2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWD Review

        I love, love, love when vehicle reviews come available to share with you all.  Not only am I able to share my past love and career of Automotive Engineering, but it gives me a chance to share a unique type of product.  We can all head to our local dealership and test drive a vehicle if we really want to but honestly, how much can you learn about a vehicle from maybe a 20 minute drive!?

        You just can't get a full experience or true feel for how the vehicle is going to work for you on a day to day basis.  That being said I was recently I was given the opportunity to review a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWD.  Cruising around in this vehicle couldn't have come at a better time living in Michigan with our unpredictable weather!

        The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWD comes standard with features like Heated side-view mirrors, Front windshield variable intermittent wipers, Rear window intermittent wiper/washer with defroster, and 225/55R18 all-season tires, which can be true life savers in some terrible weather conditions like we are used to in Michigan.

        We happen to have a fluke storm the day I got my Outlander Sport and let me tell you, I couldn't have been happier to be driving it when the snow arrived!  Right away, the vehicle had a smooth ride with what seemed like quite a bit of power for 6 HP.  It handled great in the snow and with the ice compared to either of our other vehicles (by other manufacturers).

        Inside each Outlander comes standard with Color LCD multi-information display, Micron air filtration, 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat and 4-way manually adjustable passenger's seat with little extras like Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. I loved the inside and particularly for my size family!

        The first day I had the Outlander, I wanted to put it's space to test by taking the kids grocery shopping.  All three of them fit comfortably in the back AND the massive amount of groceries fit in the spacious back.  I love the standard FUSE Hands-free Link System® with Bluetooth® technology, USB port, and steering wheel controls which keep my eyes on the road even while driving with 3 rambunctious kids.

        There are Heated driver and front passenger seats in the SE and SE AWC models which I can tell you I couldn't live without living here!  The Rear Camera Display and Backup Warning System on the SE and SE AWC models, keeps an eye out as you back up for more than just moving objects (children, grocery carts) but possible bikes parked behind you or even trees or barriers.

        The Outlander has the option to auto shift gears if you prefer (or need) a manual transmission. However, I found it very difficult and almost confusing to have those controls on the steering wheel.  Not only are there already enough buttons and functions available on the steering wheel but it can be hit on accident causing you to unexpectedly shift into a different gear.

        The only other complaint I have about this vehicle is regarding the fuel door release lever.  I feel as if I have seen the placement in tons of areas and thought I knew where to look.  Unfortunately, I was wrong as I sat at the gas station for at least 15 minutes searching around the drivers seat looking.

        Eventually I had to open the manual to find it and was pretty disappointed at the placement and labeling.  Not only was it under the drivers seat (where I of course looked) but it had a gas pump label without coloring making it difficult to see that far under the seat.  This needs to be moved to a more accessible location.  But as you can tell from the rest of my evaluation, these last two mentions are the only issues I found bothersome throughout the experience.

Available to Purchase/Cost: Starting at $19,595 
Recommendation:  I have to say overall the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWD handled extremely well in both dry and wet conditions, the safety features are in line with keeping my family safe, and it had tons of room.  I was very impressed with this vehicle overall.
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