The Mitsubishi Outlander is one smooth ride, which is a little surprising for a vehicle bearing a name like that.

Outlander sounds akin to "Rough Rider," or maybe something closer to Dodge's rugged Durango or Jeep's Wrangler. However, there's nothing rough about the Outlander. The engine is so quiet that I didn't know it was running when I first got behind the wheel.

The 2008 model has one of those electronic keys that you don't have to insert in the ignition. Just have it on you or in the car, then turn the plastic switch to get the pistons churning. Thankfully, there was no grinding sound from the starter when I redundantly turned the switch.

Designed to resemble a sport utility vehicle, Outlander is a "crossover" built on the chassis of a car -- in this case, the Lancer.

The ride is as smooth as the engine sounds. Generally, when I see a tall vehicle with all-wheel-drive, I expect to sacrifice a bit of handling for utility and height. But the Outlander demands no such sacrifices.

Indeed, the Outlander delivers a surprising level of luxury for $19,990 to $25,110, across four trim levels in either two- or all-wheel-drive. Mitsubishi is not alone in this price range for its crossover, with the newest competition coming from the Nissan Rogue. But I continue to be amazed at what you can get for your money in this category.

Introduced in the 2001 model year, the Outlander was updated in the 2007 model.

The 2008 Outlander is available in the entry-level ES and Special Edition with 4-cylinder engine, the V6-powered Outlander LS and sport/luxury XLS models. New for 2008 is the 2.4-liter 168-horsepower aluminum, double overhead cam 4-cylinder engine. It comes with a new Sportronic continuously variable transmission that flows smoothly through the gears without searching for shift points.

The Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter (FAST) Key entry system is now standard on the Special Edition and the LS models. FAST Key allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop.

When the driver is within 27 inches of the front doors or tailgate, the FAST system operates automatically from the transmitter in his or her pocket, purse or hand. Bioelectrical sensors are built into the door handles, and when the person carrying the remote control grasps a handle, the door unlocks. Grasping the driver's door handle unlocks only that door, while grasping the front passenger handle will unlock all four doors and the tailgate. The owner can set system preferences so the driver's door handle will unlock all doors.

The ignition system comes with two remote units, and up to four can be registered and programmed. The remote houses an emergency key that can unlock and start the vehicle if the unit's battery runs down.

High-tech options include a HDD 30-gigabyte navigation system with music server and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with digital signal processing. Sirius satellite radio comes with a six-month pre-paid subscription.

Also optional is hands-free calling through Bluetooth wireless technology, and an accessory DVD rear seat entertainment system with a 9-inch wide-format LCD screen.

The navigation system now has Diamond Lane Guidance, an industry-first development that can include high-occupancy vehicle lane information with directions. An MP3 auxiliary input jack is now standard for LS and XLS models, and the LS 4WD model adds heated standard exterior mirrors.

The $25,110 XLS review model came with the 220-horsepower V6 and six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Fuel economy was not terribly embarrassing at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway.

Engineers endowed the Outlander with a sport-tuned independent suspension and an aluminum roof that lowers the center of gravity for better handling. On Outlander XLS and 2.4 Special Edition models, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. Other trim levels get 16-inchers.

The Outlander offers a nice array of cargo and passenger configurations. The second row seat includes independently reclining 60/40 split fold-and-tumble seat backs. On XLS models, the standard compact third-row seat folds flat into the floor when not needed. When lowered, the flap-fold tailgate can support 440 pounds at your next tailgate party.

WHAT'S NEW: 4-cylinder engine; new options, standard features.

PLUSES: Value, ride and handling, standard features, versatility.

MINUSES: Fuel economy.

BOTTOM LINE: Outstanding crossover.