When you’re asked to test drive a vehicle for a week (free of charge) then report your experience with said car, I’d say you’re off to a pretty amazing week. This couldn’t have been truer when recently, I had the opportunity to drive the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport as part of the Drive Shop test drive campaign. The campaign crafts vehicle drive experiences for lifestyle influencers who then share their opinions on the car and the experience.
This couldn’t have come at a better time because my small Volkswagen Beetle wasn’t nearly big enough to haul all the stuff I would need for a camping trip I’d had planned the same week I was to get the car. The fact that the car was a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just sweetened the deal.
A friend of mine once compared getting into a luxury vehicle to a warm embrace, if that’s true than getting into the Outlander Sport felt like getting a bear hug. I’m so used to driving my tiny bug so having more space was luxurious in and of itself. Plus on top of that, the butter leather seats and 6.1-inch touchscreen audio display with Sirius XM radio and rearview camera made getting through my long work commute that much more easy and comfortable. I’m a little technologically challenged in some area’s so if you’re anything like me, read the manual before you attempt to use this cars navigation 😉
So back to this camping trip. I was all parts excited and nervous. Excited because I was going with some pretty fun friends and nervous because in the past my idea of roughing it was checking into a 3 star hotel (shout out to the Days INN). But I’m all into having new experiences and pushing past my comfort zones. It also didn’t hurt that I was told the majority of the time we were there would be spent at the river lounging on an inner-tube, beer in my hand.
Prior to going I agonized over any and everything. What should I wear, what should I pack, how am I going to blow up this damn air mattress in the wilderness? But once I got there I realized I was a lot more prepared than I thought. It also didn’t hurt that the Outlander Sport was so roomy and held everything we needed and with space to spare.
I was a little apprehensive about how much gas I would need but to my pleasant surprise the car was pretty good on gas. I’m so used to my gas guzzling Beetle so at 32 miles per highway gallon I was a happy camper (literally). It’s not a very fast car so if you’re looking for something with a lot of giddy up you won’t find that here, but it more than makes up for it in how smooth the ride is.
After riding in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport I’m honestly thinking about trading in my old Beetle for something bigger and more opulent. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Beetle, it’s a fun car to drive but I found after driving the Outlander that I’m missing that great big hug more luxurious cars are known for.
Here are a few more shots of my camping trip in Kern county. Have you ever been camping? Did you love it or hate it? I’m in the market for a newer bigger car, do you have any suggestions? Please let me know in the comments below!
I love DriveShop and the many car lines that they have. I haven’t seen the Mitisubishi truck but I did ride around in the car and it was awesome so I know you all had a great time driving it around and why didn’t you come scoop me up to go camping I am so upset lol
I drove a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport when I was in Phoenix for the week and we loved it! It rode so smoothly and really handled well. The GPS came in handy too when we were looking for our resort 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
That is an awesome vehicle. I love that it is not so big, but still have a nice leg room. The compartment is huge and it’s perfect for road trips. I would love to drive this.
It looks like you were completely prepared for your camping trip! I guess if the tent didn’t work out, the Outlander could have served as your tent (folding the back seat down and sleeping in the trunk). 😉 I currently own an SUV and the extra space comes in handy, especially since having kids. I also really like riding higher and being able to see above the smaller cars.
What a cute looking vehicle, I love it in white! It looks like it did a great job holding your belonging! I am going camping next weekend and can’t wait as it looks like you had a fabulous time!
The Outlander looks so roomy. Seeing all of your camping photos has me wanting to take the family camping. I just don’t know if my little guy would survive a night out in a tent.
I love camping. I have always wanted to take my kids camping because of all the camping I did as a kid but I can’t get my hubby on board. Can you believe that. I’m all for camping and he’s not. Sigh.
I would add that camping is HOT so the A/C came in handy on trips to tow!… the cigarette lighter (is it still called that?) came in seriously handy in pumping up the air mattresses and inner tubes… and you didn’t even brag on us pitching a tent! That is HUGE! Happy to have helped out with the experiment! And so glad we all had such good times camping! BTW – you didn’t even mention your first s’more!
I love the Mitsubishi Outlander and think it is a great family vehicle with lots of room! While I have never been camping, I have experienced driving one of these on the open road and found not only is the interior classy looking, but it makes for a smooth drive and it is a very economical vehicle to operate! I would give it two thumbs up!
I love your photos! I drove the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and I think it is perfect for camping. It’s really a fun sporty car. Looks like you had enough space for all of your things in there as compared to your beetle 🙂 I like that it’s gas efficient and have a few cool features.
WOW that looks like an amazing car to test drive! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I LOVE it, it’s spacious, wide, 4 wheel drive, and a throaty engine. It’s also 15 years old, so I’ve been looking for a new vehicle and THAT just might be it! ♥