All-New Outlander Earns Highest Safety Rating from IIHS in the US

Tokyo, September 08, 2021 All-New Outlander Earns Highest Safety Rating from IIHS in the US Download PDF[151KB] Tokyo, September 8, 2021 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the gasoline model of the all-new Outlander has earned the highest safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+)1, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)2 in the United States.

All-New Outlander The award applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming. The all-new Outlander was recognized for its high level of collision safety performance and preventive safety performance in the IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, front crash prevention tests and headlight evaluation. Introduced in North America in April 2021, the all-new Outlander crossover SUV offers advanced driver assistance systems to increase driver convenience, confidence and safety. MI-PILOT Assist3, 4 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and supports driving operation by maintaining following distance and keeping the vehicle near the center of the lane. Vehicles equipped with the navigation link system use the curve information on the map to automatically adjust the vehicle speed and reduce the burden on the driver. Depending on trim level, the all-new Outlander offers other preventive safety technologies4 such as Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Mitsubishi Motors' RISE5 collision safety vehicle body and 11 airbags including front center airbag for the driver's seat and side airbags for the second-row seats also contribute to safe driving.
 

1. TSP+ designation is awarded for models with good ratings in all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations. Additionally, vehicles must be available with a front-crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations, and possess good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels. TSP+ awarded to the all-new Outlander applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming.
2. IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization that researches, performs evaluations and assesses safety ratings in crash testing of production vehicles.
3. MI-PILOT Assist in the U.S. and Canada.
4. Vehicle specifications may vary depending on model and/or market.
5. Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution

Outlander and Outlander Sport earns IIHS Top Saftey Pick award [USA]

Mitsubishi Motors' 2014 Outlander & Outlander Sport Earn Coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Awards, Offering Consumers the Safest Crossover Model Lineup in America

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Cypress, California, December 19, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has seen its all-new 7-passenger 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+" - the highest safety achievement designated by the non-profit vehicle research and crash test ratings agency - and its 5-passenger 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport designated the only IIHS "Top Safety Pick" model in the Small SUV category. With these accolades, Mitsubishi Motors offers automotive consumers the safest crossover model lineup available in America today.

Due to more stringent testing criteria for the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and "Top Safety Pick" awards, only 39 vehicle models earned either award in 2014 - a drastic reduction when compared to the 130 vehicle models that earned IIHS award recognition in 2013.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander was one of only 22 vehicles to earn the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" accolade for 2014.

In order for a vehicle to become an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" for 2014, a test subject must not only display exemplary performance in the various stringent crash testing criteria, but it must now "have systems that can prevent or mitigate front-to-rear crashes," according to the IIHS.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Awarded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Awarded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is honored to learn that the company's best-selling model – the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover vehicle – has today been named a 2013 "Top Safety Pick+" award winner by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Outlander Sport's 2013 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award comes in addition to the two straight IIHS Top Safety Pick awards the handsome 5-passenger compact crossover has already received in 2012 and 2013.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was one of only two vehicles in the Small SUV category named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) from a field of 13 vehicles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is now awarding the new "Top Safety Pick+" designation as its highest accolade for vehicles that offer superior crash protection. The 2013 Outlander Sport's "Top Safety Pick+" achievement indicates that it meets the tougher crash safety standards set forth by the non-profit vehicle research and crash test ratings agency that are now necessary to receive its highest accolade.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates vehicles as "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor" based on performance in a moderate overlap frontal crash, small overlap frontal crash, side impact, rollover, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The "Top Safety Pick+" requires a vehicle to score a "good" rating in at least four of the five tests and no less than an "acceptable" in the fifth test.

Added just last year, the small overlap test "replicates what happens when the front corner of the vehicle strikes another vehicle or object like a tree or utility pole," according to the IIHS. A full 25% of the front of the vehicle on the driver's side hits a 5-foot-tall barrier at 40 mph.

Two-thirds of the vehicles in the Small SUV category that were evaluated by the IIHS scored a lowly "poor" rating for vehicle structure.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's exceptional IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating can be attributed to numerous advanced high-tech design features, particularly to a key safety technology engineered into every Mitsubishi Motors vehicle – Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE). RISE is Mitsubishi Motors' patented safety body construction system featuring integrated energy-absorbing crumple zones and engineered reinforcements strategically placed within the body/chassis that provide maximum protection to the vehicle's occupants in the event of an impact by absorbing and/or dispersing a great deal of this energy from the cabin.

