Hallo all,

I just recently sod my Mazda (so far only brand i use) and im trying to buy a CUV. I found a used 08 Outi SE which i really like it. It is a 2.4 with 4cyl motor 2WD.
All the previous CUV i tested were V6. I tried my Mitsu dealer but they dont have any 4cyl in stock to test drive.

Any owners of 4 cyl 2WD there that can share they opinions?

Also 1 concern i have is a towing capacity. Manual says 1500lbs.
Did any tow with 4cyl ?? I have two motorcycles i would like to tow, they are 450lbs each....I really never tow nor had a car that can do it, so im really noob here...
Any suggestion i will appreciate...
nxvds

 

Make sure to take it for a test drive to see if the I4 is good enough for your needs. Sure it may be possible to tow, but think about merging on the highway while towing or other places where you need more power.
I would get the 3.0L V6, as the fuel economy is very close to the 2.4L I4 and it has plenty of low end torque to help with towing.

 

I've owned my 2.4L 4cyl 08 ES for 23 months now and have no complaints about the power. However if you do plan on towing your motorcycles on a regular basis or for long distances, or will be frequently carrying heavy loads, get the V6.

FYI. The maximum passenger and cargo weight on my ES is only 827 pounds. I'm assuming its the same on the SE model, so if you plan on carrying heavy loads on a regular basis you may want to get the V6.

 

Thanks a lot for the info...Im planning to tow motorcycle just occasionally...
When you said about 827lbs thats what goes inside car not towing...i think...
How do you like the 4cyl any issues? Do you do any mountain driving?
Any problems with the car that i should be aware of?
Thanks

 

The 1500 pound towing capacity does not count towards the 827 pounds passengers and cargo, but I believe the tongue weight of the trailer does count towards the 827 pounds.

I like the 4cyl and have taken it on several trips including going up hills with a 7% grade with no problems with power. However, I've haven't, as yet, taken it on a trip into the mountains.

I average about 28mpg on my trips. The vehicle has given me no problems at all, and has plenty of power for the way that I use it.

The 4cyl comes with the CVT, but it also has a sport mode with 6 speeds. I only use the sport mode if I'm descending a steep hill and by shifting into a lower gear I can use the engine to control my speed without having to ride my brakes.

 

I have an 07 Outlander LS with 6 cylinder and my father in law has an 08 with the 4 cylinder. I also own a BMW R1100RS and Honda NT650 Hawk that I tow occasionally. I would not want to tow them to the mountains in Vermont with the 4 cylinder Outlander. (Vermont is my favorite place to ride and I live in NJ.) I also find the 4 cylinder Outie to be challenged when passing on a highway where average speed is 70-75 mph. If you don't do a lot of high speed long distance driving and don't tow in the mountains, the 4 banger may suit your needs. Otherwise, I strongly recommend the 6 cylinder engine. It is really well matched to the transmission and gets very good gas mileage on the highway. In typical suburban driving with some stop and go, it gets 19-20 mpg. On the highway, it is more like 25-26 mpg.