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Monday, 20 February 2023 07:57

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport is not for those who want the latest technology or for those whose passion is driving. Instead, it's for getting passengers and cargo from point A to point B. Its climate and radio controls are easy to use, and having selectable all-wheel drive helps those who live in less temperate climates.

Pros
Well equipped for the price
Excellent warranty coverage

Cons
The ride is rough over bumpy roads
Many interior materials look and feel cheap
Transmission is aggravatingly slow to respond
Raucous drone while accelerating, especially with 2.0-liter engine

What's new

All-wheel drive is now standard across the board
Special Edition trims no longer available
Part of the first Outlander Sport generation introduced in 2011

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the least expensive SUV in the Japanese automaker's lineup and also one of the oldest vehicle designs currently on sale. The Outlander Sport was introduced in 2011 and has undergone many exterior face-lifts in the intervening years. The styling tweaks help the small crossover look more like a modern offering, but there's only so much you can do to mask the Outlander Sport's aging architecture.

For its 12th year on the market, the Outlander Sport receives standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. Other than that, changes are minimal for 2023. The small SUV continues to offer the same blend of value, practicality and acceptable driving dynamics. We recommend checking out its competitors, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Subaru Forester and Hyundai Tucson, before going with the Mitsubishi. But if you just need basic transportation from point A to B with a good warranty, the Outlander Sport might fit the bill. Read our Expert Rating below to get all the details on it.

6.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Outlander Sport is not for those who want the latest technology or for those whose passion is driving. Instead, it's for getting passengers and cargo from point A to point B. Its climate and radio controls are easy to use, and having selectable all-wheel drive helps those who live in less temperate climates.
Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance 5.0/10

How does the Outlander Sport drive? The "Sport" in Outlander Sport is a misnomer. The engine is underpowered, the continuously variable automatic transmission performs poorly, and handling and suspension tuning are unrefined. It's a pretty dreary vehicle to drive. Acceleration is jumpy from a stop but settles into a 8.5-second crawl to 60 mph. Under heavy braking, we noted both extreme nosedive and side-to-side wiggle, neither of which instills confidence.

There's very little on-center steering feel, so you must constantly tend to the Outlander Sport's steering, and inputs are met with a delayed reaction from the SUV. Stiff shocks make the Outlander Sport skittish, especially around bumpy corners, yet do nothing to tame the large amounts of body roll.

Comfort 5.0/10

How comfortable is the Outlander Sport? The Outlander Sport lacks the ride comfort and suspension compliance of its competition. For a vehicle that has been on the market for as long as this Mitsu has, there's really no excuse for this. It's OK for around-town use, but long-distance drivers should look elsewhere.

The ride is particularly egregious: harsh over bumps yet floaty over smoother undulations, giving you the worst of both worlds. The leather-upholstered seats in our test vehicle were hard and inflexible, and the cabin was noisy from traffic, road surfaces and the loud climate control fans.

Interior 6.0/10

How’s the interior? If you're the right size, the Outlander Sport's ergonomics are appealing. This SUV is easy to operate, with clearly marked controls and an easy-to-read instrument panel. The large door openings allow easy access to the front seats. Rear passengers will have to duck a bit to maneuver into the seats. Overall, interior space is lacking, with less rear headroom than some competitors and an interior that feels tight from every seat.

Compounding the lack of roominess, the driver's seating position is not particularly adjustable, forcing you into a sit-up-at-the-dinner-table posture. Visibility is also lacking, with large roof pillars and a small rear window that limits your view out of the back.

Technology 6.5/10

How’s the tech? Don't come here if you're looking to get your connectivity or mobile technology fix. What the Outlander Sport provides is basic connectivity. One upshot of the simple infotainment system is that it's very easy to learn to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard on the base model, but the standard Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set up.

Basic active safety features such as automatic emergency braking are not standard and only appear on the midrange SE trim or higher. There's no adaptive cruise control at any trim level.

