Mitsubishi Endeavor Review

The Endeavor is a midsize crossover SUV from Mitsubishi that combines smart styling with lots of room for five people and their gear. As is the case with other crossovers, the Mitsubishi Endeavor combines the elevated seating position and hauling ability of a traditional SUV with a smoother, more carlike ride and better fuel economy. But as with most crossovers, it lacks the serious off-road and heavy-duty towing abilities of a truck-based SUV.

When first introduced, the Mitsubishi Endeavor earned a surprise win in an Edmunds comparison test. It won with a combination of good looks, torque-filled engine performance, smart handling and excellent (for a crossover) off-road performance. Complaints were limited to some questionable styling elements and material choices in the cabin.

Mitsubishi has made further improvements since then, though the Endeavor still lacks a third-row seat, a feature that has lately become a must-have for this type of vehicle. It's also starting to be a bit outclassed in terms of feature availability, engine power and transmission gearing. Even so, shoppers in this segment (who don't need a third-row seat) might want to take a look.

Current Mitsubishi Endeavor

The Mitsubishi Endeavor is based on vehicle architecture that's shared with Mitsubishi's Galant sedan and Eclipse coupe. There are two trim levels: LS and SE. Both trims are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 225 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission with a trendy manual shift mode is standard.

The Endeavor comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available, but only with the SE trim level. All models are equipped with stability control, traction control, standard rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Endeavor earned high marks for crashworthiness in both government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing.

The entry-level LS trim features air-conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth and a CD player. If you want such extras as leather, high-end audio with satellite radio, a navigation system with rearview camera, heated seats or a sunroof, you will have to step up to the SE trim and its several available option packages. Some higher-end features, such as keyless start, a panoramic sunroof or a rear entertainment system are unavailable.

In reviews, we've found that the Mitsubishi Endeavor handles well both on-road and off, thanks to the multipurpose car/SUV platform that it shares with the Galant and Eclipse. While the 3.8-liter engine offers less power than most competitors, it does boast a wide and flat torque curve, yielding energetic performance that belies its horsepower numbers. However, the four-speed automatic seems outdated in a segment where five- and even six-speed transmissions, and their attendant enhancements to performance and fuel economy, are becoming the norm. Maximum cargo capacity is also disappointing at 76.4 cubic feet, and the lack of a third-row seat diminishes the Endeavor's appeal for families.

Used Mitsubishi Endeavor Models

There have been some significant changes to the Mitsubishi Endeavor since its 2004 introduction. Initially, there were three trims: base LS, midlevel XLS and top-of-the-line Limited. Shortly after its debut, the Endeavor was updated as a 2004.5 model. Midyear changes included the addition of daytime running lamps, dual-stage front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and 10 more hp. An antilock braking system became available on LS two-wheel-drive models. This midyear upgrade also included standard front-seat side airbags and a leather steering wheel for the Endeavor XLS. New options included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and stability control for the AWD Limited. Shoppers looking at a used '04 Endeavor should only consider the updated version.

The XLS was dropped in 2006 and the Limited trim was replaced by an SE trim for 2007. Newly available features for '07 included the navigation system and a Rockford Fosgate stereo. However, the rear DVD entertainment option was eliminated (sorry, kids). The Endeavor was on hiatus for 2009 but returned the following year with some minor exterior styling updates. It also gained standard Bluetooth and a rearview camera that was bundled with the optional navigation system. Those desiring all-wheel drive were also forced to step up to the SE trim level.

On the safety front, side airbags became standard on all models in 2005, and antilock brakes were optional on base models until '06. Side-curtain airbags were added to the standard features list in '07. Traction control became standard across the lineup for '08.