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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  Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By old and slow - May 15 - 12:03 pm

  I researched this very competitive market in depth, many good choices but none were a better value when considering everything. MSRP $24,705 Invoice $23,333 Sale Price $22,199 and received full Blue Book Trade In Value for my trade in. Also, 0% financing for 36 months. Lastly,5 yr bumper to bumper, 5 yr road side assistance, and 10 yr power train warranties. Mitsubishis however dont hold their value as trade ins, so a negative if you will sell or trade in after a few years, with low mileage.

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  75k death - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joelor - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  At 75k entire rear suspension needs to be replaced. Car was cared for very well. Was told by dealer that I should have had a 4 wheel alignment every yr! Good bye mitsu

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  A Smart SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gold star - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Outlander LSAWD surpassed our expectation.Its like youre riding in Lexus based on comfort and its rear end design.The height is lower Compared to Rav4 & Honda CRV so you are more closer to the ground in proportion to its center of gravity so you are more stable,its like riding in Subaru Forester.In regards with fuel its good it doesnt cost as much as other suv.If your looking in SUV which you can use in all terrain try the Outlander,I can say you wont regret it.

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  Incredible reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M. Taylor - March 24 - 10:08 pm

  Mitsu has a poor image here in the US but the Outlander was a great car for my family. We purchased ours new in the summer of 2003. It was the XLS model with AWD and all factory options. It was originally my wifes car and she chose it over the CR-V and RAV4 due to our positive experience with a prior Mitsu SUV (Montero Sport) and the availability of a sunroof along with heated leather seats. A year later, we got her another car and I took over the Outlander. We traded the Outlander in for new car in Feb 2016. It had 302,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. The Mitsu was extremely reliable for us with the interior and exterior holding up well through the those 13 years. My only gripes: slow acceleration, average fuel consumption, and timing belt had to be changed every 60k miles.

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  One Punishing Ride - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Alltone - February 14 - 7:03 am

  A kidney belt might be a nice option, you will feel every crack and bump in that supposedly smooth black top. The ride is harsh and tiring, like a bicycle with touring wheels, otherwise the car is a joy. We got the basic $20k model, upgraded to leather, moon roof, CD changer, 10 yr warrantly.

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  Love it! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arwood - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, used with just under 50k miles on it, in 2010 when I graduated college. The first month I had it I drove it from AZ to AK! Very Comfortable. Didnt have a single problem. I have now lived in AK for over 2 years and have driven in all the craziest weather conditions and couldnt be happier! It gets decent gas mileage, I love that I can switch on AWD whenever I need it, the sound system is AWESOME and I always get complimets on how nice it is. I went from driving a sports car to this and I love my Mitsubishi and would definitely buy another!

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  Good for its class - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bmwadam - January 13 - 4:20 pm

  My wife bought this car back in December of 2005. We have over 30,000 miles on it now and have had any problems whatsoever. It has NEVER been to the dealer, I do all of the maintenance myself and the car is very easy to work on for the home mechanic. Good gas mileage for its class. All around a good deal for someone that is wanting a compact, SUV.

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  Outlander 2.4 2009 - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eelly - December 12 - 2:06 am

  I bought the outlander after test driving rav4 and crv. I like the outlander looks and its price of course, unlike rav which I believe is overpriced. Honda crv is better in acceleration, Rav4 is more car like when you drive. Outlander is heavier, but more stability in curve although a bit slow during start but can be faster if you use the techtronic options. Overall its worth the money compared to Rav4 and CRV. Forget about resale value - just enjoy driving it... no regrets.

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  2004 Outlander (bought in 2003) - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By redbrnch - November 30 - 6:20 am

  I have always driven large SUVs and trucks and just love this car. It takes daily off-road abuse to get to and from our home. Great buy, just beware of financing scams that can come with it.

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  Great Value, Comfort and Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhmh - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I find the Outlander to be comfortable and stylish. The 2.4 liter engine provides the power level I expected (what do you expect from a 4 cylinder?). I think it is enough power for most drivers. After reading through almost all of the other reviews, I have found some common complaints. 1)The vehicle pulls to one side. I dont think this is an alignment problem. 2)Under hard acceleration, the muffler or something in the exhaust sounds like it is loose or has a hole in it. I checked the NHTSA website for recalls on these two specific items, but there are not any. Overall, I think this is a strong buy for the money.