Who said that a family car had to be boring to drive? It can be assumed that when you are looking for the perfect vehicle for your family, you are considering space, warranties, safety and affordability, but have you ever considered a sporty performance that actually makes your car fun to drive? If this added perk seems like something you would be interested in, check out the new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. Other SUV’s in its class can’t boast of the Outlander’s sporty performance, huge cargo space, seating for seven and extensive warranty. Drive your family around in a car that doesn’t lag on the thrills. Here are some reasons why you should consider the new Outlander to be your next family car:

1. Great for Carpooling. In these economic times, it makes sense that you would want to call up other moms at your kid’s school and create a carpooling schedule. With the new Outlander Sport, you can have up to seven passengers with your third row seating. No need to buy that gas-sucker Suburban. The Outlander will do just fine.

2. Impressive Warranty. No other SUV can boast of Mitsubishi’s long warranty for the Outlander. The warranty covers your vehicle for up to five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Put your mind at ease and don’t worry so much what the kids are up to in the back seat, Mitsubishi has you covered.

3. Fun to Drive. As a crossover SUV, the Outlander stands above its competition and offers impressive handling and sporty suspension tuning. With its powerful V6 engine, the Outlander can go from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds. While the kids are playing and laughing in the back, you will have your own reason to be smiling as well.

4. Great for Smokey and Snowflake. If you want to have a vehicle that is specially made for pets in mind, you will not be disappointed with the Outlander. Both Edmunds.com and Bark Buckle Up chose the Outlander as a top pet safe vehicle. Its spacious cargo room and pet safety features make driving with pets safer and more convenient.

5. Affordable with Great Fuel Economy. Prices begin in the $21,000 range and fuel economy is approximately 23 city /28 hwy mpg.

If space, cost, fuel-efficiency and performance are important elements to have in your next family vehicle, the Outlander may just be the car for you. Other great family cars include the 2011 Chevy Equinox, 2011 Subaru Outback, 2011 Toyota RAV4 and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.