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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  Mitsubishi - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - May 31 - 6:45 pm

  Ok this will be brief and to the point. 1. 2006 Eclipse 2. 2006 Spyder 3. 2009 Spyder 4. 2011Spyder 5. 2011 Lancer 6. 2011 Outlander Sport ES 7. 2013 Outlander Sport SE No issues what so ever

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dailydriver7 - April 25 - 1:38 am

  Very pleased with this SUV after having it a couple of months now. I hear people complain about how their Bluetooth or other features do not work right on their cars, but mine does and everything else works well too. No problems at all. In 80%highway at 70 mph/20%city driving, I was averaging about 28 mpg, but once I passed the 2,000 mile break in period it has jumped to about 31 mpg (could also be the switch over from the winter gas at the stations too). This is actual mileage, where I do the math after filling up at the gas station. The trip meter seems to understate mileage a little bit. This SUV also has sharp looks and is well built. Its my first Mitsubishi and I am impressed.

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  Great Economical Choice!!! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By happydriver82 - February 4 - 3:15 pm

  Great overall car for your buck! Before purchasing I read reviews that the performance was on the slow side however its not ment to be a rocket. Realistically it is a 4cyl and still gets more then enough power to take off and if you need more you can use the manual mode to get that more reponsive take off and for passing. But thats how you are getting the most out of your gas tank. Even the standard features such as the bluetooth, paddles on steering for manual, USB are not normally in base models and Mitsubishi is giving it away! Over all great gas milage, smooth ride, roomy, which I wasnt expecting, and sporty exterior. Great Price!

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  Fun to Drive!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sunnyray - January 22 - 3:35 am

  I absolutely love this car! Ive had 2 Hondas & a Jeep and by far I like this much better! You get all the little extras etc. heated seats, blue tooth, keyless entry and start for much less than Honda. It looks so great and smart to drive! Make sure you get the larger wheels and 4wd for all the difference in the world! We just had a major snow storm and this cuv handled better than any suv Ive ever driven! Thanks to Mitsb for an affordable and awesome cuv! handled better than any suv Ive ever had (my last one was a jeep) I love my new small crossover and it is a blast to drive! You will love it too!

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  Nice, HighTech SUV for a great price - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By southbaydriver - October 28 - 12:49 am

  I got a loaded SE AWD. The car is great. It does take a little while to get used to the way the CVT behaves. Once I got over that, I really like the car. Comfortable, quiet and the interior is very elegant in a minimalistic way. The sound system (Rockford Fosgate) is the best Ive seen. The bluetooh integration with my phone is great. Not only it handles phone calls but it also plays the music from my smartphone automatically. I just get in the car and it remembers all of the settings. I am very happy with the car

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  Best SUV Value for the Money - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Paul S. - September 8 - 11:37 am

  I bought a used 2014 Outlander Sport ES from a private seller and could not be happier with the SUV. I wanted a 30 MPG SUV that was reliable had less than 50K miles for under $10K and the Outlander Sport is the only SUV that checked all those boxes. Many reviews will downgrade the Outlander Sport because the 2.0L engine is under powered they say, but while this SUV wont win any 0 to 60 races its has more than enough power for me and will accelerate adequately in all driving conditions. If you drive like Mario Andretti and are an aggressive driver you should look elsewhere and expect to pay more both at the dealer and at the pump. However, if you drive like a normal person you will love this SUV. It has a great ride and while this is my first vehicle with a CVT, Im very impressed with the smoothness of the transmission. Every other SUV in the Outlanders class will cost you a minimum of $2500 more to purchase used and will not be any more reliable or pleasant to drive. My only complaint is that the 2013-2016 Outlanders only come with a black interior which is murder in the south when your car sits outside in the summer time. Aside from that Im a very happy first-time Mitsubishi owner.

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  Hot/Cold - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By vickie benner - July 5 - 12:26 am

  The only and BIG complaint I have is the heating and air condition system. Even if you have the dial on the last blue square you still get hot air coming out of the vents. If you are sitting at a red light for any period of time you break out in a sweat. When driving on a 50-60 mph highway you have to keep adjusting the dial. Even if you run the air condition you still have to keep adjusting the dial. The service dept. at the dealership where I bought the vehicle says that this is the design of the system. I think they need to go back to the design board with this. Is anyone else having this problem?

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  Top ten worst car in 2011 - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - May 1 - 9:50 pm

  My CUV has a noisy cvt transmission. My CUV has low powered 145 hp engine. My CUV also has a music usb music port. My CUV also has a mpg monitoring system. My CUV gets up to 36 mpg. My CUV goes up to 2 or 3 weeks without refueling. My CUV cost less than most CUVs and has more standard features than most CUVs in its class. My CUV has taught me how to drive during these high priced gas prices. My CUV looks great! My CUV has not ever had a repair issue. My CUV can go beyond the posted speed limit. Including this CUV I have bought 6 cars from Mitsubishis My CUV is a 2012 Outlander Sport! I plan to keep this Outlander Sport forever.

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  underrated - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By edmunds - January 27 - 5:10 pm

  have had no problems since purchased dec 2014. had a recall & now it is better than before. just purchased a Curtis hitch mount receiver & cargo carrier. now have extra room when needed. dont know why it received some low ratings. great vehicle. good price & great vehicle.

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  Ignore the reviews. This is a great vehicle. - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Luke Short - November 7 - 7:59 am

  I read the reviews for this vehicle and just knew it was the worst vehicle since the Yugo. But.....I decided to test drive it and determine for myself; Im glad I did. With almost 13,000 miles on the clock, its only seen the shop for oil change and tire rotations. HID headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth, heated seats, climate control, power drivers seat, PW, keyless entry, and on and on and on. It has every toy I could possible want and it does everything right. Today we loaded 750 pounds of dog food in the back; 15 each 50 pound dog food. There was room for more and I couldnt even tell the load was in the back. I still got 30 mpg on the 30 mile trip back home. We drove from Phoenix some 200 miles up to the White Mountains at 75 mph and still got 29 mpg. 1200 above sea level to 7000. The seats are a little stiff and the interior has some cheap looking plastic, but its $10,000 less than any competition and I can live with a few shortcomings for that kind of money. I paid just under $20k and got this amazing vehicle with a ten year bumper to bumper warranty. Great mileage, great storage capacity, almost every toy and the best warranty in the business. UPDATE: Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Rock solid. No problems and dealer service from Mark Mitsubishi is terrific. $39 for an oil change, tire rotation and car wash. You simply cant go wrong with this vehicle.