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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  Dont Listen to the "Experts" - Great Little SUV - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By scjenk - January 20 - 10:44 am

  Dont listen to the "experts" because they will steer you wrong on this car. We love this vehicle! Great features, mileage (averaging over 28 MPG per tank, best 31), price, comfort and size capped off by a great warranty. Its not the fastest SUV out there, but it isnt any slower than most of the other vehicles in its class and if you use the paddle shifters it ups the fun quotient. I had 4 adults and 4 huge suitcases in it the other day and it didnt struggle at all. Consumer Reports rates this the "Most Reliable" small SUV. The hands free system in this car works much better than the SYNC in my F150 and is easier to use. My only complaint is that Mitsubishi cheaped out on the carpet.

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  Traded in a POS Compass - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Taylon - January 14 - 8:55 pm

  Traded in the pathetic Compass for an Outlander Sport. The 2.4 in the Outlander and the refined CVT make the Compass look like, well, a Compass. I was very skeptical after reading other reviews, but really liked the styling. After test driving the Outlander Sport, I was sold. This is a very nice vehicle with an attractive warranty. The Compass has the same motor size and a CVT transmission, but there is a huge difference in the two. The Outlander Sport rides nice, has sufficient power with the 2.4 and is at least unique. Not one person in my county has the same vehicle. The dealership was outstanding as well. Go buy an Outlander Sport!

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  Premie Senior Dream - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Pat Collins - December 4 - 4:36 am

  The warranty and safety ratings are fantastic. Ive been driving this car for a year and love this car. The acceleration and cruise control are awesome. A friend of mine who is 85 years old went on the trip and told me she thought it was one of the most comfortable car rides she had been on in her lifetime. I find a feature not addressed by many of the 5 star ratings was the seat and steering wheel adjustments. You can pump the seat higher and dont have an awkward look out your front window. The steering wheel adjustment allows additional comfort. Now if I could stop my Husky/Malamute from shedding, I would have the perfect car! I highly recommend this SUV!

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  Wonderful car and fantastic value - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jim_photog - October 10 - 2:55 pm

  I have a very basic Outlander Sport. Just the type of car I like. This is a wonderful car with gas mileage in line with the numbers (27 - 30 mpg for my daily driving). I love Mitsubishi for their reliability. This car has great acceleration (not sure what Edmunds did not like). I drive in rush hour in Chicago with significant traffice going at 70 - 75 mph. The Sport has no problems merging, accelerating to pass, handling, etc. I have had to respond quickly due to some silly drivers and this Sport responds great.

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  More Than Good Enough - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By John - July 29 - 10:53 pm

  We have been watching the Outlander Sport for several years. We finally bought a 2016 Outlander Sport ES to replace our 2005 Mazda Tribute i. The Outlander Sport is a much nicer vehicle and we paid less for it than we paid for the Tribute in 2005. Why would we buy a vehicle that rates an a rare Edmunds "D" rating? Lets count the reasons: 1. Safety - The Outlander Sport has Good IIHS crash ratings except for an Acceptable Front Small Overlap rating. The old Mazda received a Poor side crash rating. Many newer vehicles do not pass the Front Small Overlap test. 2. Reliability - 2015 CR states that the Outlander Sport has excellent reliability. Models built from 2012-2015 were made in Illinios. 2016 models sold in this country are made in Japan once again. 3. Features - Comes standard with everything. You wont need to upgrade or get an option package for Cruise Control which seems to be very common for vehicles in this price range. Love the usb port, heated side mirrors, rear center arm rest with cup holders, easy fold split rear seat and the Hill Start Assist feature; again all standard. 4. Performance - According to Edmunds 0-60 in 8.8 seconds(2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Road Test), 60-0 in 119 feet. Reported best gas mileage to be 29-32 without trying too hard. Comfortable seats and yes it does have a telescoping, leather wrapped steering wheel standard. It rides better than the Mazda did and it is quieter too. You can hear the engine during hard acceleration but it quiets down while cruising. We dont have any issues with how it handles. Perhaps it is not Sporty but even CR gave it a good (1/2 red dot) Routine Handling rating. It has the nicest interior of any vehicle we have ever owned. Maybe it is true that the rate at which vehicles have been improving is staggering but so has their price. The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 must be fantastic vehicles if they are really that much better than the Outlander Sport. The problem is that for the price we actually paid for the Outlander Sport, they are not competing against each other. In fact for the price we paid there are very few new vehicles to consider and the Outlander Sport beats them easily. If you are looking for a vehicle capable of handling four tall adults and their stuff there are very few choices in this price range. If you are the type of person who replaces their vehicle as often as their iPhone then the Outlander Sport is probable not for you. But if you are like many Americans who agonize over every dollar spent you need to at least consider the Outlander Sport. Compare it to the one you are currently driving not to one that will put you in debt forever.

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  Great Vehicle - Tons of Technology Features - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By nyame - June 15 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased the vehicle about 3 months ago and I have logged just over 3,300 miles on it. It has a galore of technology features, comparable to any of the luxury vehicles out there, at a much affordable price. It looks great from the exterior and drives very smooth. The mpg rating for this vehicle is 24/31/27 but I am now averaging a combined mpg of 32, better than the official rating of 27. I calculate my mpg by dividing the total mileage travelled for a fill up by the amount of gas needed to bring the gas tank back to another fill up and I have done this 3 times. Of course, my city driving is only 20%, back-roads is 60% and highways is 20%.

