Overview & Reviews

Debuting a few years after the start of the new millennium, the first-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was a late arrival to the small-SUV segment. Like many of its peers, it had a car-based design that translated into good handling and a comfortable ride on paved roads, but limited off-road capability. With so many competitors, Mitsubishi tried to set the Outlander apart with distinctive styling and a sporty demeanor. Compared to popular models from Honda and Toyota, however, the older Outlander models offered less interior space, and their breathless four-cylinder engines failed to live up to Mitsubishi's sporting image.

These problems were addressed in the larger second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which gained more interior space and an available V6 engine. Even so, the Outlander still lives in the shadows of its more successful contemporaries, whose reputations for overall quality and reliability are well-known to consumers. In spite of its lower profile, the second-generation Outlander is a competitive small SUV. It has the available all-wheel-drive system, high driving position and versatile cargo space consumers have come to expect in this segment, and sets itself apart with distinctive styling, advanced technology and a lively personality.

Current Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT. Outlander ES and SE models are powered by a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the GT receives a 230-hp 3.0-liter V6. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered GT uses a traditional six-speed automatic. Both have manual-shift capability. All Outlander trims are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The AWD system is notable for its various configurations that allow drivers to select 2WD for maximum fuel economy or 4WD Lock for maximum traction in slippery conditions.

The base ES is equipped with air-conditioning, CD player, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a full array of safety features and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE adds alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, a sliding second-row seat, a third-row seat and upgraded upholstery. The GT gets automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, automatic climate control and upgraded interior materials.

Many options are grouped into packages and include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, Rockford Fosgate audio system, the Fuse hands-free electronics interface, a rearview camera, a rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates.

In our reviews, we've praised the Mitsubishi Outlander for its energetic V6 engine as well as its family-friendly design and moderately sporty handling. Negatives include a ride quality that may be too stiff for some and second-row seating space that is merely adequate. Passengers in the third-row fare even worse, as that seat is frighteningly flimsy, very thinly padded and cramped even for small children. We wouldn't recommend using it. Overall, buyers seeking value, style and fun-to-drive characteristics in a package that doesn't sacrifice daily usability will find the Mitsubishi Outlander to be a decent choice, but we'd recommend that you consider its competitors.

Used Mitsubishi Outlander Models
Debuting for 2007, the latest (second-generation) Mitsubishi Outlander introduced a few key attributes that the original lacked, namely V6 power, a third-row seat and additional cargo room. Three trims were offered initially -- ES, LS and XLS -- and all were equipped with a 220-hp V6 engine. A unique option was the navigation system whose hard drive provided 30GB for music storage.

For 2008 Mitsubishi added the SE trim and the current car's four-cylinder engine. The LS trim was deleted the following year, while a back-up camera and a larger hard drive for the navigation system debuted. Besides the 2010 styling revamp, the V6 received a slight increase in power along with an update to the AWD system.

For 2010, the Mitsubishi Outlander received a major refresh that included new aggressive styling inspired by the Lancer Evolution X. Other changes included a new LCD gauge display, real-time traffic for the navigation system and an available "Fuse" hands-free link system with audio streaming and voice commands for MP3 players and cell phones. Mechanical changes included a slight power bump for the V6 engine (to 230 hp) and an upgraded version of the all-wheel-drive system. The XLS trim was dropped for 2012.

The first-generation Outlander was sold from 2003-'06. Dropped into the highly competitive small-SUV category, the Outlander had unique styling, a carlike ride and comfortable seating for four, but offered few advantages over the more established competition.

In its first year of production, the Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 140-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. Around-town power was adequate with this setup, but Mitsubishi's compact sport-utility proved quite sluggish in passing and high-speed merging situations. A jump in hp to 160 for the 2004 model year helped somewhat, but the Outlander's engine still wasn't a match for the smooth and potent four-cylinders in small SUVs from Honda and Toyota, much less V6-powered Ford and GM models. Throughout the first-generation Outlander's run, both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions were offered.

In addition to the LS and the XLS trims, Mitsubishi added a high-line Outlander Limited trim in 2005, with unique interior and exterior trim enhancements as well as leather seating. Also significant for '05 was the addition of a five-speed manual as the standard transmission on the LS. Highly observant customers may also notice the slightly revised rear styling introduced during this model year.