Storage 6.5/10

How’s the storage? The Outlander Sport doesn't excel in any area but works acceptably for cargo duty. The 60/40-split rear bench seat can be folded without removing the headrests or sliding the seats forward, but the release button is difficult to access from the cargo area. Once folded, the load floor is flat and expansive, and the tall roofline makes loading easy.

There's an average amount of small-item storage inside the Outlander Sport. The door pockets are large and can accommodate a medium-size water bottle, and the cubby under the center stack can hold a phone. There are two cupholders and a cubby situated in the center console. Car seats can be accommodated in the two outboard rear seating positions thanks to easily accessible lower hooks, while the upper hooks can only be accessed from the cargo area.

Fuel Economy 6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Outlander Sport GT is rated to get 25 mpg in combined driving (23 city/28 highway). We saw an average of 22.7 mpg over the course of three fill-ups while driving on city, highway and mountain roads. While on the low side, this type of result is expected for an underpowered vehicle.

Value 8.0/10

Is the Outlander Sport a good value? For those who value cost above all else, the Outlander Sport offers the basics as a compact SUV. We could easily recommend any number of other models, but they would all cost more. Our test vehicle came in a few thousand dollars under direct competitors. But you may be willing to spend more to get better performance, additional connectivity features and driver assists that are simply not available on the Outlander Sport.

The Outlander Sport's design is dated, but it feels sturdily assembled even if the quality of materials is subpar. On the plus side, Mitsubishi offers a very strong warranty and a roadside assistance program similar to those found on premium vehicles. That peace of mind certainly adds to the Outlander Sport's value proposition.

Wildcard 6.010

A jack-of-all-trades but a master of none, the Outlander Sport is purely a machine for transportation. Any sort of fun or enjoyment will come from the overactive imagination of the driver. As an easily approachable, no-nonsense car, the Outlander Sport appeals to those who prioritize a low price above any kind of driving satisfaction. It's not the most charismatic car you'll meet on the road, but thanks to its warranty and roadside assistance, it is dependable.

Which Outlander Sport does Edmunds recommend?

It might be tempting to get the cheapest Outlander Sport available, but we think the midtier LE trim hits the sweet spot and is worth spending a few thousand more for. That model gets you a tech upgrade with a larger 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You'll also enjoy extra creature comforts like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is available in five trim levels: S, ES, LE, SE and GT. All but the GT are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 lb-ft of torque). The GT receives a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (168 hp, 167 lb-ft). Both engines come paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive is standard on all models.

S
The base S model comes impressively equipped. Highlights include:

16-inch wheels
LED headlights
Automatic high beams
Heated, power exterior mirrors
Automatic wipers
Height-adjustable driver's seat
60/40-split folding rear seats
Automatic climate control
7-inch touchscreen
Drive mode selector
Four-speaker audio system
Single USB port
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
These driver aids are standard on all trim levels:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Automatic high-beam assist

ES
The ES adds:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED foglights

LE
Stepping up to the LE trim adds:

Leather-wrapped steering wheel
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Heated front seats with contrast stitching
Additional front and rear USB ports
Voice recognition controls

SE
Moving up to the SE trim adds:

Power-folding mirrors
Hands-free keyless entry and push-button ignition
Six-speaker audio system
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

GT
Besides the more powerful engine, the range-topping GT model gets you:

Black roof rails
Leather upholstery
Black headliner
Power-adjustable driver's seat

edmunds.com

Faithful at-home charging can keep the plug-in-hybrid Grand Cherokee away from the gas pumps, but bringing one home won't be cheap.

Hearing the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe described as the "most fuel-efficient Jeep ever" gives us the warm fuzzies. It feels like a win for the world and makes us want to parade through an aisle at Whole Foods, high-fiving every farm-to-fork enthusiast until our palms turn red. But while the 4xe's EPA-estimated 56 MPGe and 26 miles of electric-only range are good for a Grand Cherokee, the plug-in-hybrid option is an expensive one.