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  Hidden Gem - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Rob - May 22 - 4:03 pm

  This 2016 Outlander sport SE 2.4 AWD is the best kept secret. As others have said it is underrated for sure, it is quiet, good MPG, CVT transmission is far better than the DCT (duel clutch transmission) many makers are putting in their models. So called expert reviews are really lopsided on this vehicle, Before you buy one of the EXPERT best rated models, go with the consumer ratings and give this hidden gem a try, I did and I am more than satisfied I made the right choice.

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  Dont be fooled by "expert" reviews! GREAT CAR! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bravin Hughart - May 16 - 1:21 am

  Are you kidding? Buy it! We mulled around for two weeks trying to decide between the Honda CRV, Subaru XT and the Outlander Sport. The Mitsubishi had the best warranty by a long shot (not the warranty was much of a concern with Honda or Subaru). It boiled down to bang for your buck. We got a LOADED SE Outlander with the glass roof for around the starting price of the other two. We bought the Mitsubishi thinking we just got more bells and whistles but a cheapo car. Well, we were wrong. We just wrapped up a 2000 mile road trip and we were stunned. Economy: This car averaged 31 MPG over the full distance. (Keep in mind this is the 4X4) The insurance rate was lower than the other two SUVs we were considering. Comfort: I have a very bad back and that is the most comfortable I have been in a car since I drove a Lincoln. It rides, handles and stops very well. Power: Many people comment the power is lacking in this car. My wife and I feel it is just right. It is not slow by any means. 70 -80 mph with no issues through the mountains. Acceleration is actually impressive. MPG is the concern for us and this car finds that balance between power and MPG. The CVT transmission is a little weird at first but you soon get used to the shift or no shift depending on where your foot is on the accelerator. I have fun working with the transmission keeping the MPG maxed out. Design: The interior is not Lexus quality but it is as good if not better than Honda, Toyota or Subaru. We LOVE the Rockford Fosgate stereo system with the touch screen and deep bass. The illuminated glass roof is a treat at night. The exterior is aggressive and sporty. It turns heads. We had several people ask us what kind of car this was and they liked it. Value: We feel we could not have done better with any other car. The Mitsubishi dealers seem happy to have our business instead of considering it a chore to sell us a car (Honda, Subaru). We bought this car for work commuter duty. We have already decided it will be much more than that.

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  WOW! 2015 Outlander Sport GT one year later - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By BTWells - May 10 - 2:00 pm

  I bought the 2015 Outlander Sport GT back in April 2015 so have owned it for more than a year. Wow! What a nice vehicle. I got a gray one with the Touring package, Rockford Fosgate sound system, panoramic roof, cargo package, and exterior side moldings. The GT version also comes with the 2.4 liter engine. For me it drives beautifully. Nice pickup and acceleration with the improved engine. The black leather interior and matching black carpet make the interior fell rich and comfortable. The navigation system/audio system is LOADED with features and looks and sounds great. At the push of a button the ceiling retreats and panoramic roof with its LED backlighting appears-- very impressive! Best Features: The sound system is too cool and if you like bottom-end bass you will learn to rock out! Night driving with the panoramic roof open and the stereo loud will make you want to take more night drives! It was easy to pair my IPhone to the system and having the system controls on the steering wheel is convenient . The leather heated seats are very comfy and the dashboard layout was nicely thought out. There is also ample leg room for rear passengers. The gas mileage is also good--my best is 33 MPG and it averages 26-28 MPG on my 19 mile commute to work. Could be better features: I am not yet sold on the voice activation of the phone or navigation system. Maybe it needs to learn my voice and after one year of trying you would have thought it would have my voice down pat? And, Mitsubishi should rethink the "book" it gives as owners manuals. I find the manuals to be confusing and contain too much info and printed in typeface much too small for my eyes. And, after a year of driving, the shocks could be better. And lastly, the rear cargo area is small but certainly ample for most shopping expeditions as long as you dont buy any really larger size items. That being said, I really like the GT!

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  For the price nothing competes - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By real person - March 29 - 3:23 pm

  Ive been looking for a small cuv and used honda and toyotas are overpriced. Both are great vehicles but you can purchase a brand new outlander sport for what dealers want for the other vehicles used so they are basically taking your trade in for free. The outlander sport has a great warranty and rides really nice for a small cuv. The cvt trans is definitely different than what Im used to but you can also manually shift it. The 4wd system is really advanced because you can run it in fwd (front wheel drive), auto four wheel drive or lock 4wd when the weather is bad. It stays in 4wd lock until 25 mph the automatically switches back to auto 4wd. I previously had a subaru and really didnt like the fact that it didnt have a similar option. Fuel economy looks to be below average compared to similar vehicles but I opted for the bigger engine so I knew that. Some folks may argue that they dont have as good a resale but you are paying at least 3 to 4 grand less from the start, so the way i look at is how can it be worth more in the end. I keep a vehicle at least 10 years. I really dont think you can believe the expert reviews completely. Better off looking at the consumer reviews. Update 1 Year and 15,000 miles. Put in a k&n air filter getting consistent 29 to 30 mpg. Rear tires seem to wear more than the frontship but will easily see over 20k with them which is good for a factory tire. No real issues except seat cover coming loose. I just put it back in the track with a stick on adhesive. Could not see bringing it back to dealer for that. Do alot of winter driving and they lIke to use rocks as anti skid. This stuff easily nicks the lower edge right in front of rear door wheel wells. Notice 2017 come with a sort of moulding or flare. Mud flaps are probably a good option. Not regrets with the 2.4. Plenty of power and does 70 to 80 straight down the highway every day. Again for the price nothing competes! Update almost 23k latter. Averaging just shy of 30mpg combined driving. Just changed out the stock tires. Could of run them a little longer but were getting a little skittish in heavy rain. All in all good vehicle. Real only complaint is a little bumpy with the short wheelbase. For the price nothing compares.