MITSUBISHI RVR 2020

Body, cabin and cargo space

Despite a high, square shape that makes it look shorter than it really is, the Mitsubishi RVR is one of the longest subcompact SUV’s on the market, with a surprisingly roomy cabin for a vehicle its size. The rear bench can easily accommodate two adults or children in forward-facing safety seats, even when the people in front are relatively tall.

Cargo space, too, is larger than expected, with the rear seatbacks up or down. The height under the windows lets cargo be piled up easily. The RVR’s versatility is definitely one of its best features.

Strangely, this small crossover is not nearly as accommodating in front. The short seat cushions provide very little thigh support, and the centre armrest is too far away, ultimately useful only for people who adjust their seat all the way back. The big dead pedal can adversely affect the driving position.

As these irritants have been there from the beginning, it will probably take a major remake to eliminate them. Whenever that happens, it’s to be hoped Mitsubishi will also upgrade the controls, certain of which are completely outdated. A staggered shift-lever grid, unlighted power window buttons and non-sliding sun visors are unacceptable in 2020.

Similarly, the centre touch screen still looks cheap even though it is all new this year. All the expected functions are there, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, the interface and graphics look third-party, and response is sometimes slow. The sound quality of the audio system is also a let-down.

Lastly, when will Mitsubishi finally understand that the sound from the hands-free phone connection is supposed to be sent to the left side in a vehicle in North America? As it is, the sound goes to the right—the driver side in Japan.

Other highlights

Instrumentation: the lighting of the main dials does not adjust automatically with the headlights on in the daytime, and has to be manually adjusted morning and evening. Worse still, the lighting of the centre screen does not follow that of the dials and adjusts via a secondary menu that is hard to access. Lastly, the average fuel consumption indicator reinitializes a few hours after the engine is switched off, no matter which setting is chosen.

Finish: precise fit. Average materials for the class; expected hard plastics with several soft-touch surfaces and some rich-looking faux suede trim (SEL trim). Paint is usually fragile.

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist
• Brake override
• Stability and traction control
• Hill start assist
• Front airbags
• Driver knee airbag
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert (standard, SE, SEL and GT; non-available, ES)
• Forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and lane departure alert (standard, GT; unavailable, other trims)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 4 / 5
Frontal impact: 4 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact: 3 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

Visibility

Generally adequate; glass surface is generous for this type of vehicle. Large mirrors and blind-sport monitoring system facilitate lane changes.

Headlights: LED headlights are standard. Lighted distance is acceptable in low-beam mode and increases considerably in high-beam mode. Automatic high-beam adjustment is unavailable.

Mechanical overview

Structurally, the Mitsubishi RVR is relatively unchanged since its launch in 2011. The platform, though aging, is still solid enough to ensure good crash protection and is exempt of any cracking noises. However, it is less rigid than more recent structures, which shows in its ride; road comportment is not as rigorous as that of rivals with a soft-tuned suspension similar to the RVR’s.

On the other hand, the RVR’s uncomplicated mechanical components facilitate maintenance and repair. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension and the electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering are time tested and proven. Mitsubishi’s excellent record for reliability is no myth; it is what allows the automaker to offer such a long warranty (5 years/100,000 km bumper-to-bumper; 10 years/160,000 km on the power train).

There are no changes of engines for 2020. ES and SE two-wheel-drive models still come with a 2.0‑litre, 148‑horsepower four-cylinder, without direct injection or complex turbo. All the other versions are equipped with a 2.4‑litre engine that develops 20 additional horses and 167 pound-feet of maximum torque (22 more than the base engine).

Both engines are mated to the same, continuously variable transmission with a six “speed” manual mode. Shifts are via paddle shifters on SEL trims and up, and a shift lever on the ES and SE.

Power is channelled to the front wheels on ES and SE models, unless you tick the all-wheel-drive option box, newly available for the base-model ES. Standard on SEL, Limited and GT trims, this system offers three modes:

• two-wheel drive only, to promote fuel economy
• automatic four-wheel drive, which transfers a portion of power to the rear mainly when the front wheels lose grip
• four-wheel-drive Lock mode, which distributes power 50-50 front and rear, to enhance traction in deep snow.

The SVR is the only entry-level SUV to offer as much in its class.

Other highlights

Fuel economy: We obtained 9.4 L/100 km in a winter test with two-thirds highway. That is exactly Natural Resources Canada’s published combined rating. Worth noting is that the smaller engine consumes nearly as much as the 2.4-litre on our test model.

Driving impressions

The Mitsubishi RVR makes a good impression in the city, its preferred terrain. Its small size, well-weighted steering and lively drivetrain make it agile and fun. Good visibility, for a crossover, further enhances driving ease and enjoyment.

Performance remains respectable as speed increases. Power delivery is relatively linear, and not too noisy. The continuously variable transmission is significantly more efficient than when the RVR was launched in 2011. The elastic-band effect has disappeared and the transmission responds faithfully to throttle input, without revving the engine unnecessarily.

Handling becomes more lackluster on the open road. The steering is very uncommunicative, which reduces precision in turns. The body leans significantly on tight entry and exit ramps, which is no boost to driver confidence. The vehicle also is sensitive to side winds at highway speeds.

On the other hand, the suspension isolates occupants from pavement defects relatively well. You’re not floating on a cloud, but for its size, the RVR delivers good comfort. Pavement undulations can cause the vehicle to bounce, but not dramatically.

Other highlights

Braking: sufficient power and relatively firm pedal. The antilock brakes quickly erase any fishtailing in a panic stop.

Noise suppression: road and wind noise clearly perceptible, and annoying at highway speed. Engine noise acceptably muffled, except during maximum acceleration.

Driver assistance systems: insufficient for the price. Blind-spot monitoring is efficient.