears on the fly or hold gears to redline for heart pumping fun. That fun is made possible with the GT’s fully independent MacPherson front suspension with 22mm stabilizer bar and the rear’s multi-link independent suspension with a 20mm stabilizer bar to keep the GT flat when traveling through steep curving mountain roads and the GT’s Super All-Wheel-Control seamlessly varies torque to the wheels that need it the most. You have setting for Tarmac, Snow and Lock for deep off-roading fun and pleasure. The variable-assist power-assisted rack & pinion steering system is responds quickly to your inputs and aims the GT where you want it to go. Stopping power is ensured with big, four-wheel power-assisted steel disc brakes with standard ABS and EBD. The GT also features an active front differential and Hill Start Assist. It rides on 18X7 inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with 225/55R18 inch all-season radial tires for excellent grip and a smooth, quiet ride.
The interior of the GT is wrapped in leather for the first two rows and the dashboard and door trim are stitched with white thread. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive with the driver’s-side power adjustable. The leather wrapped/tilting steering wheel feels great in your hands and the instrument cluster is easy to see with a large speedometer/tachometer and small electronic bar graph readouts for fuel and engine coolant temperature. I really like the aluminum-faced foot pedals for an extra sporty look. The leather-wrapped stick shifter is surrounded by chrome. Metallic trim is found around the air-vents and the center console with dual cupholders and a deep storage bin with a padded armrest.
The fully loaded GT model that I tested came with a long list of standard equipment: fast key entry with panic alarm, automatic dual climate control, AC with micron filtration, AM-FM-CD-MP3 in-dash CD player with six-speakers, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel mounted cruise control/audio control, heat front seats, FUSE handsfree phone link system with USB port, rear privacy glass, compact stowable 3rd. row seat, 2nd. row bench seat that reclines with pull-down armrest/dual cupholder, power windows/door locks/tailgate locks, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual glove box with lower illuminated and lock, rain-sensing/variable intermittent wipers/washers/rear wiper/washer, rear liftgate with its unique tailgate that easily opens by pushing a lever for transporting longer cargo and tailgate parties, 12-volt accessory outlet-3, front/2nd row/cargo area floormats, heated/power-remote sideview mirrors, grab handles above each door, dual map lights, and rain-sensing wipers. My Outlander GT came with the Touring Package: power glass sunroof, rear camera, 710-watt Rockford/Fasgate Punch premium audio system with 9-speakers/10 inch subwoofers, Mitsubishi Navigation System with 40GB HDD.
Standard safety systems include advanced dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, Active Stability Control, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH system for child seats, daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm system, front/rear crumple zones and steel beams in each door.
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a great look, performing, safe, comfortable and functional crossover sport utility vehicle. The all-new 2014 Outlander GT should be even more modern, powerful, performance minded with a new more modern interior with the latest in today’s safety systems.
COPYRIGHT: 2013: HARVEY SCHWARTZ
