A complete redesign for the 2010 model year gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a bold new look, a more car-like feel and better fuel efficiency.

It takes steps away from its SUV roots, yet still offers off-road driving capability and it can seat up to seven people.

The base Outlander ES ($25,498) trim comes with an economical 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that's matched with continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission. It's the only front-drive version of the Outlander and 9.5/7.2 litres/100 kilometres city/highway fuel economy is possible on regular gas. An ES trim with all-wheel drive ($27,998) is also available.

Both the LS ($29,498) and top-line XLS ($34,498) trims come with a 3.0-litre V-6 and a six-speed conventional automatic transmission. A hideaway third row of seating is also included with the V-6 models, and the XLS trim comes with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC).

An advanced full time all-wheel-drive system with an "active" front differential, the Mitsubishi S-AWC system is designed to provide superior traction and cornering control. It can vary drive torque from left to right and from front to rear depending on driver inputs and road conditions.

Our test Outlander was a top-line XLS trim. It also came with a Navigation and Entertainment Package ($4,000), which included a backup camera, a rear seat DVD system and a 40 GB music server with the navigation system. Its all-in price (including delivery and PDI costs) came to $40,198 before taxes.

The looks

Like the Mitsubishi Lancer (reviewed a couple of weeks ago), the Outlander now comes with what Mitsubishi calls its "jet fighter" front grille. A taller body makes the blacked-out front opening even bigger on the Outlander and it comes with chrome trim.

Big fender flares and blacked-out roof supports (B-and C-pillars) are distinctive elements of the new Outlander design. The rear quarter panel fascia has been redesigned and it now comes with heated, colour-keyed and folding door mirrors.

At the back it has clear-lens LED taillights, the V-6 models come with twin tailpipes and it has a unique two-piece tailgate that Mitsubishi calls a Flap-Folding Tailgate. In addition to the usual flip-up liftgate there's a short (25 cm) drop-down tailgate.

In its "up" position, the mini-tailgate helps hold items in the cargo area when you open the liftgate portion, and in its lower position it's an extended loading floor that's level with the cargo floor. It's also strong enough to support a 200 kilogram load or could be used as a sporting event seat (with a cover) . . . great feature!

The XLS trim comes with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, LED turn signals in door mirrors, a silver front skid plate extension and silver painted roof rails.

The inside

Starting from the back, the slimline folding third-row seat looks like a glorified lawn chair and comes with weird-looking flip-up head restraints.

OK for occasional use, but if you really need three rows of seating, our advice is . . . get a minivan.

Our test Outlander came with a mostly grey interior, including leather upholstery which had nice stitching on the seams. The second row seats were on a (fore/aft) rail system and they had a tumble-forward feature to expand the rear cargo area.

Passengers sitting in the second row sit higher than those in the front and additional space is provided under the front seats for their feet. It was a relatively flat 60/40 split seat -- passengers taller than six feet might not have enough headroom.

Safety

An Active Stability Control (ASC) system is standard on all versions of the Outlander. In addition to a full complement of airbags, it also comes with active front-seat head restraints.

The LS/XLS trim levels come with an upgraded security system that includes a motion detector. The all-wheel-drive models also come with a Hill Start Assist feature. It delays brake release (for up to two seconds) on a hill, while you move your foot to the gas pedal.

The drive

The larger V-6 engine is a smooth performer with higher horsepower numbers than torque, making it more of a sprinter than a puller. Still, it fits well with the sporty, lightweight athletic character of the new Outlander, which offers a nice blend of practicality and performance.

On a level surface and with a light load, the V-6 can make the Outlander move very quickly and it sounds great doing it. On a steep hill or with a heavy load on board, on the other hand, more low-speed engine grunt would be desirable.

A rotary knob on the centre console allows selection of the three S-AWC modes, which are Tarmac (paved roads), Snow (or ice) and Lock (off-road). It's simple to use and switching can be done on the fly.

Our Outlander also had the six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode feature that allowed both console lever shifts and steering column-mounted (not wheel-mounted) shifter paddles. At 110 km/hour on the highway, the tachometer read just 2,000 r.p.m. So, obviously it's a long-geared drivetrain for best fuel economy (which is decent), but unlike the four-cylinder, the V-6 engine prefers premium fuel.

Outlander provides a tall driving position, good seat support, big side mirrors and a steering wheel with a tilt, but not telescopic, feature. A hand-operated pull-up type park brake is another plus.

The score

The boldly redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander stands out from the crowd. Bigger than most of the SUV/ CUV competition in its price range, it offers plenty of cargo capacity, good value and is backed by an extra-long coverage warranty.

The specs

Trim levels: ES, LS & XLS

Sticker Price: $25,498-$34,498

Power: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 168 horsepower

Power: 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, 230 h.p.

Transmission: CVT & 6-speed automatic

Fuel consumption (2.4-litre): 9.5/7.2 l/100 km (city/highway)

Fuel consumption (3.0-litre): 11.2/8.2 l/100 km (city/highway)

Basic warranty: five years/100,000 km

Powertrain warranty: 10 years/160,000 km

Rust warranty: seven years/160,000 km

The competition

Chevrolet Equinox: $25,995-$35,070

Ford Escape: $24,499-$42,299

Honda CR-V: $27,790-$37,090

Hyundai Santa Fe: $25,995-$37,445

Kia Sportage: $21,745-$30,985

Mazda CX-7: $27,995-$39,095

Nissan Rogue: $24,698-$29,298

Toyota RAV4: $24,595-$37,240

Volkswagen Tiguan: $27,875-$37,775