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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  Good Ride - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mitsu08 - September 21 - 5:50 am

  I have my Outlander for about 4 months. I was looking for a small SUV to change it for my Honda Civic. I found the Outlander for excellent price. Love the exteriors; interiors are ok. I have the base model and I love it. The outlander is good in gas, no problem with that, little change from my Honda. Has lot of space front and back seats. Little exterior noises, may bother sometimes. Overall is a good purchase, no regrets.

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  Solid car - very pleased - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jane - September 20 - 12:13 am

  We purchased our car 1 year used with about 12000 miles on it. Weve been very happy with it. Like any car that is now 6 or so years old, it has a few rattles and such, but not many. It has not had any major issues (regular maintenance only), other than a known issue with the dash AC/Heat selector. Now I must switch from AC to heat from under the dash or pay to fix it (around $1500, so I wont do it). Mileage is right around 20mpg for mix of around town and highway. Its very comfortable to drive and ride in - we regularly make 8+ hour treks in the car and find it very comfy. The car has held up well over the years. Very happy with it.

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  so far, so good - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pirate-King - September 15 - 2:00 am

  like many others, I was NOT looking at the OUTLANDER...I was deciding between the PATHFINDER ( which is too expensive) and the FORRESTER ( which is too "soccer-mommy" for me ) But after driving the OULANDER, I was impressed, and bought it on the spot. Saved THOUSANDS over the aforementioned autos as well. EXCELLENT handling, and smooth, effortless shifting in sport mode. The stereo has a little less wattage and thump than I like, but that is being kinda petty. Overall, I would recommend this SUV to anyone ( UNLESS you intent to off-road..this is NOT the SUV for that!! )

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cme4brain - September 3 - 10:20 pm

  I researched all similar SUVs- CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Santa Fe, and this is by far the best. The closest SUV to the Outlander is the Subaru Forester, but it is nowhere near as sporty, and has only a 4-speed transmission! I traded my Mercedes C240 and could not be happier. I am getting 26.3 mpg driving to work (mainly highway)- more than I got with my small Benz! The CR-V is too econobox, the RAV4 has no nav nor shiftronic transmission, the Forester is too soccer mom/housewife. Both the CR-V and RAV4 A/C is poor- cant cope with our heat! Reliability of Mitsu is outstanding for this model, could not be happier. As with my four prior Mitsubishis, your value for what you pay is incredible

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  Love this Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:16 am

  I love this car. I shopped around for a good used vehicle. I bought the Mitsubishi Outlander sight unseen. It came with a great warranty. I am really enjoying sitting higher in the vehicle than in a sedan. It has plenty of power for me. I also like the height to get in an out. It is just right for me. I dont have to use a sideboard. It gets better gas mileage than I expected. It hugs the road while driving and has great braking. It has a somewhat plain interior, but it is fine for me. The sound system is great also. It does everything I need.

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mommytoo - August 24 - 11:20 pm

  We found this while looking at the RAV- 4, but I knew nothing about it, so I looked up the rating-review. I went back to the dealership and test drove it, expecting it to be noisy and have a rough ride (consumer reports) - I was pleasantly surprised! It handles great, fun to drive, not that noisy (less than Honda)and a pleasant ride. It a great all around CUV package that met my needs better than CR-v, RAV-4,Santa Fe, or Murano. Yes, you can have a slightly smoother, quieter ride with a better interior quality in the Acura RDX/MDX or X35, for $20K more. You can have better audio in the Murano for $10K more. You can have great accel in RAV-4 for $10k more with few creature comforts.

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  Never thought of Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JPA1 - August 22 - 10:06 am

  Thanks to Edmunds I added the Outlander to my list of SUVs. Also looked at the CR-V and the RAV4. I got it with the upgraded sound and navigation system. If you can swing them they are worth it. Being 60+ my wife and I like not having hop up or crouch down to get in. All and all a good vehicle for the buck. Thanks Edmunds.

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  Love My Outlander! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jennifer - August 22 - 12:06 am

  Let me start off by saying I wanted the Nissan Murano or the Mazda CX-7, but my husband wanted me to look at the Outlander just to see what it offered. I was so impressed with the standard features and price on the Outlander that we walked away with a fully loaded one at just over $30,000. This is something that CAN NOT be done with the Murano or CX-7. There are so many features on this vehicle that I am still trying to figure them out. You must go see it for yourself to fully appreciate it. The 3rd row seats are small but I knew this when I bought it. My kids (ages 10 and 12) dont mind sitting back there on short trips. I keep the seat folded down for space but its nice to have it when needed.

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  Impressive Ride - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Austin - August 14 - 1:06 am

  Great on gas with ample power. 4 wheel drive with climate options allows you to help the car maximize traction.

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  Great value for your money! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Fritz Lindstrom - August 13 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle for use instead of my useless Ford F 150. I was a bit nervous about my first backroad/offroad trip but the Outlander handled great. It is almost as high of the ground as a truck so you can go through potholes and deep puddles. Highway mileage is good, city mileage is decent. It is definitely good value for money.