The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander marked a significant leap forward in the compact SUV segment, introducing a vehicle engineered with a clear focus on driving dynamics and confident performance. Built upon a new global performance-engineered platform, the 2007 Outlander set the stage for Mitsubishi’s next generation of vehicles, including the Lancer and Lancer Evolution. This foundation ensured that the Outlander was meticulously designed from the ground up to deliver a rewarding and engaging driving experience.
Mitsubishi’s renowned motorsports heritage heavily influenced the engineering of the 2007 Outlander. Drawing from their extensive experience, including six consecutive victories in the grueling Paris-to-Dakar rally, Mitsubishi infused the Outlander with a spirit of performance and durability. Available in two trim levels, the well-equipped LS and the sport/luxury XLS, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander offered both front-wheel drive and an advanced, electronically controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, catering to diverse driving needs and preferences. Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control philosophy in the Outlander went beyond just 4WD; it integrated electronically managed four-wheel drive with Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC), a finely tuned suspension, and an innovative aluminum roof. This combination worked harmoniously to lower the center of gravity, enhancing handling responsiveness and overall vehicle stability.
All-Wheel Control: Engineered for Real-World 4-Wheel Drive Performance
Mitsubishi’s engineering team conducted extensive research into real-world 4-wheel drive usage to develop a system that would provide optimal vehicle control and maximum utility for compact SUV drivers. A key objective was to achieve this enhanced performance without compromising fuel efficiency, aiming to match or surpass the highway fuel economy of the previous four-cylinder Outlander, despite the new model’s increased size, weight, and powerful V6 engine.
The previous Outlander utilized a full-time 50:50 4-wheel drive system with a viscous coupling center differential. While effective in severe weather conditions, this type of system could lead to increased fuel consumption during everyday driving. Mitsubishi sought to provide the 2007 Outlander with equal or superior all-weather and challenging condition performance while minimizing any negative impact on fuel economy. They opted against the increasingly common “on-demand part-time” 4-wheel drive systems used by some competitors, which reactively engage the rear wheels only after front wheel slippage occurs. Mitsubishi believed that a proactive system, capable of anticipating and mitigating wheel slippage, would better serve drivers in this segment.
Advanced 4-Wheel Drive System and Selectable Drive Modes
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander empowers drivers with a choice of driving modes to suit various conditions and preferences. The standard front-wheel drive models are equipped with Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC), which incorporates traction control to enhance grip on slippery surfaces. For models equipped with the optional 4-wheel drive system, a drive-mode dial conveniently located on the center console allows drivers to select between “FWD” for optimal fuel efficiency and “4WD Auto” mode. In “4WD Auto,” the system intelligently and seamlessly distributes power to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled transfer clutch, adapting to changing driving and road conditions. Drivers can effortlessly switch between drive modes at any time, providing on-the-fly adaptability.
4WD Auto and 4WD Lock Modes: Optimizing Traction and Control
In “4WD Auto” mode, the 2007 Outlander’s 4WD system continuously sends a portion of power to the rear wheels, proactively increasing the amount under full-throttle acceleration. The coupling can transfer up to 40 percent of available torque to the rear wheels during hard acceleration, reducing to 25 percent above 40 mph. During steady cruising, up to 15 percent of torque is directed to the rear. When navigating tight corners at low speeds, the system reduces rear coupling torque for smoother cornering.
For particularly demanding conditions such as snowy roads or off-road trails, drivers can engage “4WD Lock” mode. In this mode, the system maintains automatic front-to-rear torque distribution but allows for a greater degree of power transfer to the rear wheels. For instance, when accelerating uphill, “4WD Lock” immediately directs more torque to the rear, ensuring maximum traction at all four wheels. This contrasts with reactive on-demand systems that may permit front wheel slippage before engaging the rear wheels, potentially hindering acceleration.
