I just bought a 2003 AWD model. I don't want to do any rock crawling with it, but having the knowlege that I can get a little off the beaten path would be nice. Maybe some slick grass, rocky (rocks smaller than your head) or soggy /muddy conditions. Not gorged out 4x4 mud pits, but just basic conditions you might run into getting to a camping spot(or at least down the makshift dirt roads that lead to the trail to the campsite) or put in for a canoe. If it is suitable what do you think adding a decently steep hill would do?

I figure adding a more off road type tire would probably help lots, at the expense of gas mileage and ride of course, but I don't really plan on needing it that much.

 

Tires would help more than anything. The torque distribution is different in AWD vs. 4WD. The car is built for all-season vs. all-terrain. On top of that, the gearing is not right for steep hills with loose terrain.
The Outlander would not make a good off-road vehicle. The extra ground clearance has sure saved me a lot of worrying that my wife will hit a parking curb though.

You can google AWD vs. 4WD and come up with plenty of articles on the topic.

 

yeah....without some major mods, this thing needs to stay on road!

 

you can go thru minor "off road situations" just cant do it every day.

change tires to some better all seasons and should do ok

 

I have taken my outlander camping tons of times. Like the the other guys have said, don't go crazy off roading. The outlander centre of gravity is fairly high, 30 degree slopes at the most and more agressive tires help. But your basic dirt and gravel roads it will handle like a champ.