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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  Not too bad. actually pretty good - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MOHAMMAD MOHAMMAD - August 14 - 11:20 pm

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  first 300 miles - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Stan - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the car is nice. It is relatively quiet (except for acceleration) and comfortable. Gas mileage is lower than it is advertised. On average it has been 18 mpg in the city and 21-22 mpg on highway. Mitsubishi dealership experience was so-so.

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  Best value compact SUV - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zagno83 - February 10 - 12:02 pm

  We just picked up an SE model with a lot of accessories including leather, it is a 2012 model in pearl white. After a bout 2 weeks of testing cars and reading reviews, this is IMO the best value out there, i always liked MITSU. product and this car has a great design and a host of cool features for a very good price and fuel economy. Dont trust the so called "expert" reviews, they are too severe with it, but if u read the consumers reviews they are very good. When i first test drove the car it felt slow, sluggish and noisy, well it is a lil bit, however after a long second test drive i realize that it takes time to learn this CVT transmission. Overall best value out there!!!!

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  One month real review - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By mitsport - October 19 - 10:11 am

  Purchased 12/2013 brand new outlander sport. Tried the cvt and didnt like the way it shifted at all. Got the white 5 speed es model. I keep seeing reviews saying its slow, not sport to drive- Really??? its a 2.0 148 hp mini suv- its not a wrx or evo . Perfect for well under 20grand- i get 27.2-27.8 mpg every tank, it is not hard to park in a mall, its ez to keep clean, decent storage. and one of the longest warrenties out their.

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  Ive put the miles on my 2012 Outlander Sport 4x4! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Carrie Hoeisng - November 7 - 5:23 am

  I bought my 2012 Outlander Sport brand new and now, 3 years later, have 85,000 miles on it. Yes, I love to travel. I loved traveling in my Ford Expedition much better but this little Outlander Sport is much more affordable to drive! The front seats fit larger folks, no problem. With the front seats fully back the leg room in the back seats is a little tight. And this is a 4 passenger vehicle, not 5, unless it is 3 small kids in the back seat without car seats! The total weight limit of passengers and cargo is 875 lbs so keep that in mind if you are larger. I have taken this car into the mountains on snow and ice and it did well for a smaller vehicle. It has decent acceleration for a small car. On my longer road trips I get around 30 mpg. Short driving around town knocks that down to about 23. I have never used the paddle shifters, cruise control, remote start, or blue tooth (I have a dumb phone) but can tell you that the seat warmers are a godsend on cold mornings! At about 60,000 miles the car developed a squeal (at over 25 mph) that changing the s-belt did not cure. The noise has changed to more of a chirpy noise now. My Mitsu mechanic thinks it is the belt pulley. Guess this is a known problem with the 2011 model but they are not covering it under warranty for the 2012. That upsets me a bit as I feel that because I am a high mileage user I am being penalized. By the time this may come out as a recall issue I will already be out of miles on my 100,000 mile drive train warranty. This is my 2nd Mitsubishi product. I also owed a 1991 Mirage that I drove 8 years and put 250,000 miles on it. It was a great little car and I am hoping that my 2012 Outlander Sport does as good over the long haul.

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  Solid Basic Transportation with Benefits - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kflan2phx - May 8 - 6:04 am

  Bought this crossover in lieu of a Ford Focus looking for a cheap commuter car that could haul what I wanted to inside, including 8 ft 2x4s. Drove it for a year in Ohio weather, then headed across country to Arizona. ** Have loaded it significantly and it continues to handle well. ** Tires have lasted well, no alignment issues. Engine and transmission are smooth (not boisterous) and run out of steam around 65 - could really used a sixth gear. Generally use PHX highways around 70mph. No maintenance issues - oil changes is all Ive done other than one visit for a recall adjustment by the dealer that was free and painless. ** I bought the package shelf and cargo area liner at discounts via Mitsubishi and the original dealer, they are worth getting. Did not get protection for the door sills or hatch sill, should have done that, quite a few touchups needed. Seats are comfortable. AC works in AZ. No snow traction issues in Ohio. ** Technology rating is low due to not much here, but what is works - bluetooth, etc.

