The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander pulled up to our house right in time for the Fourth of July weekend, an appropriate time for a car that offered us the freedom to do so much during our week-long test drive.
Of course, it was a patriotic Rally Red which already gave us the ability to be seen in the rare San Diego fog. Look at how it stands out in that hazy photo, above. In a city where the absence of sunshine ridiculously causes hundreds of car accidents, this made me feel so much safer.
And so did the Lane Departure Warning, which you can kind of see in this picture. (I didn’t want to take a picture while I was driving so that’s the best I could get.) It’s that little neon green image on the top right, and it lights up and beeps if you start creeping into someone else’s lane.
I’m also a big fan of the rear camera, especially in bad weather. I know you think I’m being dramatic about the rain but because “it never rains in Southern California,” when it actually does, drivers have no clue what to do. As a former New Yorker, I have to say this is insane — but also requires a car with major safety features.
Where the Outlander really gave us our freedom, though, was in its surprising roominess. Both of our kids were home for the holiday — yay! — and Alex’s girlfriend, Julie, was visiting, too — double yay! — so we needed a car that could comfortably fit five. Sure, the three kids could sit in the backseat but, no matter how old they are, they still like their space.
That third row seat was a lifesaver! Although it wasn’t overly spacious, it was perfect for Sara. Plus, there was plenty of room for all the beach stuff and snacks and towels and junk we tend to bring along in the off chance we need it.
You’d think you’d have to have a monster-sized car for all of this but I don’t like driving gigantic cars so the fact that the Outlander is a nice, manageable Compact SUV is a huge win win for me.
Really, my only complaint — and it’s a minor one — is the radio. Yes, it has satellite but we couldn’t get the Yankee games and we couldn’t get good reception even on our everyday FM stations. That was a little frustrating but I’m always happy to plug in my iPod, and I liked that, even on Random, it would tell me which songs were up next. I also liked that the USB port was in the center console box, so I didn’t have to leave the cord dangling near the gear shifter.
Thanks to the Outlander, we all had a great holiday, free to go for long car rides together yet free of stress.
Talk about the pursuit of happiness!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Awww! That last photo made me smile. What a wonderful photo! I LOVE the feature that tells you if you are inching out of your lane. Not that I ever do, of course. Would this car do well on a cross-country trip? Asking for a friend. Mwah!
Lois Alter Mark says
Please tell your friend that this car would be excellent for a cross-country trip and ask her to start planning it! xoxo
Cathy Chester says
What an adorable looking car yet so roomy! Plus red is your color, right?
I’m glad you are dealing with fog if the rain accompanies it! Yes, you Californians need that rear camera – lucky you are still a New Yorker at heart.
That last photo made me miss you even more! Aww..
Lois Alter Mark says
I miss you too! Red is really not my color although I do seem to get a lot of red cars. I think they’re trying to make sure I drive slow since red cars seem to attract more police attention! Come visit and I will take you for a ride! xo
Jeanine says
Wow it looks like a nice ride! I am a huge fan of roomy vehicles, with such a big family they are a must!
Lorane says
Great Car .. perfect for the young lady on the go …The color and specs is perfect for me
Jeannette says
This looks like a really great car! I hate that you didn’t get much use out of the radio but with so many ways to stream music now days, I’d say that’s a minor negative.
Lois Alter Mark says
Agree! The iPod sounded great!
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers says
I have been wanting an Outlander for a while now! They are so spacious!
Liz Mays says
I really like the extra storage/passenger space. I could do some serious carpooling with this ride!
Carolann says
Lovely little car for sure! I love that you can connect your ipod to it that’s wonderful. It looks like you had a great vaca based on that happy pic!
Censie Sawyer says
What a nice looking car. We are looking for a new car soon and this would be great for our family.
Carol Bryant says
We are in the market for a new car next year and will look into this – sounds like great features, mileage, and a nice, smooth ride.
Lisa says
This looks like a great vehicle. We are in the market for one so we’ll have to check this out!
Rosey says
I love the indicator if you’re going into someone else’s lane. I’d definitely try the Mitsubishi Outlander. I think it sounds great.
CAROL CASSARA says
this looks like a super-car! I didn’t check it out last time I was in the market but I will next time.
Cheryl Nicholl says
Seriously- do you even need your own car? You could just schedule test drives for the rest of your life. LUV the last pic btw. *wink*
Lexie Lane says
What a lovely color! Looks great. Wonder why the radio wasn’t working too well? That’s kind of a big deal.