Spacious & Steady - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover

Available with either front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a workhorse crossover-type mid-size sport utility vehicle that features all of the roominess, comfort and versatility of an SUV but with a much more car-like driving demeanor.

Offered in LS or SE trim levels, power is generated by refined 3.8L V-6 engine joined to a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission featuring Mitsubishi's Sportronic shifting technology. This technology allows the driver to manually control gear shifting when desired, ideal when towing a trailer up a grade or when an enthusiast driver meets a winding ribbon of pavement.

Last year, the Endeavor crossover saw numerous premium features such as a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition added across the entire model lineup. For 2011 both the 2WD and AWD versions of the Endeavor SE now include the Navigation & Sunroof package that consists of a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rear view back-up camera, power sunroof and a cargo cover at no cost to the consumer.

The Endeavor crossover features solid unibody construction and confident handling capabilities. Control hardware consists of a well-damped suspension design that consists of independent MacPherson struts with coil springs up front (including gas charge strut inserts) along with a coil spring independent multi-link with trailing arms suspension design and gas charged shocks at the rear of the vehicle. Further aiding the vehicle's fine handling at speed on freeways or city streets are front and rear stabilizer bars that help diminish body roll that measure 24.0 mm thick at the front and 20.0 mm at the rear (an even thicker 22 mm anti-roll bar for the all-wheel drive Endeavor SE).

The available AWD system for the SE model can provide an even 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, thanks to a transfer case with a center differential that has a viscous coupling. In good weather or bad, on road or off, this all-wheel drive system vastly improves overall grip when compared to the levels of traction offered by a front-wheel drive vehicle.

Inside the passenger cabin, the 2011 Endeavor boasts an impressive list of standard features, among them air-conditioning (automatic climate control in the Endeavor SE); premium fabric seating surfaces (rich-texture leather seating surfaces in the Endeavor SE); and exquisite sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability (the Endeavor SE's sound system is a 360-watt Rockford-Fosgate® 6 CD/MP3 sound system with digital sound processing and 9 speakers including an 8-in. subwoofer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio) and other convenient touches including a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition; steering column-mounted cruise control; and numerous cupholders, front and rear map lights, a pair of 12V power outlets, carpeted front floor mats and, in the upscale Endeavor SE, heated front seats.

Whether carrying groceries, a full complement of camping gear for a weekend in the woods or picking up several sheets of four-foot-wide plywood, the Endeavor can easily accommodate it all, thanks to hand its 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat backs and a large cargo capacity.

Dimensions & specifications

Endeavor LS

Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 190.8; width: 73.6; height: 69.6

Endeavor SE

Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 190.8; width: 74.2; height: 69.8

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.8L V6 – 225 hp at 5,000 rpm and 255 lbs-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm

Transmission: four-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 15 city/21 hwy. (FWD); 15 city/19 hwy. (AWD)

Cargo capacity: 76.4 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact, dual side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, Bluetooth hands free phone system, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, Mitsubishi Action Traction & Skid Control (M-ATSC), active stability control, alarm system, and full-size spare tire. SE adds rearview camera. Optional safety features include remote engine start.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 7-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover starts from $28,299 for the LS and $32,099 for the SE. Destination charges add $780.