The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover and a version signaling a fresh start for Mitsubishi. It represents the company’s big step in terms of production of a new design language and efficiency.

The Outlander comes with new and enhanced features from its predecessor, ranging from a more efficient engine and better aerodynamics, to stylish exterior.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $22,695.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons (63l)	MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.7 in. (466.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.1 in. (267 cm)
Height: 66.1 in. (168 cm)	Width: 70.9 in. (180 cm)
Curb Weight: 3384 lbs (1535 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.5 in. (21.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 36.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 2.4L MiVEC Inline 4 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 10.5: 1
Horsepower: 168 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: CVT Sportronic®

Available Trims & Engine

Option:SE	MSRP: $23,345; MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy
Option:GT 3.0L V6	MSRP: $25,895; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Engine & Performance

The Mitsubishi Outlander, available in three trim levels: the ES, SE, and GT, and comes with two engine options. The SE and ES trims are fitted with a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder, generating 168 hp and 167 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission. The GT trim on the other hand comes with a 3.0L V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The V6 produces 230 horsepower and 215 lbs-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive is standard in all trims, although a customer can opt for the available AWD. Fuel economy for 2-wheel drives with the 4-cylinder powertrain is estimated at 23/28 mpg city/highway. 2-wheel drives with V6 get 19 mpg in cities and 26 mpg on highways.

An AWD with 4-cylinder nets a fuel economy of 22/27 mpg city/highway, and 19/25 mpg when fitted with a V6. Another key performance feature of the 2012 Outlander is the nimble handling that exhibits little body lean on turns and twists.

Exterior

The Outlander comes with an upgraded look, which is well executed on its rakish body. The ES trim is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, remote key-less entry and roof rails as standard exterior features. In addition, the SE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, turn-signal mirrors, and key-less entry, fog lights, sunroof, and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The GT model is equipped with automatic xenon headlights, soft-touch door and dash trims, and automatic wipers; in addition to other exterior features of the SE.

Interior

The stylish exterior is complimented by a stylish cabin with spacious cargo hold and easy-to-use controls. The cabin has a masculine and austere feel with leather accents that beats most rival crossovers. All trims are fitted with standard features that include: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, AM/FM/CD audio system, and power windows.

In addition to these, the Outlander is fitted with a flip-down tailgate that can support a maximum weight of 440lbs. The SE and GT models featuring 3 rows seats come with cargo space of 14.9 cubic ft, which increases to 39.5 cubic ft after folding the third row. 2-row models on the other hand feature a cargo space of 36.2 cubic ft.

When the second and third row seats are folded, the Outlander offers its maximum cargo hold of 72.6 cubic ft.

Safety & Reliability

Major safety features are standard on all 2012 Outlander trims. Some of these features are: stability control, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-lock disk brakes, front seat side airbags, child safety locks, 4-wheel ABS, driver and passenger airbags and traction control.

The Outlander beats most of its rivals when it comes to reliability. To start with, it is backed with a basic warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles as well as a 10-year or 100,000 mile engine warranty. You can also benefit from a 1 year or 12,000 miles tune-up adjustment, 7-year or 100,000 mile rust protection as well as road assistance for the first five years.

Pros

• Unique tailgate design
• Large cargo space
• Extended warranty
• Sporty handling

Cons

• Small optional third row
• Cheap interior materials
• Sluggish standard and optional engines
• Steering wheel does not telescope.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good choice for people shopping for a family crossover. It is decent enough to ride in, and with its well executed interior, versatility and space make it a great choice for big families.

The Outlander joins the Chevy Equinox (MSRP $23,755; 26 city / 32 hwy), the Honda CRV (MSRP $22,695; 26 city / 31 hwy), and Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,650; 24 city / 28 hwy) in the Compact SUV market.