In dry conditions, “4WD Lock” prioritizes performance. It directs more torque to the rear wheels compared to “4WD Auto,” resulting in enhanced launch performance, improved control on loose or snowy surfaces, and increased stability at higher speeds. Rear wheel torque transfer is boosted by 50 percent over “4WD Auto” mode, meaning up to 60 percent of available torque can be sent to the rear wheels under full-throttle acceleration on dry pavement. Furthermore, torque reduction to the rear wheels during cornering is less pronounced in “4WD Lock” compared to “4WD Auto,” maintaining a more performance-oriented feel.
| Drive Mode | Overview of Control | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD | Distributes all torque to front wheels | Best fuel economy |
| 4WD Auto | Distributes variable torque to rear wheels depending on accelerator pedal position and front-to-rear wheel speed difference | Delivers the optimal amount of torque for driving conditions |
| 4WD Lock | Delivers 1.5 times more torque to the rear wheels than 4WD mode | Increases off-the-line traction; provides greater high-speed stability and best performance on rough or slippery surfaces. |
Electronic Coupling Mechanism: The Heart of All-Wheel Control
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander’s advanced All-Wheel Control system relies on a sophisticated electronic coupling to manage torque distribution. Coupling torque is calculated using a combination of feed-forward control, responding to accelerator pedal input, and feedback control, monitoring individual wheel speeds to detect differences in front and rear rotation. Data on accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed is communicated via the CAN bus. The system interprets driving conditions and driver commands to deliver the precise amount of torque to the rear wheels.
Current flows through a magneto, generating a magnetic force that engages a pilot clutch. This force actuates a ball within a cam mechanism, generating thrust. The thrust force then engages the main clutch, transferring torque to the rear wheels. The lightweight aluminum transfer coupling is strategically located near the rear differential for optimal weight distribution. Weighing just 39.2 lbs., it represents a significant 16.8 lbs. weight reduction compared to the previous Outlander’s transfer case, contributing to improved fuel economy and handling. A redesigned three-point differential mounting system with reduced gear offset between the propeller shaft and the coupling further minimizes friction, noise, and vibration, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC): Enhancing Stability and Grip
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC) on all models, a feature not available in the previous generation. ASTC plays a crucial role in preventing skidding and side drift, especially during sudden steering maneuvers or on slippery surfaces. This system enhances overall vehicle stability in all driving conditions, providing an added layer of confidence in challenging weather.
In both FWD and 4WD Outlander models, ASTC helps maintain the vehicle’s intended direction. It utilizes data from various sensors, including steering angle, individual wheel speeds, yaw rate, and the powertrain electronic control unit (ECU). When ASTC detects wheel spin or side-slipping, it integrates control of the brakes, engine torque (via electronic throttle control), transmission, and the electronically controlled 4WD system to restore vehicle stability. The high-speed CAN bus facilitates rapid communication between these critical systems.
The traction control component of ASTC emulates a “virtual” limited-slip differential, effectively preventing wheel spin during acceleration and start-up on slippery surfaces. Even in FWD models or when 4WD modes are not engaged in 4WD models, front wheel spin can be effectively managed in diverse conditions. The elimination of a mechanical limited-slip differential contributes to weight reduction. Whenever ASTC intervenes, a warning light illuminates on the instrument panel, alerting the driver to system operation and driving limits. An ASTC OFF switch allows drivers to disengage the system, which can be beneficial in specific situations like driving through deep snow or freeing the vehicle from a snowed-in parking spot where traction control might hinder progress. It’s important to note that the electronically controlled 4WD system manages power distribution independently of traction control, with ASTC providing supplemental influence as needed.
High-Strength RISE Body and Lightweight Aluminum Roof: Foundation for Performance
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is constructed with Mitsubishi’s next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. This exceptionally rigid structure, incorporating extensive use of high-strength steel, allows for sport-tuned suspension without compromising ride comfort. Compared to its predecessor, the 2007 Outlander boasts an 18 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 39 percent improvement in bending rigidity.
A key innovation for handling performance is the Outlander’s steel-reinforced aluminum roof, inspired by the Lancer Evolution. This aluminum roof shaves off 11 pounds compared to a conventional steel roof, effectively lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. A lower center of gravity is crucial for reducing body roll during cornering and enhancing steering responsiveness. The aluminum roof achieves these handling benefits without sacrificing ride quality, unlike stiffer suspension tuning alone. Notably, an aluminum roof is three times more effective at lowering the center of gravity compared to lower aluminum body panels.
Sporty Handling Dynamics: Earning the “Sport” in SUV
Mitsubishi engineers prioritized handling dynamics in the 2007 Outlander, moving beyond the typical SUV approach of simply using “stiff suspension and wide tires” to achieve cornering performance. The result is a compact SUV that delivers surprising agility, stability, and driver engagement, setting it apart in its segment.
