Mitsubishi Outlander test drive since 2012 SUV

Problem of choice. Need SUV up to € 30,000

Alexey Alekseevich Ivanov, 65 years old, pensioner, driving experience 44 years. He wants: Crossover. Budget: 30,000
The anniversary is not only a cheerful feast and tears of tenderness, these are also gifts. As a gift from his son, our reader received the amount for the acquisition of a SUV, and in order to spend it wisely, I decided to contact us. Given the preferences, we adjusted Subaru Forester and Ford Escape, and on our own initiative, Mitsubishi Outlander XL.

Car Requirements:
The image is solid, moderately show -off, for those who have already proved everything to everyone.
Style - simple and conservative style is welcome.
Shodal qualities - I do not need the car to tear everyone from the traffic light, but the handling should be at the level.
Economicity - should be stacked in 10 liters per hundred.
Interior - I want a spacious salon and no less spacious trunk.
Equipment - active and passive security systems are welcome, but the first priority.

Why did I decide to dwell on Subaru Forester and Ford Escape? Perhaps because they are not as show -off as the rest. It seems to me that their appearance really corresponds to what they are capable of. They have neither deliberate sports nor far -fetched power. They are simple and understandable, one Japanese, another American, and which of them is better, I wanted to find out. But why did you also put up Mitsubishi Outlander XL, I can’t understand. Speak, this model is very popular now? So it costs almost 200 thousand more. Well, since she is here, you will have to compare with her. Where to start? .. Come on, perhaps with Ford.

Ford Escape
We can say that my car life forty -four years ago began with him. After all, one and a half, which once became my first car, was originally Ford AA.
As I said, outwardly this car is like me. Moderately beautiful, moderately well -fed and moderately iron. As a former professional driver, I can immediately note that he has a clearance and geometric cross-country ability is quite sufficient to get to the summer residence without any problems. The only thing that is very embarrassing is the low -located levers of the rear suspension. Such a stretch in the forest for a stump to catch a couple of trifles. It seems to me that the outer mirrors are not large enough to maneuver without problems in a dense city stream. However, if we recall about the mirrors that I had, for example, on Rafik, then this is just a dressing room. Now the salon. I can’t say that he struck me with his content, but, in general, looks good. I saw cars and richer in my life. However, inserts for wood and aluminum make it very pretty. Although for me it is better when functionality prevails over beautifulness. In this regard, I perceive the pen on the front rack with great enthusiasm than the leather cululine of the automatic transmission. It is also multiple that you can hardly block bridges. A real SUV without this. And although I understand that Escape is far from a real SUV, it’s still nice that there is such a function. But what you have to regret is about the absence of a lowering series. As the tests showed, already in loose snow, the engine power is not always enough. So sometimes I wanted to give power, but, alas, 145 horses are not always able to tear the car out of captivity. But the suspension on the potholes turned out to be very good. And yet, having spent some time driving this car, I can say that he does not suit me. What is the problem? I am crowded in this car. Perhaps if I were a little already in the waist, everything would be great, but I am not going to go to the gym, and you can’t deceive nature.
 
Selected, because: time -tested design, spacious interior, sufficient clearance, not very high -profile appearance. 22500

Style
Does this car have a style? I think that yes, but, in my opinion, it is as stylish as a well -groomed village horse, if you put it next to a trotter. Just
Shodal qualities
He behaves well both on the asphalt and on the lanes, but high speeds are clearly not the horse of this car. Acceptable
Interior
I love when everything is in place, and this is just such an option. One thing is bad that I can’t turn around in this car, and there’s not as much space behind me as I want. Close -up
Economy
I think it will not ruin. We work out
Equipment in the standard
In the base there is not much of what I would like to have on board, however, in principle, there is everything that is needed for a calm and reasonable driving. In the end, I'm not going to dashing, the age is not the same. Reasonable
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Adequately behaves off -road, and the dynamics and dynamics are sufficient.
- Close, by my standards, salon and the inability to turn off the stabilization system.

Specifications
Mark and model - Ford Escape 2.3
Dimensions - 4480x1845x1730 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2261 cm3, 145l.s./6000 min -1
Automatic transmission, 4-speed
Dynamics - Max 160 km/h

Subaru Forester
Let's move on to Forester. It looks very much like Escape, such a similarity reminded me of the similarity of ZIL-130 with GAZ-53. It seems that the cars are different, but the similarity is amazing. In this connection, there is no point in discussing the appearance. But about what I saw inside, I will say. Firstly, Subaru, in my opinion, is much more interesting in the interior than Ford. There are also inserts for aluminum, but there are exactly as much as they need here, in connection with which the car does not try to look richer than it really is. In addition, the governing bodies here are more ergonomically. I did not like only how the handbrake is installed. With my complexion, I actually sit on it, and in an emergency I have to tear it literally out of myself. I did not inspire the selectivity of the score of the gearbox. I remember, on the Lviv bus, on which I also had to work, it was also difficult to find programs. But there, the craving of remote gear shift passed through the entire interior. And then the box is nearby, and the programs are turned on somehow slurred. But pleased the presence of a lowering series in the transmission. Indeed, with such a detail you can climb anywhere, if only there was enough clearance. True, sometimes the stabilization system really interferes with the torn, but, as I understand it, it can be turned off. For me, it is better that it is not at all. Without it, the car literally digs the ground. And horses seemed to be no longer much more than Ford, but it is a way to be healthy. Yes, and on the Forester highway it seemed to me more collected than Escape. Although the car begins to really go only when the tachometer arrow passes the mark of 3,500 revolutions.
In general, of these two cars, I would take Forester. Although I am also not very comfortable in it because of my dimensions. Yes, and the pen at my age, you know, is not the best option. Even when on Liaz, in the common people's cattle, he worked, I realized that an automatic box is a thing.
 