That's not to downplay the effort by Jeep to reduce its wonderfully luxurious SUV's usage of gasoline. The Grand Cherokee, which was redesigned last year, is an absolute honey on the road. With a firm brake pedal, linear steering, and a smooth ride, the Grand Cherokee moves with confidence. Its lavish interior and robust four-wheel-drive system make it akin to a Kia Telluride that's graduated from off-road boot camp. Unlike its Wrangler 4xe plug-in-hybrid sibling, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is subdued and quiet at speed. At idle, however, a grumpy 46 decibels from the inline-four echo throughout the cabin.

A 270-hp turbo 2.0-liter and two electric motors bring the total output to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a combination potent enough to make passengers ask, "This is a four-cylinder?" (which, really, is the best compliment a four-cylinder can hope for). We noticed some hesitation when accelerating hard from low speed as the gas engine and electric motor bickered over whose turn it was.

In the Wrangler, we noted this powertrain's rocky transitions between gas and electric propulsion, although they were somewhat lost amid the Wrangler's general cacophony. In the vastly more polished Grand Cherokee, the powertrain's hesitation and its abrupt transitions stand out.

Eventually, the powertrain suffered a more serious fault, and the hybrid system went silent. As a result, we were unable to record an as-tested fuel economy, nor can we provide you with the 4xe's 75-mph highway fuel-economy results.

We were able to perform instrumented testing before the hybrid-system failure and found that the 4xe is the quickest version of the new Grand Cherokee. It springs to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and hits 100 mph in 13.9 seconds, right as it reaches a quarter-mile. That's 0.3 second quicker to 60 mph and 1.3 seconds sooner to 100 than the discontinued V-8 version. When it comes to lugging, the 4xe's 6000-pound maximum towing capacity is 200 pounds short of the V-6 and 1200 less than the dead V-8 model.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe starts at $61,660, which is $16,830 more than the base four-wheel-drive V-6 Laredo. The 4xe, though, skips the Laredo trim and is available only in Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve grades. Comparing like trims, the 4xe's upcharge over the V-6 variants with four-wheel drive ranges from $8685 to $10,010—although that can be at least partially offset by the PHEV's $7500 federal tax credit.

Our Overland test rig rumbled in with a $77,525 price tag. The two largest contributions to its bill were optional packages. A Luxury Tech Group IV ($2155) included nappa leather seats with a massaging front row, wireless device charging, and window shades for the back seats. An Advanced Protech Group III ($2235) added head-up display, night vision, and additional driver-assistance features.

This higher-trim model also had the available 10.3-inch front passenger interactive display screen. Taking the opportunity to nerd out, we connected Valve's Steam Deck handheld gaming PC via an HDMI cable while waiting for a takeout order. Although playing the video game SnowRunner in a snowy parking lot sounds ironic and fun, we found the screen to be incredibly dim, even at night with the brightness fully cranked.

Owners with short commutes may be able to avoid gas stations for months, bouncing between the workplace and home, where a typical 240-volt charging connection to the 4xe's 7.2-kW onboard charger can juice up the roughly 14.0-kWh battery in about 2.5 hours. For folks plugging into a standard wall socket, the charge could take eight to 15 hours, depending on the home’s outlet. However, footing the bill for the pricey Grand Cherokee 4xe just to avoid gas stations seems like an overpriced convenience.

Specifications

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $61,660/$77,525
Options: Overland trim (air springs, front tow hooks, hands-free liftgate, LED headlights, backlit door handles, heated and power folding exterior mirrors, 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, ambient interior lighting, auto dimming rearview mirror power tilt/telescoping steering column, power-folding second row rear seats, McIntosh stereo, front-parking assist), $8015; Advanced Protech Group III (head-up display, night vision, surround-view camera, off-road camera), $2235; Luxury Tech Group IV (nappa leather seats, digital rearview mirror display, wireless device charging, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control), $2155; front passenger interactive display, $1095; Off-Road Group, (Goodyear All-Terrain tires, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential, underbody skid plates), $1095; black-painted roof, $775; Velvet Red Pearlcoat paint, $495

POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 270 hp, 295 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, 44 and 134 hp, 39 and 195 lb-ft (combined output: 375 hp, 470 lb-ft; 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (C/D est); 7.2-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain Adventure
265/60R-18 110T M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.7 in
Length: 193.5 in
Width: 77.5 in
Height: 70.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/51 ft3
Cargo Volume, F/R: 71/38 ft3
Curb Weight: 5664 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 100 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 189 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.79 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/23/24 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 56 MPGe
EV Range: 26 mi

 

Source: caranddriver.com

Thursday, 16 February 2023 05:47

The electric Golf is coming

After 14 years at the top of Europe's best-selling car list, the Volkswagen Golf lost its throne to the Peugeot 208 in 2022.

In fact, the compact car from Wolfsburg didn't even make it onto the podium as the affordable Dacia Sandero came second, while Volkswagen's T-Roc crossover took third place. The small Fiat/Abarth 500 came in fourth place "closely" ahead of the Golf, while Toyota's subcompact hatchback Yaris is not far behind, writes Klix.ba

In order to improve sales, Volkswagen is working on a refreshed version of the eighth generation Golf, which will go on sale in 2024. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that the German giant is thinking about the future and is preparing a popular name for the inevitable electric future. Autocar writes that ID. The Life concept presented at the Munich fair in 2021 is "dead", but that the new concept will be presented in March.

This concept will herald a new electric car that will be a production model for 2025, and will also become the first Volkswagen Group car to use the MEB-Plus platform developed for front-wheel drive. The platform is believed to support the two electric motors required for the four-wheel drive models. The British magazine calls the concept the ID.2 model, but insiders claim that the production car will actually carry the Golf name.

In terms of dimensions, the car will be longer than the Polo, but shorter than the conventional Golf with a length of around 4,250 mm. A dedicated platform for the electric car will result in a short overhang to maximize the wheelbase and allow for the interior space offered by the Golf. The car is expected to weigh between 1,600 and 1,700 kg and will also get a GTI version.

Autocar's source from the company revealed that the decision has been made to abandon the GTX suffix, which is currently used for the sportier versions of the ID.4 and ID.5 models. Also, the powerful hatchback ID.3 and the high-performance van ID are expected to follow. Buzz.

In May at the earliest, we could see a new electric concept that announces the electric GTI, and if that doesn't happen, then the premiere is possible in September.

Although the Golf based on the MQB platform and with conventional engines is produced in Wolfsburg, the electric model will be produced by SEAT at the Martorell plant in Spain. It is also where the Cupra Urban Rebel will be produced. Skoda will also get its version of a small electric car.

If the information is correct, it means that the eighth generation Golf will peacefully coexist with its electric "cousin" for several years. Given the arrival of a redesigned model based on the MQB platform in 2024, that means VW intends to sell it until at least 2027 or 2028. In the end, the company will be forced to consign the gasoline and diesel versions to history, as the European Union has voted to ban the sale of new vehicles with SUS engines from 2035 onwards.

The European Parliament on Tuesday gave final approval to the mandatory implementation of zero emission rates for new cars and vans from 2035, meaning that in 12 years no new petrol and diesel cars will be sold.

The new CO2 emission standards for cars and vans are part of the "Ready for 55" legislative package, and the decision was supported by 340 votes in favour, 279 against and 21 abstentions.

The regulation was supported by representatives of social democrats, greens and liberals in the European Parliament.

"This regulation encourages the production of zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. These goals provide clarity to the automotive industry and encourage car manufacturers to innovate and invest. It will be more affordable for consumers to buy and use zero-emission vehicles, and the used vehicle market will develop faster. In this way, sustainable transport will become available to everyone," said Liberal Club rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew).

