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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  Know how to use it - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Brett - February 20 - 9:43 pm

  We picked up a 2015 outlander sport se 4wd. It is awesome. The backseat has more room for me at 62" than our Jeep Grand Cherokee. People who think this vehicle has pokey acceleration were not taught how to use the CVT transmission properly. Its just like a snowmobile or automatic 4wheeler. It has a "powerband" in the 3-5000 rpm range. If you keep the Rpms in this range its pretty dang snappy, even while moving at about 45. It has a great ride, its quiet, it looks great, I dont know what more I can say. LED driving lights, fog lights, paddle shifters, auto climate control, touch screen stereo, backup camera, heated seats, adjustable headlights, I mean. What more can you ask for an suv that costs $21K?!? Oh yeah. 30mpgs and 4wheel drive! Its ridiculous. Knock it all you want, but Ill take a $300/month payment for a brand new suv all day. Try it with any other brand with those options. Good luck!

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  1,000 Mile Review - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By has5kids - January 17 - 11:39 am

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2013 Mitsu Outlander Sport in Mercury Grey. We test drove two ES models, one was FWD with the standard transmission and the other was AWD with the CVT. My wife actually was excited to have the standard transmission as an option, but in the end, she elected to forego the fun and added driver control offered by the stick in favor or the AWD w/ the very cool paddle shifting. We have nearly 1,000 miles on the vehicle in just over a week and have noted many highlights and only a few lows. The styling is aggressive and cool... almost menacing from the front. The interior materials are great and original. The AWD actually works and is useful.

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  Love our new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MKR - November 10 - 4:31 pm

  We love the size and colors available. It has a lot of pep with the 2.4 engine. Good style for what the newer SUVs are today. The ride is very comfortable. Dealer was good and we got a deal that we were happy with. We added the rain guards over the windows as they are great when it is raining. Easy to understand most of the controls and the dealer went through the controls inside before we left the lot. They set-up my Bluetooth phone. We are very happy and this will last us many years. We are retired and dont do much traveling and we have a second SUV. I agree that you need to test drive this to make a decision. Dont sell this SUV short.

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  Great Little SUV!! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By stevem777 - June 14 - 2:21 pm

  I recently bought a 2014 Outlander Sport SE. I cant believe this vehicle is below everyones radar for anyone wanting a smaller crossover. I did all of the research and found that by far this Mitsu was ranked higher in customer satisfaction that all of the others. I decided to test drive this car and was really impressed with the performance and smooth ride it has. It didnt take long to make a decision when looking at the options for this vehicle. We got every option except for the navigation and the panoramic roof... the 6 speed paddle shifters and INVECS -III - CVT Sportronic transmission makes this a fun to drive, sporty compact SUV.

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  Dont believe the "professional" reviews - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bill - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi builds a very fine product but you dont hear much about them because everyone raves about Honda, Toyota etc, well they have issues believe me. My only issue with the outlander sport is getting in and out of the backseat, they could have made the door openings a bit wider This SUV is basically a Lancer on steroids. Sure its not going to take you from 0-60 in 2 seconds but its quick enough...very smooth and quiet ride. The panoramic roof I wish would open in some fashion, the led lights are a bit on the trendy side which I could take or leave.

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  40k driven in a year, and still rocking it! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Nik - March 20 - 11:12 pm

  I love this car. Seriously. Ive had my fair share of crummy cars in the past, to the point that it left me paranoid. After having had the outlander sport for a year and driving it 40,000 in one year, I can happily say this car is a champ. Not only do I drive for business and need it to be reliable, but its really comfy and looks fancy for the cost. Ive been able to fit a recliner in it with the seats down, and one trip had two medium size dog crates in there too. Its surprising how much it can fit. Then theres the gas mileage. Last fill up cost me $27 and it goes about 320 miles on that. The sound is great and I love the subwoofer in the back. Then theres the panoramic sun roof. Anytime a friend gets in the car thats the first thing they notice. As for the finishings, so far the interior holds up. Ive had cars (vws, Hondas, and nissans) that break apart or seems come apart. So far the outlander is in one piece. Oh! And Ive accidently hit a few things and no Damage shown on the car. Major plus! I cant say enough positive things. Only downside, is if the car is packed with people, cargo, and ac blasting- the acceleration struggles a bit. But not surprising. If youre short like me (under 5ft) the drivers seat goes up and gives you a clear view of the road. If youre tall like my dad (61") you can adjust it and feel comfortable too. I highly recommend this car.

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  not so great - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kristin guptill - February 11 - 4:29 pm

  Had the car a few months.states 4x4 . couldnt get up hill in snow.couldnt move in small amount of mud in driveway..was thinking 4 wheel drive didnt actually work but brought it to tire place and they said its probably because dealer gave me garbage tires at this point they were bald.at no point in my probably 5 oil changes did dealer ever tell me my tires were worn.very annoyed.so im 700 dollars in on tires.we will see if its tires

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  Best car for the money - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Vidal - November 11 - 1:10 pm

  This is such a great value. If you purchase a similar vehicle from a different manufacturer youll be paying too much. The engine and transmission are great, it accelerates faster than expected with the 2.4 liter engine. I would recommend this car to my family members.

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  perfect after the "Mom Van" is no longer needed! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dir6 - October 27 - 10:59 am

  Great for the budget minded who no longer need a van, but have teens at home, and kids in college to pay for. I have owned this for a year- looks & performs like I just drove it off the lot. Phenomenal handling in torrential southern rain. Ice cold air. Very comfortable for long distance college runs, even for my husband and college football player. Kids argue over who is going to drive it- all phones ( iphone & android) hook up & function well with the FUSE system. No one is taking this to school- its mine :)

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  Massively underrated - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Chad - August 16 - 9:51 am

  Purchased this for my wife. We had test driven a 2013 two years ago and were disappointed with its acceleration. Thankfully, the 2015 is no where near the same. Mitsubishi refined the CVT and added the 2.4 liter motor which made a huge difference in performance. We love the HID headlamps. Since we live in the country, deer are always a hazard. These headlights have a tremendously wide angle allowing the driver to see deer much better at night. Love it. Also, the breaks are very responsive. Cruise control is great. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is worth the money...incredible for a stock system. We like the physical size of the vehicle...not huge and not too small. Perfect for a small family and easy to drive. Visibility and seating position is excellent...unlike rav4. Rain sensing wipers are handy and work well. The four wheel drive system is much more advanced than most of the competition. You can actually lock the differential unlike Subaru and Honda. Toyota rav4 does lock, but you can only go 25 mph. The dealership was great. And these motors have a great reputation for reliability. Warranty is unmatched by any Japanese brand. Proudly built in the USA. We have been getting 27 mpg in 60/40 highway/city driving. Wife loves the heated seats, auto climate control, and panaramic roof. We paid 25k. Give this suv a shot if you are in the market...dont be brainwashed by paid reviewers/journalists. Update: car has been completely trouble free. Not a single issue (as it should be) in the 14k miles we have owned it. Still no rattles. Everyone still loves it. Update 4/25/17: still no problems with the car. Coming up on 18k miles of completely trouble free driving. Feels solid as a rock. Expect many more trouble free miles.