Selected because: it is optimal in terms of price-quality ratio, has all-wheel drive and lowering a row in the transmission. The salon is quite spacious. 24000

Style
There is definitely. And this despite the fact that Forester is very similar to Escape. However, it looks much more elegant due to a more detailed study in the little things. Nicely
Shodal qualities
A very assembled car. On the road stands like on rails, but most of all I liked what you can use a lowering, and if you also turn off the stabilization system, it is a dumb, like a broom. What you need
Interior
I am interesting and even beautiful, but I can’t feel in it how at home, the spaciousness is not enough for creativity. Not for me
Economy
It is poorly believed that its average consumption will be at the level of 8.5 liters, but if it meets the top ten, and then it is good. Acceptable
Equipment in the standard
There is everything, and this is nice, especially for that kind of money. Worthy

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Oppositions on off -road are limited only to clearance, the dynamics is worthy.
- It is inconvenient to use the parking brake, poor selectivity at the gearbox.

Specifications
Mark and model - Subaru Forester 2.0
Dimensions - 4560x1780x1700 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1994 cm3, 150 hp/5600 min -1
Mechanical transmission, 5-speed
Dynamics - 184 km/h; 8.4 s to 100 km/h

Mitsubishi Outlander
Since you pulled Mitsubishi Outlander XL to this event, let's see him. Outwardly, it seems more show -off. And in terms of dimensions, apparently what is needed. In any case, no less than Forester and Escape. The length is somewhat confused, and the reserve under the trunk. And so, in general, very nothing. The salon is also like me. It has a style. But most of all it is satisfied that I fit in it without problems. In addition, the car has a large trunk, with friends or son, there will be no problems with fishing with tents for fishing. With ergonomics, too, everything is at the level. For example, the driver’s cup holder is very convenient. Yes, and on the central console, everything is according to the mind. You don’t have to figure out where what is located. Everything is there and as it should. The car is worthy and rides, a bit, but tolerable. Hmm, I'm confused. I liked this option more than those that I first thought about. And you know what, I will probably opt for it. After all, in the end, I will not drive alone by car. The son, one way or another, will also be. And from the point of view of design, Outlander XL is still more interesting and more representative. And since my son made me such a gift, then let him enjoy himself. In the end, everything that I have belongs to him.

Selected because: it is quite attractive in appearance, has a spacious salon. It is well equipped with active and passive security systems. 29100

Style
This car feels a breed. Against the backdrop of opponents, it looks like a athlete that accidentally entered the hall to the Seals. Despite its size, the car looks very easy. Freshly
Shodal qualities
It is impeccable on the road, but on the lane you have to be careful because of the large rear overlook. Plus, the reserve is hanging from below. But, in principle, I will get to the dacha without problems. It will fit
Interior
I love when everything is in place, and this is just such an option. But most pleased that it was spacious here, and, apparently, this factor will be decisive when choosing. Right
Economy
I do not think that it will be more gluttonous than everyone else. Acceptable
Equipment in the standard
The pillow base is not enough, but you can take the configuration richer, and there are already six of them. Worthy
 
Advantages and disadvantages
+ A sufficient amount of space in the cabin, a lot of space in the second row. An impressive trunk.
- I do not think that the leaning lower part of the fifth door will add ease of use.

Specifications
Mark and Model - Mitsubishi Outlander XL
Dimensions - 4640x1800x1720 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2998cm3, 220 hp/6250 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - 200 km/h; 9.7 s to 100 km/h

Editor's Choice
Each of the cars has a good arsenal of qualities. However, only the total balance of charms and its value expression make it possible to make the final choice. Given the nuances, Ford Escape seems to be a sort of spartan. Both in equipment and in behavior. Mitsubishi Outlander XL on the contrary. Stelaga, promoting life on a grand scale. But sometimes he brings his credo to the extreme. But Subaru Forester, although not without cockroaches, a child of a successful compromise. An example of the same golden mean, which caused editorial sympathies.
My choice
I really did not expect that, choosing a car from those that I like, I will stop my choice on another. However, it is understandable, because you can appreciate the car only after you talk tightly with it. And after this communication, I chose Mitsubishi Outlander XL. He approached me according to all the criteria. And not only to me. I think this choice will approve of my son. Nevertheless, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape is very worthy cars. But if I were a little less dimensional, I would most likely give my preference to Subaru Forester, because in terms of price-quality-capacity, it seemed to me more optimal than an American.
The latter is very, very simple.
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2009]