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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  Stay away from CVT transmission - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Kelvin - November 28 - 8:07 pm

  Bought brand new 2015 outlander sports …. Did all manufacturer maintenance from day one and transmission dead in just 8 years and have to spent another $8000 to replace … will not purchase another Mitsubishi anymore .. very disappointing !

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  Dissapointed - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By eyerun - June 16 - 5:12 pm

  After my first long road trip in this car I was dissapointed in the comfort of the seats. They are extremely hard. Also the black interior appears to get dusty quickly. Fule economy was not at all what was promised even though I drove it so that the eco light was on as much as possible and I got about 20/25hwy. My dealership experience was also very poor.

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  Outlander sport se - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By stanb - February 11 - 12:29 am

  Overall, the car is OK. It is fairly comfortable and stylish. Road noise is well dampened. It is adequate for a single person or small family. I was somewhat disappointed with the performance and fuel economy. On average fuel consumption is 18-19mpg in the city, 20-22mpg on highway. Mitsubishi dealership experience was dismal.

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  Shoulda bought a Subaru - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By captain766 - June 6 - 6:37 pm

  I only had 2 concerns requirements for a new car, higher seating position and descent MPG. With those requirements I completely expected the performance would not impress. The Outlander Sport certainly delivers on that expectation. Very unimpressive. The MPG rating of 28Hwy, 24 city, 26 combined is just a pipe dream. I am averaging 22 MPG and my 100 mile round trip commute is 90% wide open interstate (no traffic to content with). I always watch to make sure the ECO indicator is lit and still only 22MPG. Took the car to the dealer. They checked it out, test drove it (with same results as my experience) and called Mitsubishi Tech. Their answer, "Yup, thats what you can expect"

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  Traded off - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bdk437 - February 4 - 2:59 pm

  We made a mistake buying this car. Bluetooth after a few months never worked... maintenance alert for oil changes sucks too. Our dealer was 90 minute drive and what brought me to the end of my rope was how rude the service department was. Went back to Toyota RAV4 which just blows the Outlander away. Worth the extra $8k.

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  Better than expected - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Ron - January 29 - 4:27 am

  I bought a 2015 leftover in April 2016 because I got a real good price. I bought with some trepidation, considering the expert reviews I read, but noted that most consumer reviews were pretty good. Maybe the experts expect too much from a vehicle because they can compare the vehicle to many more expensive ones. I have only had the vehicle for a few weeks, but Im fairly happy with it. It is not a sports car, but handles adequately for an SUV. Acceleration is decent, and the engine doesnt seem any noisier than on the Rogue I traded in. Interior is a little less upscale than on some competitors, but is practical and comfortable. The ride is a little stiff, but the vehicle has 18" 55 series tires, so that is somewhat expected. Exterior is rather attractive, and Im getting better than advertised MPG. So far, Im satisfied After 6 months, everything is pretty much the same. Im still satisfied. I get about 25+ MPG locally, and around 30 on the highway. The ride could be a little better on rough pavement, but is not terrible. 18 months now. Nothing to add. Still satisfied

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  2015 Navigation system SUCKS - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By konatim - July 17 - 9:58 am

  The navigation system on the 2015 model uses voice controls for phone and navigation. However, I only recently discovered after buying my car and not being able to use voice controls to enter a destination address that for everything this super duper deluxe navigation system does it doesnt do the one very important function of a navigation system. Which is being able to speak the address you want to go to and have the car actually get you there. You have to manually enter an address unlike the many other cars out there with voice navigation. in my opinion this is one of the worst navigation systems i have ever seen. My little portable Garmin is better and actually works!

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  Thank GOD for the 10/100,000 warranty - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mike - July 4 - 3:14 pm

  One of the biggest reasons I bought Mitsibishi was the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. Well I had to use it at the 17,500 mile mark. A new transmission had to be installed! Tech at the dealership said he has had several he has had to replace and Mitsibishi knows they have a problem. So why not a recall? Will be looking to sell or trade come spring of 2018, mileage has fallen off since new tranny was installed, drivers side power window is acting funny. After 27 months of ownership and 18,500 miles on the SUV, I have come to the conculsion that the vehicle is under powered. It needs a 6 cylinder in it. My time as a Mitsibishi owner is about up.

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  It looks better than it is - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jacobmunden - September 6 - 7:43 pm

  Really, 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 am

  Its 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.