With a starting MSRP of only $19,170, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is powered by a capable 148 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that achieves an EPA-rated 31 mpg highway and includes a long list of welcome standard features.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander [US] is IIHS "Top Safety Pick"

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Arrives in Dealers Sporting an Important Safety Award and Valuable Refinements
October 30, 2008 -- Cypress, Calif. --
After receiving a complete redesign this year, the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander now sports a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and several refinements designed to make it even easier for consumers to select an Outlander as their next vehicle. The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is now arriving in dealerships nationwide.

Earlier this year, the IIHS put the Outlander through its comprehensive battery of front, side and rear crash tests and found it worthy of its highest rating in each category. It was one of only four CUVs in its class to reach the IIHS' highest level.

"The Outlander's right-sized blend of car, sport and utility is true to the ideal of a CUV," said Mitsubishi Motors North America Executive Vice President Dan Kuhnert. "Anchored by the positive IIHS results and great efficiency, it makes a balanced choice among crossover utility vehicles."

Several important changes to the mix of standard and optional equipment highlight the sporty yet practical 2009 Outlander:

* Three-row seating is now available on the four-cylinder Special Edition (SE) models (it remains standard on the V6 XLS model).
* XLS models now share interior upgrades with SE models, including Sport fabric seats with leather bolsters.
* A new rear-view camera is included in the navigation system on XLS models.
* There's an additional 10 GB of storage on the navigation system's digital music server, for a total of 40 GB.
* The comprehensive Convenience Package is now standard on the ES 4WD model.
* Rain-sensing wipers with new flat-type aero blades and automatic on/off headlamp control are now included in the Luxury Package on XLS models.
* The Outlander XLS is newly distinguished by chrome-plated door handles and chrome grille and side sill accents.

The Outlander continues to offer a choice of a 168 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Sportronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 220 hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine with Sportronic® six-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. Both engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology that helps optimize power and efficiency. Both engine/transmission combinations are available with either front-wheel drive or an electronically-controlled full time four-wheel drive system known as All-Wheel Control (AWC).

Four-wheel independent suspension and innovations, such as an aluminum roof panel that lowers the center of gravity, contribute to the Outlander's competent balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride. Standard Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) provide extra driving confidence.

The new-for-2008 body design continues to give Outlander a sporty and solid character, with strong fender flares that communicate a stable, muscular stance. Inside, the Outlander reveals its practical side, with a roomy cabin sporting a hefty maximum cargo volume of 72.6 cu. ft.

To help make easy work of all that cargo space, the Outlander comes standard with a flap-fold tailgate. The upper portion of the two-piece gate opens upward to allow lighter items into the cargo area, while the lower part folds down effortlessly to offer a classic tailgate with a low (24-inch) load height. The tailgate transitions to a flat cargo floor, making it supremely easy to load bulky objects. Tailgate parties are optional.

Key standard features on Outlander include the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) keyless entry system that allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop by carrying the remote control; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers; cruise control and power windows and door locks.

All Outlanders have a comprehensive passive safety package that includes dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and curtain side air bags.

The Outlander comes in four trim levels: Four-cylinder ES or SE and six-cylinder LS or XLS, each with differing levels of equipment. Several option packages are available: 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone interface, navigation system, xenon HID headlamps and leather seating surfaces.

All Outlanders come with a fully transferable five-year/60,000 mile "bumper-to-bumper" new vehicle limited warranty, plus a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty and a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty. All Mitsubishis also come with five-year unlimited mile roadside assistance benefits.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $20,925 for the Outlander ES two-wheel drive four-cylinder and $24,925 for the LS two-wheel drive V6.

Mitsubishi Lancer Earns Top Safety Pick From Insurance Institute [US]

Mitsubishi Lancer Earns Top Safety Pick From Insurance Institute

September 29, 2008 -- Cypress, Calif. --
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today awarded its "Top Safety Pick" to the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer*, after the compact sedan earned the top rating in all three of the Institute's crashworthiness evaluations.

"Lancer combines excellent styling, performance, fuel efficiency and value with outstanding occupant safety. With such great design elements and feature content, the new Lancer is ready to assume a leadership position in the compact segment," said EVP of Sales and Marketing Dan Kuhnert. "We're extremely pleased that the IIHS has recognized Lancer in this way, and confirmed our commitment to safety."

The new 2009 Lancer Ralliart and Lancer GTS feature the same safety architecture as the 2008 model while adding performance upgrades. The Lancer GTS is powered by a 168 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine, while the new Ralliart model is equipped with all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine that produces 237 horsepower. The basic Lancer architecture serves as the basis for the Outlander crossover SUV, which also received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS.

Mitsubishi Outlander is Top Safety Pick for IIHS [US]

New crash test results: 4 small SUVs earn Top Safety Pick; good ratings for hybrids, but the Jeep Wrangler is poor in side test

ARLINGTON, VA — Automakers are improving the crashworthiness of their vehicles and quickly installing side airbags and electronic stability control, an important crash avoidance feature, on more models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently completed front, side, and rear crash test evaluations of 8 small SUV models. For the first time, every model the Institute tested comes equipped with electronic stability control as standard equipment.

