the airtrek was first introduced to the japanese market on 20 june 2001, priced from ¥1.7–2.3 million. it offered a choice of either a "4g63" 2.0 l or a "4g64" 2.4 l gdi, mated to a standard "invecs-ii" 4-speed semi-automatic transmission. both front- and four-wheel drive were available. the four-wheel drive version uses open differentials for the front and rear axles, with a viscous coupling unit for the center differential. a high performance model, called the turbo r, was introduced in 2002 and used a detuned version of the lancer evolution's "4g63t" 2.0 l i4 turbo. the engine produced and , although in export markets the outlander version's output was reduced to and . the return of four-cylinder engines under 2.0 liters offered japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, however, the exterior dimensions exceed japanese regulations for the "compact" designation.