A longer wheelbase (105.1 in. vs. 103.3 in. for the previous Outlander) and wider track, combined with the aluminum roof, significantly contribute to the 2007 Outlander’s enhanced stability. Front track width has increased by 1.7 inches, and rear track by 1.3 inches. Suspension travel has also been extended by 0.4 inches compared to the previous model, improving road-holding performance, even on uneven surfaces, and reducing impact harshness.
Refined Suspension Systems: MacPherson Strut Front and Multi-link Rear
The MacPherson strut front suspension, while similar in layout to the previous Outlander, is entirely new, with a focus on increased rigidity, reduced weight, and a lower roll center. The front stabilizer bar diameter is 0.9 inches. Strut tower bars enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response, and strengthened lower arm attachment points and steering knuckles further contribute to improved handling. These changes, along with retuned lower arm bushings, deliver quicker steering response and a more car-like handling feel uncommon in SUVs.
The Outlander’s all-new trailing-arm type multi-link rear suspension is designed to strike a balance between handling performance and ride comfort, more akin to a sport sedan than an SUV. Utilizing separate coil springs and shock absorbers maximizes cargo space. The rack-type crossmember is lightened yet more rigid to improve handling response. Compared to the previous Outlander, the toe control arm is positioned lower, and camber rigidity is increased for enhanced steering stability. Raising the trailing arm bushing location improves suspension performance on rough roads and enhances ride comfort. The rear stabilizer bar diameter is 0.8 inches. Shock absorber piston diameter has been increased from 0.98 inches to 1.18 inches, further improving steering stability and ride comfort. Ball joint type stabilizer bar links and new hub unit bearings contribute to higher camber and toe rigidity, enhancing overall steering stability.
Steering System: Precision and Feel of a Sport Sedan
Even drivers accustomed to car-based SUVs will be impressed by the 2007 Outlander’s crisp and responsive steering. Improvements within the steering system itself, combined with the rigid body structure, aluminum roof, and new suspension design, create a truly exceptional steering experience.
The new steering rack has a larger diameter (1.02 in. vs. 0.98 in.) than the previous model. A significant change is the new, more rigid mounting method. Supporting the steering gear cross member with a bushing fitted with an internal cylinder enhances rigidity and steering feel. Pump flow and gear valve characteristics are optimized, and a valve is added to prevent oil backflow, reducing kick-back from bumps and improving stability.
The optimized steering column layout incorporates joint friction-reduction parts to improve steering feel by reducing torque fluctuation. Support stiffness at the steering wheel end of the steering column is increased by 20 percent, reducing steering wheel vibration. Dampers on the intermediate shaft further minimize shimmy. Mitsubishi also focused on efficiency in the steering system. Using a sensor instead of a conventional On/Off switch for power steering pressure detection improves engine idling rpm control. Fine-sensing of pressure allows for finer engine speed control, reducing wasteful over-revving and improving fuel economy. Finally, optimal tuning of the flexible hose inside the high-pressure hose reduces steering pump noise, contributing to overall noise reduction.
Powerful Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: Confident Stopping Power
The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander features an all-new braking system, including a new single 10-inch brake booster, replacing the tandem 8 + 9-inch configuration of the previous model. The single booster, with a long-stroke master cylinder, enhances boost power and brake feel. All Outlander models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, featuring 11.5-inch ventilated front rotors and 11.8-inch solid rear rotors, with thicknesses of 1.00 inch and 0.4 inch respectively. Higher friction coefficient pads further improve braking performance.
The front brakes utilize powerful dual-piston calipers, while the rear brakes use single-piston calipers. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) on all Outlander models. Changes in surface treatments for both calipers and rotors have eliminated hazardous materials, reflecting Mitsubishi’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Wheels and Tires: Sporty Stance and Enhanced Handling
Outlander LS models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels (with spoke-design covers) and 215/70 R16 tires. Optional 16-inch alloy wheels are also available. XLS models feature standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55 R18 all-season tires, further enhancing handling response and accentuating the vehicle’s sporty stance. These wheel and tire choices complement the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander’s overall design and engineering philosophy, contributing to its engaging driving dynamics and confident performance in the compact SUV segment.
