2016 Mitsubishi Outlander to feature more than 100 improvements

In the latest in the long line of auto show teasers, Mitsubishi says its 2016 Outlander, to be revealed at the New York auto show on April 2, will boast “more than 100 engineering and design improvements.”

We got a little excited as we read the rest of the sentence from which we pulled that quote, which goes on to talk about a “new, powerful” engine and dynamic appearance. (Oh well.) Other improvements, says Mitsu, include better performance owing to lower noise levels, ride, handling and throttle response.

Okay, now we’re done regurgitating the press release, we promise.

Earlier this month, we learned from Australia’s Car Advice that Mitsubishi is shelving all plans for future sedan models in favour of focusing on its crossover and SUV lineups. For the moment, that focus is limited to what appears to be a mid-cycle update for the Outlander, whose refreshed front- and rear-end styling point to the brand’s new styling language.

That language appears to include phrases that sound a little like ‘Lexus spindle grille,’ if the lines visible in the shadowy photo of the Outlander’s new front end are an indication. It’s not like it’d be the first time one automaker cribbed styling elements from another, and besides, we kind of like what we see; if nothing else, the new look will inject some personality into a decent vehicle with forgettable styling.

Out back, what might be LED taillights seem set to replace the oh-so-1990s clear lenses on the rear of the 2015 model.

There’s no mention of new mechanicals or structural changes, so expect the Outlander to carry on with last year’s 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines, and roughly the same dimensions, keeping the Outlander in the meat of the compact crossover class, size-wise.