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:

• 

  Mitsubishi deserves to fail - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By cwd986 - August 20 - 6:49 am

  Where to start...rattles galore on a brand new car, idle that wants to destroy itself by jumping into the 3,000 rpm range after the first clutch engagement, that obnoxious chime that you cant disable when the temp hits 37 degrees. Oh, and come to find out my "new" car was damaged in transit, repainted, and the damage was not disclosed. When I called Mitsubishi about the body damage they wouldnt tell me how much they paid the dealer to fix the damage or sanction the dealer for non-disclosure; in fact, they were no help at all. In my opinion Mitsubishi deserves to go the way of Suzuki and disappear from the American market.

• 

  Its not all it is cracked up to be.... - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Kyle - November 27 - 6:31 am

  Firstly this vehicle is catered to a cheaper market i get it but it is none the less a vehicle that should have not ever left the drawing board. Firstly I am luck to have only rented this vehicle and not purchased it. That is really dodging a bullet. Ok picture this a car salesman doing his job and trying to sale you a car talking about all the features in the car blah blah blah. With that being said there are things you would never pick up on when you are on a test drive. So lets get started...First the car is so under powered and is poor at accelerating I think my poodle can run fast than this car. Pretty much dont rely on this car if you need to get out of the way or move out of danger quickly. Truth be told I was getting on a highway on ramp and it took forever to accelerate. Secondly I think they rushed the design of this engine or at least the cruise control system....Im sorry to say but it is garbage. Why is it garbage you might ask? If it is not busy increasing and decreasing rapidly the RPMs its busy struggling to keep up with you speed change request. Not just that the way it engages it the most counter intuitive way to engage it. To engage it you turn on the master switch on the steering column, then while you are at the desired speed release the acceleration pedal the depress the set mode then hold the accelerate mode on the steering column for approx 8-15 second to see any increase in RPM, then finally it increases but just maybe 100-300 increase in RPM, then finally it gets up to 3000-4000 RPM. Mind you im going highway speeds at level ground give or take. It was more annoying to have the cruise control on than anything so i just left it off for the duration. The electronic information available to the driver is very minimal would be nice to know whats going on with the car while your driving. The entertainment system is an attempt to stay with the times but it has a ways to go....not to user friendly to driver in particular the satellite radio functions. Finally there is only on usb and that is in the central arm rest. Its funny that it has the option for a line in component such as a mp3 player but physically there is no location to plug in the line in... It wouldnt have been for those items to be corrected i would say this car could have the potential to last more than 5-8 years. I can just see the lemon tree grow......Good try Mitsubishi but im not convinced. Ill give it to you though your partners on the lancer side of the house have got it down but this Out-lander Sport needs to be redesigned.

• 

  Made in Illinois POS - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Danno - December 8 - 9:57 am

  Pros: decent on gas. Small. Cons: Small. Unreliable: In less than 3000 miles, this vehicle developed a transmission shudder (CVT), the airbag and seat belt warnings came on, and finally the tire pressure warnings came on. Comfort: Its horridly uncomfortable for an average American. Suspension bottoms out when the vehicle is loaded, and It doesnt have anywhere near the ground clearance needed. Obviously not designed for anything off road - not recommended at all. The Outlander might be an upsize for small-statured folks in the country of origin, but if youre over 6 or 250 lbs, fuggettaboutit. Convenience: The sunvisors dont extend. Theres no aux audio input for an mp3 player. The A/C is weak and cant cope with 105 degree days. Bluetooth does pair up with your phone quickly and phone calls work good. Performance: Nonexistent from idle to 3500 rpm. The throttle needs gouged to spin the motor to redline. Highway passes made easily but the car sounds like its coming apart when flogged. Transmission shifts are atrocious and a pronounced driveline shudder appeared in the first month. Safety: given the cramped quarters in the foot area, in the event of a frontal crash, youd be pinned in the car with two broken legs. Given that the airbag lights came on in the first three months of use, the car seems like a death trap waiting to spring. Reliability: nonexistent. The car accumulated more issues every month. Dealers are only located in metropolitan areas, for us a 150 mile drive. Overall: We turned this POS back into GSA and pray they dont ever, ever issue this model to anyone else.