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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  A/C issue not even 24 hours of ownership - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 4DogsCon - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  I have had this vehicle for less than 24 hours and already in for service. First time Mit. owner and maybe the LAST. Never had this problem with others-- then given loaner and told "make sure you put the same amount of gas in it." You kidding me? I have to check in my brand new SUV for 3-5 days for service and you have the nerve. Unbelievable. So far first impression is not too good. Other than that I thought the value was good although I hope this isnt the type of value yet to come.

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  Thinking of buying? I wished I hadnt - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Don - August 24 - 9:30 pm

  I should have read reviews first. Warranty was only good to the driveway out of the dealership. Mitsubishi says thats how its supposed to be because all the other new ones are the same. To me that means they are all broken. Blue tooth only comes out on the passenger speaker and at a very low volume. Making it impossible to use while driving. 2018 Outlander

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  Its Different - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sshadel - March 30 - 5:17 pm

  Pros: looks nice, Fairly good Mileage Many cons: When excellerating from stop , can not do it smoothly. You have to push harder on the gas peddle and then the front wheel hop takes over and you are all over the road. Front wheels spin out all the time when starting from stop. Told this is normal with Outlander. I have gone thru 2 sets of tires now (Rotate every 6000 miles to try to save them), but 3rd set is needed and only have 70000 miles on Outlander. (Last SUV Santa Fe had 70000 miles on 1st set of tires). I can’t let my 17 year old drive it because of the wheel hop. Also radio is nuts. You turn on and 5 to 10 seconds later it comes on. You go from AM to FM or Vice versa, it takes 5 to 10 secondes to change over. (Was also told that is normal). As you ease into a turn and begin to accelerate the steering wheel will not begin to return by itself you have to pull it back and sometimes jerk it back . (Also told this is normal) . Will have to get rid of shortly to get soemthing My 17 yr old can drive. He has no problem with our other cars just this one. (told it was normal)= Dealer

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  Mitsu 2008 Multiple Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By notime - February 20 - 8:50 am

  I purchased a 2008 SE Outlander about a month ago (new) and it has been in service for 16 days out of about a month. Driving it gives me a headache and my clothes absorb an "odor" (been ionized 2 times in service no change), steering wheel noises with right and left turns, other things but the big one is I need a new transmission which I am now waiting for (for a new car!). I feel like there are so many things going on with this SUV that I wonder where it was before I bought it. Never had a NEW SUV with so many problems. Services has not been good either I picked my SUV up yesterday waiting for the tranny and all the other problems still exist.

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  Stay Away From Mitsubishi - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander Buyer - December 29 - 8:40 pm

  I just bought 2010 Outlander XLS in one week and drove in 5 times, the air conditioner stopped working. There is leaking! Such quality.

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  Problems after Problems after Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By keno - July 18 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the outlander with trailer hitch. 1 year later, trailer hitch adapter caught on fire! Why? Third party part was installed instead of original part. Went to dealer to ask for repairs to be done and to be de-damaged, answer = No! Called Mitsubishi motors Canada told the story, show pictures, answer = sorry, cant help! If the original part would have been installed, it would have been covered under the warranty but since it was a third party part, only 1 year or 20 000km or warranty! Thanks to the dealer for having installed a third party part and thanks for all the problems. In 1st year, went +/- 10-12 times to dealer for electronic.

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  Nice in some areas, but with important shortcomings - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kgl1 - May 23 - 5:30 pm

  We have leased 2 Mitsubishi Outlanders 2012- a full size 7 seater (4cyl) and Sport model. Both have 4wd systems. The value is very good, that was by far the best lease deal on any suv we could find, and they also gave us the best deal on our trade-ins we could find anywhere. We liked the overall appearance, features and the test drive experience of both cars. the fact that in one of them there are 7 seats, and it is a full 4wd makes it already quite unique. Everything is good and fun about these cars, but 3 important areas: fuel economy is way below the advertised, especially in the city. Cheap, easily stainable/scratchable plastic used. CVT transmission is noisy and slow to react.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Robert - December 10 - 8:13 am

  After three years of fairly trouble free operation the radiator in my Mitsubishi Outlander blew causing the enigine to overheat and sustain further damage. The problem was with a defective fan controller known by Mitsubishi. They elected to cover the cost of all the parts, but not the labor. Is that good customer service? I dont think so. BTW, all this happened just one month after the warranty expired.

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  Very Angry - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Italia Parisi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  When shutting the doors, the sound is very cheap. Mileage is way way way off what is claimed. Transmission already feels like it is slipping. Stereo sound is not clear. Fog lights are for appearance only, they serve no other purpose. All things considered I paid way too much for a 4 cylinder car. And I did my research on your sight!!! Shame on you.

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  Traded my Gallant for This??? - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cm0805 - May 31 - 3:11 pm

  I didnt know when I traded that the same motor that was in my Gallant is also in the Outlander. Good motor, but the Outlander is heavier so it has no get up an go. It also doesnt track well, feels top heavy in the curves. Inside is not plush, but looked good when new. Both Gallant and Outlander had the same problems: after a couple yrs the A/C goes out and the temp control knob (the cheapest design Ive seen) breaks off. The good news: 10yrs, 260k mi and still running like a top. Oil changes and a timing belt is all Ive had to do. My Gallant was the reason I stayed with this brand... 340k, oil changes and 1 water pump. Awesome!