In 2006, the midlevel XLS was replaced by the SE trim level, while base LS and high-end Limited trims remained. That model year also saw antilock brakes and side airbags find their way to the list of standard equipment for all trims. Models prior to 2006 reserved those safety features for premium models, making older LS-trim Outlanders less desirable for used car buyers. In general, we would advise used-car shoppers to look at '04 and newer Outlanders -- unless, that is, you find that you like the less powerful original engine more than we did.

User Reviews:

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tiffany G. - June 22 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking to upgrade from a sedan but didnt want the bad fuel economy of an SUV. This car fit the bill. This has handled great in the show and I live on country back roads so this was important. I was hoping for a little better gas mileage than it gets in the winter but as the weather warms up, it seems to be improving and I have gotten up to 27 mpg on the highway in 2wd. My 6 year old son loves it and thinks its the best car ever!

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  Blk 07 Outlander (my perfect fit!) - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qqt414 - June 1 - 9:33 pm

  After doing much research on the CR-V, RAV4, and other small SUVs, I finally chose the 07 Outlander and after a few thousand miles of driving I feel I definitely made the right choice. Love the sporty exterior and interior styling as well as features such as the Rockford system (best system in the class by far) and the great fold down tailgate design that I have used a lot. Also you get the best leather in the class plus all the tech gadgets that make me happy. Sporty handling, well weighted steering, and a joy to drive. Decent fuel economy compared with RAV4 and CR-V, but the benefits definitely outweigh! Test drive it and you will be surprised!

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  A hidden jem - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kristen - June 1 - 12:12 pm

  I was concerned bc I havent heard a lot about the outlander from people I know - no news is good news. I needed the 3rd row in a small SUV and the Rogue seemed too tight and blah interior. thats how I stumbled upon the outlander. I just drive around town and to work so professional caliber handling is lost on me. What I want is comfort, great mileage . Reliability in the snow , attractive inside and out, and a good price The outlander delivers!

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  The Outlander made me a believer in Mitsu - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - May 23 - 12:13 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander won me over with its great power, smooth acting 6 speed auto transmission, high technology car with GPS, blue tooth, fast key, satellite radio, high output audio, xenon headlights, MP3/6 CD changer, ABS, EBD, ASC systems, MIVEC, TPMS, HDD navigational system and DVD/CD player.

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  Not driven a lot yet , But enjoying it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 1stXmitsuowner - May 21 - 8:03 pm

  Nice sporty ride, tight handling and good MPG so far! Sharp looking and peppy for a 4 cyl. Wish I upgraded to moon roof and R/F sound system. But sound not bad! Bought because of value and warranty. Looked at Kia, Mazda and Ford prior to buying the Outlander!

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  outlander on the go - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gusszilla - May 13 - 10:00 am

  ive owned this suv since dec 2003 and its the best one i ever bought i cromed out the outside with running boards front crome bumper and rear crome bumpers decals on side added ventshades grill gaurd and it had bland stlying but now i get alot of complaiments on it its fun to drive and great in the snow and smooth ride has never been in shop for anything very reiable would defently buy another mitsibishi

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  Love my Outlander GT - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Robin - April 27 - 6:19 am

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  I Like It - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Laura - April 21 - 2:03 am

  I used to have a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport which I absolutely loved. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a nice change because of the larger interior space and more height for better visibility. For those who are taller, the slope of the windshield can make it a little difficult to see. It handles fine, but if you are changing from a car, be prepared for different handling. The steering is very responsive.

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  Great Value, Great Vehicle! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qoheleth - April 20 - 1:54 pm

  I bought this Outlander SE AWD as a 2012 leftover. The price was $21,300, a great price for a SUV with AWD, bluetooth, and lots of nice features. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong or missed a beat in the first 15,000 miles. It has been fun to drive, reliable and relatively economical.

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  Quite Pleased - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JS Love - April 15 - 2:26 am

  Best all around crossover/SUV Ive had (priors: Jeep Cherokee, Mazda Tribute, Hyundai SantaFe). Poor low end torque & city gas mileage. Good highway gas mileage; outside size/interior room ratio; responsive & tight handling. Excessive tire & wind noise on Highway. Good & plentiful electronics are intuitive and well thought out; steep learning curve to use efficiently. Same for 2nd & 3rd row seat positioners. Hard to see instruments & Nav in bright sunlight. Lots of front glove box/misc & rear storage space. Great warranty; no problems in 8 mos of ownership. Used paddle shift once in 8 mos. Overall Impression: Utilitarian yet fun to drive, super value for money. Would buy another one!