Institute ratings of good, acceptable, marginal or poor are based on results of front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against whiplash injury in rear crashes. The best performers, earning the Institute's Top Safety Pick award, are the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. These 4 models earn good ratings in all 3 of the Institute's evaluations, and all are equipped with standard electronic stability control and side airbags. The Escape's ratings also apply to the hybrid version, which is sold as the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute as well as the Escape.

Consumers now have multiple hybrid SUVs earning Top Safety Pick to choose from. Others include the midsize Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander, which the Institute evaluated earlier.

"In the latest tests, the Tiguan's performance is a standout," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It sailed through the front and side crash tests without a single downgrade for structure or measures of injury likelihood recorded on the dummy. This is 1 of 4 models in this group that afford superior crash protection in their class. This is a huge change from just 5 years ago when most small SUVs were rated either marginal or poor in our side test, and standard side airbags and electronic stability control were rare."

Electronic stability control is important because it can help drivers avoid many crashes. It helps drivers maintain control in the worst situation — loss of control at high speed — by engaging automatically when it senses vehicle instability and helping to bring a vehicle back into the intended line of travel, often without the driver knowing anything is wrong. This feature lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about half. It lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash by as much as 70 percent.

Designs change to address crashworthiness in side impacts: The Institute's frontal offset crash test, which began in 1995, drove major design changes in vehicles to do a better job of protecting people in the most common kind of serious crash. In the mid-1990s, few vehicles earned the top rating of good in the frontal test. Now nearly every vehicle is rated good for frontal protection. Since the Institute began its side tests in 2003, manufacturers have been following the same path, changing their vehicles to improve protection in serious side impacts.

An exception is the 2-door 2008 Jeep Wrangler, which was tested without its optional side airbags. The previous version of the Wrangler, in which side airbags weren't available, earned a rating of marginal for protection in side crashes, and the new model performed even worse, earning the lowest rating of poor. A new problem was that the driver door opened during the impact. This didn't significantly affect the movement of the dummy during the test, but an open door in a crash could lead to partial or complete ejection of occupants.

"Most vehicles are being improved," Lund says. "We've rarely seen a vehicle go in the wrong direction and get a worse rating after it has been redesigned."

The Wrangler and Chevrolet Equinox, also a 2008 model, are the only 2 vehicles tested this time around without standard side airbags. The Jeep Patriot does have standard curtain airbags, but additional torso airbags designed to protect an occupant's chest and abdomen are optional.

When side airbags are optional, the Institute's policy is to test without the option because this is how most of the vehicles will be sold. A manufacturer may request another test with the optional airbags if the automaker reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicle. General Motors didn't request a second test of the Equinox, also sold as the Pontiac Torrent. After completing tests of this group of vehicles, the Institute learned that curtain airbags will be standard in the 2009 Equinox. This vehicle will be tested later this year.

"Since they didn't ask us to test the 2008 Equinox with its optional side airbags, we have to assume it means GM didn't expect it to perform much better, even with the option," Lund points out.

Chrysler didn't request another test of the Wrangler with the optional side airbags, but this automaker did request a second test of the Jeep Patriot with optional torso airbags. When tested with the standard curtain airbags only, the Patriot earned the second lowest rating of marginal. While the curtains did a good job of keeping the driver and rear passenger dummies' heads from being struck by the barrier or hard structures inside the vehicle, forces on the driver dummy indicated that rib fractures and internal organ injuries would be likely in a real-world crash of this severity. In the second side test of the Patriot with the optional seat-mounted torso airbags, this vehicle's rating improved to good.

Revamped Escape is a winner: This small SUV was re-engineered for the 2009 model year. Among the changes are modifications to the frontal airbags and safety belts plus structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. The new Escape improves from acceptable to good in the Institute's frontal offset crash test. A new seat design improves the rear crash protection rating from acceptable to good. Side airbags, optional before 2008 models, now are standard.

Occupant protection in rear crashes generally is improving as automakers strive to earn Top Safety Pick awards. More seat/head restraints are doing a better job of protecting people from neck injuries. The Outlander, Rogue, and Tiguan as well as the Escape earn good ratings for their seat/head restraint designs.

Institute research has found that neck injury rates for drivers of vehicles with seat/head restraint combinations rated good are 15 percent lower than for drivers of vehicles with combinations rated poor. Designs that need improvement are those in the Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Wrangler, and Suzuki Grand Vitara, all of which earned the second lowest rating of marginal.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck.