Overview & Reviews
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been with us for the better part of a decade, and for the most part, never really managed to challenge the more established SUVs in its class. When Mitsubishi announced the Outlander Sport model -- a smaller version with the promise of more athletic performance -- it seemed like a concept that could possibly gain a foothold. Sadly, that was not the case. The "Sport" badge was quickly dismissed as disingenuous, as this smaller Outlander suffered from a weak engine and lazy handling. Styling was at least intriguing, as it picked up cues from the sporty Lancer Evolution, but the standard Outlander also looks similar and foregoes much of what plagues the Outlander Sport.
As it stands, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is sporty only in name and appearance. Furthermore, it comes up short in cargo capacity when compared to competitors. For these reasons, we struggle to recommend it over nearly any other compact SUV, let alone the top-ranked Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Our suggestion is to check out everything else first.
Current Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is offered in two trim levels: the base ES and SE. Both models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the ES, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available as an option and is standard on the SE. Front-wheel drive is standard, with a three-mode all-wheel-drive system available only on the SE.
Notable Outlander ES standard features include remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system and auxiliary audio/USB input jacks. Stepping up to the SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a second-row armrest with center pass-through, upgraded upholstery and a six-speaker stereo. Heated front seats are only offered with SE AWD models. Some of the SE features are available on the ES as options.
An optional Exterior Sport package adds cosmetic and aerodynamic exterior elements and an aluminum fuel door, while the Interior package (available with automatic transmissions only) adds piano-black interior trim and an aluminum shift knob. Other add-ons include interior mood lighting, exterior protection (scuff plates, mud guards and bumper guards) and cargo solutions. Additionally, SE AWD models are eligible for a hard-drive-based navigation system, a rearview camera, an auxiliary video input jack and the Premium package (includes a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and a Rockford Fosgate audio system).
Among competing compact SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is ranked below nearly every alternative. Despite the "Sport" moniker, engine power is barely adequate, resulting in a class-average 8.8 seconds with the manual transmission, while the CVT is considerably slower. Handling is also a bit of a disappointment, as it exhibits a healthy dose of body roll in the turns. Braking performance is similarly lacking when compared to other SUVs in this class, as is cargo capacity. The Outlander Sport does manage to provide a smooth, quiet ride and offers styling that sets it apart from the rest, but its drawbacks far outweigh the positives.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Models
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport debuted for 2011. Mitsubishi adjusted the optional CVT the next year for improved acceleration and response, though we've found the differences to be negligible.
User Reviews:
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Great gas mileage - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By kmgreen - July 22 - 7:57 pmAbout 2 months ago, we traded in our Jeep Liberty for a re-poed 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It gets better gas mileage than expected - about 29-31 in mixed driving. It doesnt feel peppy when accelerating but its my first CVT and I think it just feels different, not bad. The drivers side has tons of legroom and my knees never hurt on long trips. The road feel is a little rough -- similar to the Jeep. We live down a rough dirt road and with 8+ inches of ground clearance, the Outander Sport performs great. Update: Weve had this car for about 2 years and never had a problem with it. If and when we need a new car well probably buy another Outlander.
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Id buy a Mitsubishi - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By neillangevin - June 9 - 5:06 pmIm on my 4th Mitsubishi and I always go to Westboro Mitsubishi in Westboro Mass. I am on my 3rd leased car from them an Outlander Sport SUV 2013 and I love it. The car drives great and handles great in all weather. The Sales and service staff are great and bend over backwards for you. I would definately reccomend this car and this dealership.
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Awesome vehicle - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By jaimiej - March 4 - 11:26 amI dont know why "experts" are so harsh on this vehicle. We initially looked at the 2015 outlander sport based on looks alone. Even the ES base features are nice such as blue tooth. The outlander isnt noticeably slow as some reviews state, and it more than makes up for that by incredible MPG even with 4x4. Some reviews also said the engine is loud, but I didnt notice that over the awesome premium sound system that comes standard. The warranty, price and quality are unmatched. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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I love this car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By loiscae - January 13 - 1:15 pmAbsolutely love everything about this car. Ive only had it a few months so I cant give it a 5 rating on reliability until Ive had it longer.
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Dont let the experts fool you, this is the best crossover suv to get - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By researchmommy - December 23 - 8:53 amIm a mom of 2 kids who used to drive a 2000 Toyota Sienna van and needed a change. I test drove the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV 4, Mazda CX-7, Chevrolet Equinox and they just dont have the ride comfort of the Outback Sport. I drive my kids to school everyday and have minimal highway miles traveled, but no matter where I go I cant help but smile because I paid less for a car I feel gives you more standard and even with some options added on, is a better value than the cars mentioned above. Dont let the reviews on the engine noise sway you from test driving this vehicle. In the end that is the true test of if a vehicle is right for you or not.
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5 spd manual transmission - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By augustlee - November 23 - 12:20 pmI am having this great car for 2 months and got 4000 miles on it. It is so far so great and I am totally satisfied. Especially when you think about the vehicles price, this is the best value you can ever get. It is very roomy and cozy for long long drive. We drove down to Vegas from San Francisco and to Los Angeles and again drove back to SF (its about 1k mile) with 3 people and one cello case (which is bigger than golf case) and 2 big luggage and few bags and waters etc in the car. Car was running very good at hills with 3 people and such load in it. And since this is manual transmission, you get more power than cvt and probably more mpg if you put little more effort on it.
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Very Pleased - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By boehm421 - October 19 - 9:04 pmRecently purchased my Outlander Sport after looking at the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. Read some reviews indicating it is very loud and under-powered. I have found the power to be more than adequate and engine noise to be a non-issue as well. If you are a lead foot, engine noise will be louder than usual due to the CVT transmission. The car makes use of higher RPMs to power the car for quick acceleration. This has to do with the fact that a CVT does not "shift". Its basically one large gear. The car feels well made. I am very happy to own this car after trading in a Mercedes Benz ML320. I do mostly city driving/ short trips and get about 23 mpg, which is a vast improvement for me.
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Wishing for more - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By mitsu_david - September 18 - 5:54 amWishing for better mileage - Got about 25 on my first all highway road trip. Not much better than I get in town. Maybe it will get better when the engine loosens up a little. Wishing for more performance - Not terrible but far from a "Sporty" experience Wishing for nicer finishes - nothing objectionable, but it seems it could be better with just a little effort Could not be happier with the deal, though. I would have had to pay several thousand more to get a Crossover I liked better. Warranty is great, too. Im glad because my previous Monterro cost me a ton and was worth nothing when I traded it in.
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It looks better than it is - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By jacobmunden - September 6 - 7:43 pmReally, the title says it all. I got my fully optioned AWD outlander sport in 2012 and have put around 10,000 miles on it. As far as reliability, its been great, though youd expect that from a brand new car. The driveability of the car is far from sporty. While it may be AWD with paddle shifters, it doesnt offer much fun to the driver. The gas mileage on it is absolutely average. I do have to say, it looks pretty good on the outside, especially with the rim package! If youre looking for a car with good gas mileage or a bit more performance, look elsewhere.
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Not all SUVs are the same !!! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By Kids out of the house.. - August 29 - 2:11 amIts been two years (2015) since I bought my outlander sport and initially I gave it high marks , but after driving it every day , I have changed my opinion . There are much better alternatives too choose from . Last , but not least , Mitsubishi is not interested in the US market , they give us sub par products . I do not recommend buying this small SUV . Cons : Cheap plastic interior Noisy engine Rides like a horse Average gas mileage Average technology Too fam small of tear seats Pros : Great warranty Hope this helped.
