Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking practicality and versatility
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
Exterior Design:
Distinctive styling with a prominent grille and sculpted lines
Interior Design:
Practical and spacious cabin, available with a third-row seating option (though less common in early models)
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations
Powertrain:
Engine (2.4L 4G63 MIVEC), Transmission (Automatic, Manual), Drivetrain (AWD/FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Hydraulic), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, ECU, Sensors, HVAC Controls
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System Components
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-ups, Spark Plugs
Repair:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation
Installation:
Component Replacement, Accessory Installation (as applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Engine Code:
4G63 (SOHC MIVEC)
Valve Mechanism:
16 Valves, DOHC with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Horsepower:
160 HP @ 6000 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Manufacturer specific ECU with OBD-II diagnostics
Automatic Control:
Electronic control with adaptive shift logic
AWD System:
RISE (Reinforced Intuitive Structure) body with electronically controlled all-wheel drive (optional)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil
Length:
4590 mm (180.7 in)
Height:
1625 mm (64.0 in) (FWD) / 1645 mm (64.8 in) (AWD)
Wheelbase:
2625 mm (103.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
200 mm (7.9 in)
Passenger Capacity:
5 (with optional 3rd row for 7)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
1500-1600 kg (3307-3527 lbs) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
1000 kg (2200 lbs) (braked trailer)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (2005 model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2005 model)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Available (TCL)
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard or available depending on trim level.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped plugs
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per severe service schedule
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and certification)
Coolant Type:
Long-life coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Occasional reports of ABS sensor failures, minor interior rattles, and potential for exhaust manifold cracks (though less prevalent than in some other Mitsubishi models).
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check and maintain all fluid levels, especially engine oil and coolant. Inspect brake components and suspension linkages at recommended intervals.
Manufacturer History:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a diverse product line, including SUVs and performance vehicles.
First Generation Launch:
Launched in 2003 for the 2004 model year in Japan, entering the North American market in late 2003 for the 2004 model year.
Facelift:
The first generation received a minor facelift for the 2006 model year, including revised front styling and interior features.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
