The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor was first released in the market in 2004. Back then, it was at the top of its game- leaving competitors like the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander miserably at its tail pipe.
Indeed, the Endeavor’s outstanding assets of superior performance and excellent comfort and handling have since gathered dust and are now completely overtaken by the fresher and more dynamic SUVs that are now available.
What’s New?
The sunroof and the navigation system were options in the past, these now come standard on the 2011 SE model.
Performance
The engine that gives the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor juice is a 3.8L V6 engine that kicks in 225hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration while an All-Wheel Drive is thrown in as an upgrade option.
Fuel economy is an issue with the 2011 Endeavor as it only averages 18 mpg for combined city and highway driving. This consumption is way below the average consumption for midsized crossover SUVs. Towing power for a correctly fitted Endeavor can be as high as 3,500 lbs.
However, this performance is not enough to trump the more impressive numbers coming from some of its competitors. The Endeavor fails in acceleration, responsiveness, and fuel economy when placed side by side with its rivals.
Daily commutes to and from work should not be a problem for the Endeavor as it has a comfortable enough ride for most driving conditions and the steering and handling capabilities of this SUV are also sufficient for this purpose.
Interior & exterior
The new interior trims are an example of a love-it-or-hate-it experience. Plastic which may look low-cost are used all throughout the car’s cabin. Space inside the SUV however, is not an issue as its cabin can comfortably seat 5 grown-ups while the seats give passengers a nice ride even for longer trips.
Moreover, the instrument and center stack’s bluish white illumination is a nice touch, especially at night. The 2011 Endeavor’s second-row seats can be neatly tucked away to increase storage capacity from 40.7 cu ft to 76 cu ft.
Trims
The available trim options for the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor are the entry level LS and the upgraded SE. The entry level variant sports a front-wheel-drive and the upgraded SE is available in both front and all-wheel models.
The LS model has 17-inch shoes, all power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control and cloth upholstery. Fog lamps, keyless entry, telescoping steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth are likewise standard.
All these features are available for the SE including upgrades like 18-inch alloys, sunroof, climate control, navigation, premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, back up camera, and leather upholstery.
Remote engine start, side steps, iPod interface, and a complete set up for towing are all offered as options for both models.
Safety & reliability
Standard safety features for this vehicle are ABS, front side and curtain airbags, as well as traction and stability controls. It has an impressive 5/5 star safety rating. Mitsubishi provides a 5-year/60,000 miles warranty.
Competition
The 2011 Endeavor’s price range brings it in a head to head competition with Nissan Murano (MSRP $29,290; 18 city / 23 hwy), Mazda CX-9 (MSRP $29,135; 17 city / 24 hwy), Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy), and Ford Edge (MSRP $27,640; 19 city / 26 hwy). Also, the new Ford Explorer (MSRP $28,360; 17 city / 25 hwy) is within the same arena.
Within Mitsubishi’s own backyard, the Outlander is also a worthy rival to the Endeavor.
Check these cars out before making a purchase of the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor as some of these cars offer better handling, performance, storage, and comfort.
Pros & Cons
Generous space is provided in front and back. Warranty is also good.
It is showing its age in terms of its V6 engine that is not as powerful as it should be, design and cheap items used in its interior and poor fuel economy. Its four-speed transmission is already passé as well.
Overall Rating
72 out of 100
What others say:
“The engine’s tied to a positively antique four-speed automatic transmission, which cuts into its fuel economy potential. Handling is benign, and the V-6 is a quiet performer if not a brisk one. The seating areas are quite comfortable for adults, and the tailgate is wide enough to accept loads as wide as four feet.”Car Connection
“Step-in height is moderate, so entry and exit are easy. Generous headroom, but tall folks might wish for more legroom. Cloth seats are generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear is hurt by wide roof pillars, but large outside mirrors partly compensate.”Consumer Guide
“The Endeavor rides reasonably well, but cornering isn’t particularly agile.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“On its own merit, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a well-rounded and solid crossover, but its appeal is waning against its more modern competitors.”Edmunds
“If you’re looking for a car-like ride in a rugged-looking crossover that offers plenty of ground clearance and a plethora of standard features, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is not to be overlooked.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV | Base Price: $28,299.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.4 gallons (81 liters) | MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Length: 190.8 in. (484 cm) | Width: 73.6 in. (186 cm) |
| Height: 69.6 in. (176 cm) | Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3969 lbs (1800 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 76.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.8L SOHC 24-valve V6 | Compression Ratio: 10: 1 |
| Horsepower: 225 HP | Max RPM: 5000 RPM |
| Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Sportronic® |
| Option:Endeavor SE | MSRP: $32,099; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:Endeavor SE AWD | MSRP: $33,599; MPG: 15 city / 19 hwy |
