2019 Mitsubishi RVR

With Mitsubishi's limited resources having gone to the recent development and marketing of new models like the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross, the RVR crossover carries over unchanged to once again occupy the brand's entry-level utility slot.

Basic power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque and comes with front- or all-wheel drive. The upgrade is a 2.4L good for 168 hp and 167 lb-ft, which is matched with AWD only. Both engines and drivelines use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

With the RVR's 2011 introduction, Mitsubishi was actually one of the first car companies to get into the compact crossover segment. It arrived around the same time as the Subaru Crosstrek, and since then the market has grown quickly thanks mostly to models with similarly understated styling. But the RVR also now competes with vehicles like the Toyota CH-R and Nissan Kicks, which bring a little more style to this affordable segment.

If anything about the RVR gives away its age, it's the limited availability of advanced safety features. The top-end GT Premium trim is the only version that comes with forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane departure warning. Many of Mitsubishi's competitors offer more features (like lane departure prevention/steering assist, for example), and at lower price points.

RVR trim levels include ES (FWD), SE (FWD or AWD), SE Limited, SE Black Edition and GT, the latter three of which are AWD only.

ES models come with 16-inch steel wheels with covers, auto-off headlights, black exterior trim, body-colour side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, heated front seats and side mirrors, six-way manual driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, automatic climate control, power windows, cruise control, four-speaker stereo with 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tilt-and-telescopic steering column and a colour multi-information display.

SE trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, chrome interior door handles and a six-speaker stereo.

SE Limited brings the 2.4L engine, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, 18-inch wheels, silver painted front skid plate, rear spoiler, lighted visor-mounted vanity mirrors and passive keyless entry.

SE Black Edition models get black 18-inch wheels, front and rear black skid plates, aluminum pedals, artificial suede seat upholstery and red stitching for the steering wheel, shifter and parking brake lever.

GT trim reverts to silver painted 18-inch wheels and adds HID headlights, power-folding side mirrors, panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler, auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing wipers.

Finally, the GT Premium package includes automatic high beam headlights, power driver's seat, leather upholstery, a 710-watt nine-speaker sound system with subwoofer, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian warning and lane departure warning.

Mitsubishi's fuel consumption estimates for the RVR are 9.7/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L engine and FWD; 10.1/8.2 L/100 km with the 2.0L and AWD; and, finally, 10.3/8.3 L/100 km for cars with the 2.4L engine and AWD.