Overall Rating
67 out of 100

What others say:

“An aging crossover built in Japan, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is a crossover that was one of the company’s better efforts when it was launched, and hangs in there now, likely in its final model year.”Car Connection

“This crossover has quick and communicative steering feel with moderate body lean in turns. GT handles best and exhibits little body lean. Outlander is particularly susceptible to highway-speed crosswind…”Consumer Guide

“The Outlander is competitive among small SUVs. Its standard four-cylinder engine is mated to a CVT and delivers modest acceleration and good 22 mpg overall.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you are looking for a small SUV with one of the most spacious cargo areas in the category, an optional third-row seat and arguably the best all-wheel-drive system available for a non-luxury vehicle, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is worth your consideration.”KBB

“With assertive sheet metal and sharp handling, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is the edgy alternative to the typical compact crossover.”Edmunds

If you are wondering why the 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long has a Chinese name on it, that is because the German manufacturer commemorates the Chinese Year of the Dragon with this offering.

The car is fitted with dragon motifs, and both of the exterior and the interior speak about the culture and heritage of the Chinese people.

Engine

As the same with other Veyron Grand Sport editions, the Wei Long is equipped with a W16 8.0 liter engine that tremendously delivers 927 lbs ft of torque and 1,001 hp.

Performance

With the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long You can run from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds. The special edition car is indeed a perfect tribute to the dragon, able to reach speeds of 252 miles per hour.

Exterior & Interior

Bugatti got help from porcelain specialist, Konigliche Porzellan Manufacturing Berlin, to create an underlying oriental theme in this edition. Elaborate porcelain pieces include the centerpiece plates between the seats, the center console, the rear Bugatti badge, the fuel filler cap, and the center wheel caps.

The Wei Long’s body has a white pearl paint scheme that brings perfect contrast to the carmine red interior, a popular Chinese color that represents fortune and luck. The hand-crafted silk floor and headrests bear the Chinese character “Dragon.” Apart from porcelain, carbon fiber is the dominant material that you can see in the car interior.

The use of porcelain is not new to the automobile industry as Bugatti has already done it for the Veyron L’Or Blanc. Wei Long is aimed at the Chinese market and like other one-off Veyron Grand Sport models, its price goes up to millions; $2.8 million to be precise.

That is 1.58 million Euros in the current exchange rate. The 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long is for those who have a heart like the dragon.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: € 1,580,000
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (100 liters)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 175.6 in. (446.2 cm)	Wheelbase: 106.6 in. (271 cm)
Height: 47.4 in. (120.4 cm)	Width: 78.6 in. (199.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs (1990 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA

Performance

Engine: W16 Turbo	Displacement: 7993 liters
Horsepower: 987 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 927 lbs-ft	Transmission: 7-Speed DSG
0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds	Top Speed: 253 mph (407 km/h)

The 2012 Infiniti M is a favorite of many. The M is part of the large luxury car segment. Those who reviewed found its features easy to use. The interior is elegant while the engine provides sufficient power.

The Infiniti M is good as a utility car, at the same time delivering crisp and agile performance. There isn’t a lot to dislike about the 2012 Infiniti M.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $47,700.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (76 l)	MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 194.7 in. (494.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 114.2 in. (290 cm)
Height: 59.1 in. (150.1 cm)	Width: 72.6 in. (184.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3849 lbs (1746 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC	Displacement: 3.7 Liter
Horsepower: 330 HP	Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:M37x	MSRP: $49,850; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:M35h – Hybrid	MSRP: $53,700; MPG: 27 city / 32 hwy
Option:M56 – 5.6L V8	MSRP: $59,200; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:M56x – 5.6L V8	MSRP: $61,700; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Engine

The Infiniti M has three trims. The M37 comes with a 3.7 liter V6 engine that produces 330 horsepower and 270 lbs-ft of torque. The M56 is a 5.6 liter V8, 420 horsepower and 417 lbs-ft of torque. The automatic transmission has seven speeds and a manual mode.

A Hybrid version is also available. Many find the V6 engine powerful enough, but the power of the V8 engine is equally astounding.

The V6 handled better because it was lighter, and the V8 sacrificed fuel economy, handling and steering for added power. The Sport Package, which is an option of the M, did not receive a welcome reception because of the unexpected rough drive.

Performance

Some say that the M in either trim is a powerful car and drives like a smaller car, which is good. The 37 is a little more fun when it comes to whipping around tight corners than the heavier 56. The Sport Package, though it makes the ride rougher, is even more of a boon when the driver has to navigate really twisty back roads.

Both trims use rear-wheel drive. All wheel drive is optional on both the 37 and the 56. The M37 gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with the all wheel drive versions getting a little less. The M56 offers 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

Though all-wheel drive is available, most of the test drivers didn’t like it.

Exterior

The lines of Infiniti M looks elegant, even though some thought it looked like the G sedan model.

Interior

The inside of this luxury car is filled with not only luxurious leather and metal trim, but Japanese ash. The delightfully high-tech features are easy to use and the driver does not have to rely on one button to control everything, which many find irksome. Separate controls on the dash make everything very easy to operate. The M’s cabin is very comfortable, though tall passengers might find the back seat cramped.

Safety

The Infiniti M received excellent safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a good for all its safety tests, and considered it a top safety pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it five out or five stars in the side crash test and four out of five stars in the front and rollover tests.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the M three and a half out of five rating for reliability. It comes with a four year or 60,000 mile warranty and a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Pros

The M is revered for its opulent interior and user friendly features. Test drivers love its sheer power, coupled with crisp and sporty handling.

Comparisons

The V8 was less nimble than the V6 and got less fuel economy. If you are looking for more luxury and more room in the back seat, you might consider the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (MSRP $50,490; 20 city / 30 hwy), though it’s considerably less powerful than the M. If space is not a priority might want to look into the Jaguar XF (MSRP $53,000; 16 city / 23 hwy). The M Hybrid has a bit more fuel economy. The BMW 528i (MSRP $46,900; 23 city / 34 hwy) is also worth looking at.

Overall Rating
84 out of 100

What others say:

“The Infiniti M is a luxurious four-door sport sedan, and it emphasizes a performance driving feel a bit more than some other cars in its class.”Car Connection

“Reasonably sporty, with good steering response and well-controlled body lean in fast turns.”Consumer Guide

“Handling is fairly agile, and the ride is firm yet compliant. The car is quiet but not super-hushed, due to some engine noise. Interior quality is top-notch, and the rear seat is roomy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“As Infiniti’s flagship sedan, the 2012 Infiniti M delivers A-list levels of luxury, style and performance. On the value front, the Infiniti M offers a host of upscale features as standard issue along with more standard horsepower…”KBB

“The 2012 Infiniti M is the most sporting in its segment of premium sedans, but its firm ride might be a turn-off for luxury-minded buyers seeking a more gracious driving experience.”Edmunds

The 2012 Land Rover LR4 is ranked among the most competent off-road SUVs in the market. Indeed, it ‘out works’ other pickup trucks and SUVs, especially in snow, sand, mud or water landscapes.

The LR4 is fitted with elegant interior material and comfortable seats making for an enjoyable ride. The LR4 has an eye-catching and smart modern exterior, and is offered in three trim levels: base, HSE LUX and HSE trim levels.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $49,750.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.8 gallons (86 l)	MPG: 12 city / 17 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 190.1 in. (482.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 113.6 in. (288.5 cm)
Height: 76.3 in. (193.8 cm)	Width: 79.6 in. (202.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 5617 lbs (2548 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.3 in. (18.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 42.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 5.0L V8 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1
Horsepower: 375 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing: 7716 lbs (3500 kg)	Maximum Speed: 121 mph (195 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:HSE	MSRP: $53,975; MPG: 12 city / 17 hwy
Option:HSE Lux	MSRP: $58,995; MPG: 12 city / 17 hwy

Engine & Performance

The 2012 LR4 comes with a 5.0L V8 powertrain that produces 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. This engine exploits the latest technology to offer outstanding performance, drivability and still achieve enhanced efficiency.