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  The All Wheel Drive Is What its All About - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Helen Meade - September 25 - 9:26 am

  This car is not sexy. It doesnt zip along in the city. This particular used model has practically no bells and whistles in the interior. But it drives steady-as-you-go. Its big enough for large teenagers in the back, as well as small amount of cargo. Mileage is as good as my smaller HHR. It has good number of airbags. Most importantly, it was the only vehicle in my price range that came with All Wheel Drive. Where I live theres snow, ice, and hills. My previous front wheel drive vehicles have always been a little dicy in the winter. I havent driven this one in the snow yet - just bought in in May 2017, but I have high hopes.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Drew Day - September 17 - 7:31 am

  Literally the only complaint I have is the finish quality of the interior. Too heavy on the hard plastics (we opted for more of a base model trim.) Everything else is par excellence! The CVT is silky smooth. The 2.4L engine offers plenty of pep. The ride is sublime, very quiet cabin. Solidly put together. Comfortable seating position. Nimble handling. Took it for a spin at elevation on a rainy, then slushy, then icy road - 4WD auto and 4WD LOCK are a must have - offers incredible traction. Confident around the corners and a great feel. Wish for a smidge more room in the back for our big dog, but we are exceedingly happy with our purchase. The dealer was eager to please. Subaru has more brand recognition, but we believe we purchased the better crossover for the money.

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  Objective review, I won this car in a drawing. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Lucky 7 - June 6 - 7:36 pm

  I was not in the market for a small SUV and it is not really my thing. I just sold an S2000 sports car, drive a BMW 328i and was shopping for a new Boxster so the Outlander sport was not really in my wheelhouse. And then a telephone call came that I was a finalist to win one in a drawing I had entered online. I went to the final drawing and won the car. I had been helping my sister shop for a small SUV so I was very familiar with the Rav4, CRV, Mazda CX4 and the Escape having looked at all of them with her very recently. We did not look at the Outlander Sport and that was probably a mistake, and the big mistake comes in value for your money. After I won the base model 2.0 I was allowed to drive a loaded GT model with the larger engine. First, skip the base 2.0 and go straight to the 2.4. I drove around and the car did not have as much power for what I was used to and I had never personally driven a CVT car but it was decent. I am used to cars with lots of power and thought I would be severely disappointed, but I wasnt. I dont drive like a maniac and for a car to commute comfortably in, this car will do fine. I spent some additional money to upgrade my base model to an SEL model which the dealer sells for No haggle at $23,500 with the current rebate structure. It has proximity keyless entry, leather seats, a backup camera, a decent touchscreen audio system, bluetooth, the larger engine and all the other common features like power windows and cruise, and I almost forgot, AWD. The only features I did not pay extra for were the panoramic roof (kinda cool) upgraded stereo and Nav. So the car was pretty loaded for a low price compared to the competition and has a very comprehensive warranty (10 years 100,000 miles on the engine and transmission, 5 year 60,000 bumper to bumper). The car rides and drives well, is fairly comfortable, and has lots of features for the price. There had been some quality issues in the past from a factory here in the US that was closed, and all Outlander Sports now come from Japan and the quality seems very good. Of the competition, most have better engines, better fuel economy, some have better interiors, maybe a little more space, or drive sportier. But the Outlander Sport offers a pretty good little car for a very low price with lots of content and a top notch warranty. I was going to trade mine but I am keeping it. It is a neat little car that does a lot really well, just not very fast. It could do with about 15 more horsepower and 4 more miles per gallon to better compete but those are my major gripes. If you are in the market for a small SUV/Crossover and want a lot on a small budget, give it a look. You might be very pleasantly surprised. Just be sure to get the 2.4 liter engine.

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  A fun city car - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By ecidloc - May 11 - 10:21 pm

  I have owned this car for more than 7 months and everything has been performing very consistently. I like this cars interior layout much better than most of its Japanese competitors, like Honda, Subaru, Mazda and etc. The exterior is also one of the sharpest. This car is excellent for city driving, nimble, reliable, fuel efficient and easy to park. Dont listen to Edmunds review, this is a car meant for day to day driving, it should not be reviewed as a sports car. If thats what you are looking for, look else where.