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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  Overall performance/Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Patricia Wood - August 28 - 3:16 am

  I have had this 2003 Mitsubishi outlander for 18 years. I bought it with about 1300 miles on the odometer. It now has approximately 260,000 miles on it. I live in the Colorado high country and my Outlander has always gotten me through snowstorms, hail, icy roads and muddy off road driving. It is reliable and fuel efficient!! I love this car! The interior has held up remarkably well, in fact, looks like new except wear on the pedals. Of course I have always given it regular oil changes, replaced wipers, battery, brake shoes, muffler and headlamps...things of that nature. But never have I had issues with the transmission, engine, alternator or major components. This gem has cost me very little to maintain. Recently the serpentine belt, sway bar links, rear U joints and cv axles were replaced. The total cost was about $2000. I paid it gladly and never considered replacing it with another vehicle, used or new. Some may say it's foolish to put money into an 18 year old car but replacing my Outlander with a newer car would not guarantee that a new one would handle as well in inclement weather, run as well day to day, last as long with no major expenses and be as reliable as my Mitsubishi Outlander.

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  2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjens - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This small Suv has been a lot of fun to drive and since Ive purchase this car over seventeen month ago has not cause me one bit of trouble. I wish it would give better gas milage in the city 18 mpg but it does rather well on the highway 27 mpg.

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  Read actual consumer reviews! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mitsucommuter - November 17 - 8:26 pm

  Best car for the value. If your on the fence about the exterior and interior design compared to its competitors. Check this car out in person. It will most likely surprise you. My previous car was a mitsu galant. With everything original in tact with over 220k miles. So I know and trust their engineering. As long as you do the regular maintenance and dont submerge it under water or hit some deep pot holes at aggressive speeds this vehicle should be reliable. You should never have to rely on their warranty but its nice to have as a cushion/ peace of mind.

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  So So After 2 Years - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Duane - November 12 - 7:50 pm

  Overall, I still like this vehicle better than competing vehicles. However, I do have a few issues. First, the tires are horrible in snow and there are few choices available for XLS type rims. Second, already have several squeaks and rattles. Third, exterior paint scratches easily and body panels dent easily.

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  Handles all weather - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By molly - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Outlander all over the country, in Massachusetts snowstorms, New Mexicos wind storms, Pennsylvanias pelting rain, and Arizonas searing heat, and it has never let me down. It handles really, really well in the snow. I have not had to do anything other than routine maintenance. The original battery lasted for 7 years, and the paint still looks great. It has a few idiosyncrasies: It makes a strange chirping sound in cool, humid climates (in San Francisco, in particular). As others have noted, its not the peppiest. It drags on steep hills (like the big one in Camarillo, CA, on the 101 southbound), and I have to stick to the slow lane. All in all, Ive been very pleased.

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  Tommys Red Rider Outlander GT - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tom Colosimo - September 28 - 7:52 pm

  Dont believe everything you read! The Mitsubishi Outlander is NOT a piece of crap! Ive got 6K miles on mine and love it! I burn regular unleaded and get an avg. of 23 MPGs! Ive tried a couple tanks of premium and get the same MPGs and performance! The vehicle is solid in snow traction, acceleration, quietness, steering, etc. I love the LED headlights and tail lights - you dont get that on a 2016 XLE Rav4! I did test drive a LOT of 2015 CUVs before I bought this model. I recently drove a 2016 Rav4 and did not like the bumpy ride, noisy interior, poor acceleration and LACK OF TOWING! AND the price for a 4 cylinder vs. my V6 was ALMOST the same with the same options I have!! I think Mitsubishi messed up there marketing and some of their models over the past 10 years or so but this car is NOT bad! I had a Mazda for 12 years before this and there is no comparison to that vehicle with the smooth shifting 6 speed the Outlander has and power over that Mazda that had a 200 HP V6. So.....try it out before you buy something else!

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  Not your cookie cutter small SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CW - September 15 - 11:06 am

  It came down to the Outlander and RAV4. The Outlander looks a lot better, has a lot more technology and a superior warranty and provided more for the money. We really like the car and would highly recommend to anyone. If we had it to do all over we would buy the Outlander again.

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  SUV-just the right size - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melly11NY - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my subaru WRX wagon because I needed something bigger and cheaper (to fuel and to insure). While I loved the performance of my WRX, it wasnt a car that was easy to drive. And two adults in the backseat were definitely cramped. The Outlander has a big trunk but also room for adults in the backseat. The controls (cruise, radio, etc.) are easily accessible for the driver. The XLS comes with most of the options I wanted; I upgraded to the sunroof and enhanced radio package, though. The additional speakers sound great. The sunroof is a little clunky-fully open doesnt seem that open.

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  Covering too many goals - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By oldkrog - August 17 - 11:16 pm

  I wanted an suv with relatively good mileage, as much room for my autistic son as possible, good handling and a v6. Got them all in the outlander. But inside, plastic not very good, upholstery just so-so and there is Styrofoam under the floor carpets. Glad I got it, but wish I had gone for the xls loaded. Accelerates kinda odd, but you adapt to it. Turn on the air or radio, nothing happens for a couple seconds, like it has to think about it.

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  wifes new toy - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TGolf - August 15 - 2:13 am

  After 3 Chevy Astro vans driving this car is fun. The gas mileage in town is about 20mpg and about 23mpg on the hwy. The sun and sound package is a great addition. It looks like a Lexus from the rear and a Pontiac from the front.