The performance is further improved by the 6-speed automatic transmission. This enables the SUV to cruise from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 121 mph.

A knob fixed at the center console allows the driver to select one of the five settings: grass/snow/gravel, general, mud and ruts, rock crawl, and sand. These settings optimize the transmission, engine and suspension settings for the condition at hand.

The LR4 can tow up to 7,700 lb and has a rating of 17 mpg while on highway and 12 mpg in cities.

Exterior

The LR4 is available in both solid and metallic color coats. These colors range from solid Fuji white to metallic Baltic Blue, Siberian silver, Nara Bronze to Santorini Black, just to mention a few.

Other features include: exterior color coded wheel arches, privacy glass, body-colored painted mirror caps, Halogen front lighting, automatic headlamps, 2-bar grille with mesh in Titan finish, rain sensing wipers and electric adjustable and heated mirrors.

The LR4 comes in standard 19 inch seven spoke alloy wheels, with the option of either a 20 inch ten split-spoke alloy or 20 inch five spoke gloss black alloy wheels.

Interior

The Land Rover LR4 has an exquisite and tactile design, reflecting the heart of luxury. To start with, all seats are made of choice materials and are comfortable. The base model is equipped with standard features such as: Bluetooth, dual zone automatic climate control, electric adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats, and steering column with manual adjustment for height and easy reach.

In addition, the rear seats have ample head and leg room alongside large windows and a fixed rear sunroof. The modern look and feel is evident in the assorted switch gear and gauges, analog clock, state-of-the-art features including: 5 camera 360 degree parking assist system and touch screen navigation component.

Safety & Reliability

The Land Rover LR4 has safety and reliability features to ensure the safety of the occupants before, during and after an accident. Some of the safety features are: electronic parking brakes, traction and stability control, hill descent control, antilock disc brakes, child safety locks, rear head airbag, driver and passenger airbags, full length side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags and hill start assist.

The reliability of this car is warranted by a 4-year or 50,000 mile vehicle limited cover in addition to the 6-year or unlimited mileage corrosion warranty.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Unbeatable off-road performance
• Many standard features
• Comfortable seats

Cons

• Mediocre on-road handling
• Weighty acceleration and fuel economy.
• Electronics are hard to figure out.
• Expensive base model

No doubt that the LR4 is suitable for people who care about luxury rides. Medium sized families can also benefit from this car, and with its off-road capabilities; then you can travel to almost any destination of choice using the 2012 Land Rover LR4.

Competition

If you are looking for an SUV under $50,000, along with the LR4, you may want to look at the BMW X5 (MSRP $47,500; 16 city / 23 hwy), the Porsche Cayenne (MSRP $48,850; 15 city / 22 hwy), and the Infiniti FX (MSRP $43,700; 16 city / 23 hwy).

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“A refined, quiet cabin and top-drawer comfort are hallmarks of the latest Land Rover LR4, but wedge adults into the third row and you’ll be forgoing nearly all your cargo space.”Car Connection

“The steering is nicely weighted, and the tires are grippy. On road, LR4 suffers from noticeable body lean in fast turns. Off road, this SUV inspires confidence, as we would expect from a Land Rover.”Consumer Guide

“The LR4’s powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine provides effortless acceleration and fuel economy of 15 mpg overall. The ride is supple but can get unsettled.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Whereas the vast majority of luxury SUVs employ a unitized body for greater on-road comfort, the 2012 Land Rover LR4 soldiers on as a conventional body-on-frame SUV.”KBB

“Though not without faults, the 2012 Land Rover LR4 is a solid choice for a luxury SUV, offering the expected off-road chops along with a top-notch interior and a strong V8.”Edmunds

Most reviewers liked the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid well enough, but they thought it was too expensive, a familiar complaint when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Indeed, it cost twice as much as the gas-powered GMC Sierra 1500.

