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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 109.00-
Great value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By 0ffroader - May 24 - 3:16 amIve been looking for a CUV for around two years to replace my 15 year old sedan. I was leaning towards an Escape Hybrid, but while researching fuel efficient CUVs, I ran into a USNEWS article that described this as the best CUV for the money. Im glad I test drove one. All profesional reviews blast the "performance" of this, but unless youre into sports cars and like driving really fast and making quick getaways from traffic lights, it doesnt matter. I dont plan speeding tickets into my budget either and usually drive around the limit with my small kid in the back. This car is perfect for a small family. The rear isnt too roomy, but is adequate.
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Excelent - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By Zoran Stojkovski - April 17 - 7:23 amGood car
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Love my Mitsubishi!!! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By Paul - March 7 - 9:04 pmIve had the Outlander Sport for 1 month now, and the vehicle is awesome!! I have the GT with the 2.4 liter engine (FWD not 4WD), upgraded stereo with subwoofer, navigation system, huge skylight and hid headlights. The hid headlights are incredible. The main light comes from a projector lens, but theres also a port for reflected light to shoot out the sides of the housing. Driving at night, especially in dark areas without streetlights, is where these headlights really perform. I just drove on a 3-lane expressway at night, where streetlights were not on for a segment of the road. I drove in the middle lane, and the headlights lit up the center lane AND the lanes to the left and right. In another dark road I saw a fox on the road ahead of me (the headlights startled it) and I was able to follow the scruffy creature as it ran off the side of the road. Another night I saw a cat on the side of the road that turned around and moved further away from the road. The cvt transmission really lowers the engines rpms when not pressing hard on the accelerator. Cruising at 40 mph, the engine is at a quiet 1400 rpms; cruising at 60 mph the engine is just below 2000 rpms, 70 mph results in 2100 rpms (and the engine is still smooth and quiet). The upgraded stereo sounds fantastic. The navigation system screen rotates out to allow cds to be inserted into the stereo. Cellphone connects up to the car via bluetooth (done by car dealer the day I got the Mitsu). I thought my old mp3 player without bluetooth technology wouldnt connect to the car, but it does. There is a usb port in the compartment between the driver and front passenger seats. I hooked up the old mp3 player to that usb port (via the cord that came with the mp3 player) and the artists and albums populated on the Mitsus touch screen, allowing me to choose what music to play. I havent had this car long enough to comment on long-term reliability but so far it has been fun to drive.
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Great gas mileage - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By kmgreen - July 22 - 7:57 pmAbout 2 months ago, we traded in our Jeep Liberty for a re-poed 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It gets better gas mileage than expected - about 29-31 in mixed driving. It doesnt feel peppy when accelerating but its my first CVT and I think it just feels different, not bad. The drivers side has tons of legroom and my knees never hurt on long trips. The road feel is a little rough -- similar to the Jeep. We live down a rough dirt road and with 8+ inches of ground clearance, the Outander Sport performs great. Update: Weve had this car for about 2 years and never had a problem with it. If and when we need a new car well probably buy another Outlander.
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Id buy a Mitsubishi - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By neillangevin - June 9 - 5:06 pmIm on my 4th Mitsubishi and I always go to Westboro Mitsubishi in Westboro Mass. I am on my 3rd leased car from them an Outlander Sport SUV 2013 and I love it. The car drives great and handles great in all weather. The Sales and service staff are great and bend over backwards for you. I would definately reccomend this car and this dealership.
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Awesome vehicle - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By jaimiej - March 4 - 11:26 amI dont know why "experts" are so harsh on this vehicle. We initially looked at the 2015 outlander sport based on looks alone. Even the ES base features are nice such as blue tooth. The outlander isnt noticeably slow as some reviews state, and it more than makes up for that by incredible MPG even with 4x4. Some reviews also said the engine is loud, but I didnt notice that over the awesome premium sound system that comes standard. The warranty, price and quality are unmatched. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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I love this car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By loiscae - January 13 - 1:15 pmAbsolutely love everything about this car. Ive only had it a few months so I cant give it a 5 rating on reliability until Ive had it longer.
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Dont let the experts fool you, this is the best crossover suv to get - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By researchmommy - December 23 - 8:53 amIm a mom of 2 kids who used to drive a 2000 Toyota Sienna van and needed a change. I test drove the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV 4, Mazda CX-7, Chevrolet Equinox and they just dont have the ride comfort of the Outback Sport. I drive my kids to school everyday and have minimal highway miles traveled, but no matter where I go I cant help but smile because I paid less for a car I feel gives you more standard and even with some options added on, is a better value than the cars mentioned above. Dont let the reviews on the engine noise sway you from test driving this vehicle. In the end that is the true test of if a vehicle is right for you or not.
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Very Pleased - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By boehm421 - October 19 - 9:04 pmRecently purchased my Outlander Sport after looking at the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. Read some reviews indicating it is very loud and under-powered. I have found the power to be more than adequate and engine noise to be a non-issue as well. If you are a lead foot, engine noise will be louder than usual due to the CVT transmission. The car makes use of higher RPMs to power the car for quick acceleration. This has to do with the fact that a CVT does not "shift". Its basically one large gear. The car feels well made. I am very happy to own this car after trading in a Mercedes Benz ML320. I do mostly city driving/ short trips and get about 23 mpg, which is a vast improvement for me.
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NEW OUTLANDER SPORT 2.4 Litre - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
By crofoot50 - June 2 - 4:55 amjust picked up my brand-new 2015 outlander GT sport with the 2.4 L engine and the paddle shifters . the power this vehicle has for an all-wheel-drive model is amazing I cant tell you enough how great this car is to drive need to stop down and try it out what a difference from the original vehicles they have been complaining about with the small underpowered 2.0 motor . I just got it and cannot stop smiling get to your dealer and road test one with the paddle shifters. The only complaint I have is the real window visibility in the rearview mirror is kind of hard to see very small rear hatch window.