Tp means that in 12 years it will no longer be possible to sell new cars with diesel and gasoline engines, but only new vehicles without harmful emissions. The transitional targets for reducing harmful emissions for 2030 are 55 percent for cars and 50 percent for light commercial vehicles.

In practice, this means that new cars and vans on the market will no longer be allowed to emit CO2, but cars with internal combustion engines will not disappear from the roads.

Even after 2035, citizens will still be able to drive their existing cars with internal combustion engines, and even buy used gasoline and diesel cars.

After the final vote at the plenary session of the European Parliament, the text still needs to be formally approved by the Council before being published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Wednesday, 15 February 2023 06:31

2024 Toyota bZ3X

At first, Toyota’s bZ4X electric SUV had us scratching our heads. Was this a nameplate left scrambled? An unsolved CAPTCHA? However, after Toyota teased a larger bZ5X SUV, and later this compact bZ3X crossover, the nomenclature makes a little more sense. As another offering in Toyota’s growing bZ (Beyond Zero) model lineup, the bZ3X exists today as a concept, but will eventually fill a C-HR-sized hole in the upcoming bevy of Toyota EVs. Powertrain details including battery size and maximum driving range are still closely guarded, but the bZ3X is an obvious entry into the subcompact crossover segment of the future. This a necessary step in Toyota and Lexus’s plan of 30 new EVs by 2030.

What's New for 2024?

It’s early yet, and Toyota is keeping hush on details about the bZ3X, but we think this almost-production-ready concept could be ready for ordering sometime in 2023.

We’ll have to wait until Toyota spills the beans on powertrain details and equipment offerings before we can suggest a specific bZ3X, but it’s likely Toyota would give its most compact electric SUV the option of single front-motor or fully loaded dual-motor powertrains. That’s something to keep the starting price somewhat admirable as a base model, and likely a higher-horsepower and longer-range top-tier offering.

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Infotainment and Connectivity
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Korean manufacturer is withdrawing its most prestigious model from the offer until recently.

Kia Stinger, one of the most attractive cars in its class and certainly the most interesting Kia in this millennium, is going down in history. This spinner will be replaced by a new one - you guessed it - the Stinger will be replaced by the electric EV6, especially in the GT edition.

The Stinger was introduced in 2017, and immediately stood out with its extremely attractive appearance, but also with a high dose of luxury.

V6 engines dominated, a 4×4 version was also offered, and a diesel engine arrived later. The model was redesigned in 2020, but this did not significantly affect its popularity.

Now the model is saying goodbye with a celebratory Tribute Edition, available in 1,000 copies, index.hr writes. The car is distinguished by a special color of the exterior, as well as a slightly different decoration in the cabin.

Of course, there is also a plate with the designation of the special series. When it comes to the engine, the offer is reserved exclusively for the 3.3 V6 T-GDI twin-turbo with 370 hp and 510 Nm. The price is not known.

Sunday, 25 December 2022 05:52

2025 Buick Electra E5

Buick’s electric future will wear a name from its gas-guzzling past: Electra. The first of the Buick Electra lineup will be the 2024 Electra E5 SUV, which will also be sold in China. Powered by General Motors’s Ultium battery platform, the Electra E5 should deliver similar performance and driving range as the Cadillac Lyriq. That should mean around 340 horsepower and around 300 miles of driving range per charge. We haven’t seen any pictures of the Electra E5’s interior yet, but we’re expecting that it will contain about the same amount of space as the gasoline-powered Envision SUV.

What's New for 2025?

The Electra E5 will be Buick’s first electric offering when it goes on sale in late 2024. We know that it will be produced in China for the Chinese domestic market, but it’s unclear if the North American version will be produced here or imported from Asia.

If the Electra follows the Buick brand's current trim structure—and that's an open question at this point—the base model will likely be the Preferred trim, with a mid-range Essence adding more luxury features, and a range-topping Avenir carrying the most goodies and the biggest price tag. When we find out more about the Electra E5 and its standard and optional equipment, we'll update this story with that information.

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Infotainment and Connectivity
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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