The Hybrid lacks a lot of features that are standard in other full sized pick-up trucks that are just as pricey. This truck is for people who are concerned with reducing their carbon footprint while having the advantages of a pick-up truck.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Pick-Up-Crew Cab	Base Price: $40,010.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98l)	MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 229.9 in. (583.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 143.5 in. (364.4 cm)
Height: 73.7 in. (187.2 cm)	Width: 80 in. (203.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 5573 lbs (2527 kg)	Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Towing Capacity: 6,100 lbs (2767 kgs)	Maximum Seating: 6 people

Performance

Engine: Vortec V8 SFI VVT 2WD Hybrid	Displacement: 6.0 Liter
Horsepower: 332 HP	Max RPM: 5100 RPM
Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Shiftable Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:3HA 4WD	MSRP: $43,210; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy
Option:3HB 2WD	MSRP: $46,790; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy
Option:3HB 4WD	MSRP: $49,990; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy

Engine

The Sierra Hybrid has 3HA and 3HB trims and comes only in a crew cab. The Hybrid marries a 6.9 liter V8 engine with two electric motors that deliver 332 horsepower and 367 lbs-ft of torque altogether. The hybrid truck gets about 20 miles per hour in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which is considerably more than the Sierra 1500.

Performance

Besides squishy brakes, reviewers thought the steering was responsive and the power delivery precise. The truck can tow 6,100 pounds, but some found this far inferior to the Sierra 1500, which can tow as much as 10,600 pounds. Some were impressed that a hybrid can haul as much as the Sierra Hybrid does. Most liked the smoothness of the ride.

Exterior

The Sierra 1500 Hybrid is almost indistinguishable from the Sierra 1500, but some reviewers found the hybrid badges unattractive.

Interior

The interior is roomy enough, even though there’s not much in the way of storage for small items. The truck also lacks the bells and whistles you would expect in a vehicle this expensive. Some reviewers found the interior material lacking in substance, or at least not as luxurious as you would expect.

The base model has Bluetooth, a leather clad adjustable steering wheel, cruise and dual zone climate control. The 3HB will give the driver a rearview mirror that automatically dims, a defogger for the back window and Bose audio. Reviewers did appreciate that it was all easy to use.The Sierra Hybrid comes in crew cab in both of its trims, so it’s ability to haul is lower than the gas-only model. The Sierra 1500 can have a longer cab and so is able to haul more stuff.

Safety

Overall, the safety scores from the Sierra 1500 Hybrid are good. One institution that tests for safety gave it marks from good to marginal, while another gave it four out of five stars over all, and five out of five stars for the side crash test.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the Sierra Hybrid a four out of five score, which means it’s better than most. It comes with the usual three year or 36,000 mile warranty. It also has a five year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Pros

The Sierra Hybrid has a smooth ride and lots of power, though the acceleration is tricky when the gas engine starts going. It’s comfortable to sit in, gets admirable fuel economy for a truck, and is a nicely put together vehicle overall.

Cons

The truck’s just too expensive given its so-so features and lack of towing capacity. The regenerative brakes are mushy.

Competition

The only hybrid truck that seems comparable is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid. The gas-only Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra have better overall value.
Japanese carmaker Toyota breaks through again in this Pick Up truck segment through the Tundra (MSRP $40,535; 14 city / 18 hwy). The segment is normally dominated by American giants Ford F-150 (MSRP $37,805; 15 city / 21 hwy), the Ram 2500 Crew (MSRP $32,515), and of course the Silverado.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“Being these are large pickups, there’s noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction. The steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb, and the brakes are responsive with fine pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“City gas mileage is very good for a big truck; can accelerate to nearly 30 mph on electric power alone…Questionable value; only available in crew cab; limited options; quirky power delivery; slow acceleration; limited towing capacity.”Edmunds