3 reasons i’m grateful for the mitsubishi outlander sport

One of the many things I included on my gratitude list this year was the fact that my friend, Josh, sent over a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for me to test and review during Thanksgiving week since both of my kids were going to be home and we only have two cars now.

It was so generous of him, and in the spirit of the holidays, here are three reasons I’m thankful for the Outlander (which, by the way, was awarded “Best All-Around Performance” by the Automotive Science Group for “best overall performance amongst all model year 2013 crossover SUVs sold in the U.S. market.”).

1. It went over the hills and through the woods to grandmother’s (and grandfather’s) house.

Okay, slight exaggeration. It went north on the 5 and through some construction as my kids went to pick up my parents to bring them back to our house for our Thanksgiving feast. But I felt good, knowing that the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was one of only two vehicles in the Small SUV category to be named a “Top Safety Pick+” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s a big deal.

2. It was able to fit all the fixin’s.

For a compact crossover, the Outlander Sport’s got a lot of room. The four adults (waaah, my babies are now adults!) were very comfortable despite the many – many – shopping bags of food my mother brought along. She doesn’t believe in going to anyone’s house without bringing something – and she’s afraid she and my Dad may starve if I’m the one in charge of preparing dinner – so you can only imagine what she schlepped along for Thanksgivvukah. There were side dishes, desserts, potato latkes, Chanukah gifts … and there was still enough room for a partridge in a pear tree.

3. It talked turkey to me.

I didn’t find the navigation system particularly user-friendly but, once we figured it out, I have to admit I liked the way it kind of nagged me. Unlike the GPS in my husband’s car, which is more subtle and basically gives you one shot before you miss your exit, the Outlander Sport’s system is very talkative and gives you a play by play as you get closer to each turn. It would probably drive my son out of his mind. For my old brain, though, it was actually really helpful. Best of all, it got me exactly where I wanted to go and, for that, I’m grateful.