As a car enthusiast and lead author for Car News, I’m always on the lookout for vehicles that offer a great balance of features, performance, and safety. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a compact SUV, caught my eye for its commitment to safety, which is crucial for families and individuals alike. This article will delve into the 2020 Outlander Sport’s safety features and crash test ratings, using data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Crashworthiness: How the Outlander Sport Protects in a Collision
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side
The IIHS small overlap test simulates a crash into a fixed object like a tree or utility pole. The 2020 Outlander Sport earns an “Acceptable” rating in this rigorous test. While the driver’s survival space was maintained, there’s room for improvement in head protection. The dummy’s head slid off the airbag, indicating a potential risk of contact with the vehicle’s interior.
Moderate Overlap Front
In the moderate overlap test, simulating a head-on collision, the Outlander Sport excels with a “Good” rating. This indicates good protection for the driver in such scenarios.
Side Crash Test
Another “Good” rating shines through in the side impact test. The Outlander Sport’s strong structure and standard side airbags contribute to its impressive performance in this crucial safety category.
Roof Strength
A “Good” rating in the roof strength test underscores the Outlander Sport’s robustness. This is particularly important in rollover accidents, providing an added layer of protection for occupants.
Crash Avoidance & Mitigation: Proactive Safety Features
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
The 2020 Outlander Sport is available with optional Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection. This system earns a “Superior” rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing or mitigating frontal collisions. In both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, the system successfully avoided collisions.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
While the optional Forward Collision Mitigation System receives a “Basic” rating for pedestrian detection, it’s important to note that it still provides some level of mitigation. The system effectively reduced impact speed in various scenarios, showcasing its potential to lessen the severity of pedestrian collisions.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The Outlander Sport receives an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system. It provides two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with a tether anchor. While not perfect, it provides a decent setup for families with young children.
Conclusion: A Safe and Reliable Choice
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport demonstrates a commendable commitment to safety, evident in its IIHS crash test ratings and available safety features. While there’s always room for improvement, especially in driver head protection during small overlap collisions, the Outlander Sport offers a reassuring level of safety for drivers and passengers.
Have you had any experiences with the 2020 Outlander Sport or its safety features? Share your thoughts in the comments below!