The Mitsubishi Outlander, a compact, car-like sport utility vehicle, was redesigned in 2007 and the LS and XLS were given a new, more powerful engine, a 220-horsepower V-6 in models that replaced a 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. For 2008, the interior door panels were redesigned and the XLS, our four-wheel test drive, added chrome door handles. Other minor XLS upgrades for 2008 include an MP3/auxiliary input jack and heated side mirrors on all-wheel drive vehicles. This year Mitsubishi added a base in-line, 4-cylinder, fuel efficient ES and a special edition ES to the lineup. Outlanders can be configured for either five or seven passengers by adding a third seating row and vehicle choices include front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The sole transmission is a six speed automatic with a manual shift gate and in the XLS manual shifters on the steering wheel give this so-called crossover vehicle a sporty feel and plenty of highway oomph. During acceleration, engine noise intrudes noticeably into the cabin. Active stability control and a tuned suspension on a long wheelbase create good handling road manners and the 18-inch tires, combined with a MacPherson front strut suspension and a trailing-arm type multi-link rear suspension keep the ride smooth – not too bouncy or too stiff. Ramps and turns only generated minor lean. Mitsubishi is proud of its new global performance-engineered platform, used in the Outlander, as an offshoot of the engineering that has helped Mitsubishi, using a competition-built Montero SUV, win the rugged Paris-to-Dakar off-road endurance race seven straight years. Inside, gauges are easy to read, with only a slight stretch for climate controls. Our optional touch-screen Navigation system combined many audio and information functions that were somewhat complicated to decipher and distracting if used while driving. However, once safely mastered, the system has some pluses – like an industry first guide to High Occupancy Lanes (HOV) and MP3 and a music server function that can story 104 hours of encoded music. Cargo room is ample, even behind a third row seat, and both second and third row seats fold flat. The third row is cramped, though, and suitable only for small children. The rear tailgate flips down and can serve as a handy tailgating platform at sporting events. A FAST-key system unlocks the car when you approach with the key in your pocket and the engine started – and stopped - with a keyless ignition knob.