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 Auto - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Moose - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  I had this auto 1 1/2 years and have had no problems. The looks are great for the inside and outside. Really stands out when clean. I find the comfort in the front seats very good. Gas mileage is about 25 - 26 highway.

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  A great value purchase - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Vik - September 23 - 7:00 am

  We bought this to replace a 3-series BMW sedan. With a growing, athletic son and two large dogs, we needed to return to having an SUV for toting everyone around. Having previously owned both a Pathfinder and a Highlander, we were familiar with the virtues/vices of both truck- and car- based SUVs. We researched the Outlander thoroughly, and this model is recommended by both Edmunds and Consumer Reports. In fact, this model gets the nod over the 6 cyl, and we agree with that assessment. It is truly a great value purchase: fun to drive, very good technology, comfortable, and highly useful. The vehicle is thoughtfully designed. Yes, they could have used nicer interrior materials.

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  2 year review - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rdbmpls - September 10 - 8:27 pm

  I am a normal person in that I am not a car snob nor a gear-head. In a vehicle, I only want a few things… first and foremost I want a reliable vehicle that gets me from point A to point B. I want a vehicle that makes me feel comfortable while driving in it. I live in Minneapolis, MN and am 6’4” so I need a vehicle that can drive through sloppy/snowy weather and this vehicle can get that done. It also gets good highway MPG(23-27Highway MPG) (only ok if continually driving in the city:14-17MPG) If you are looking for a reliable, small SUV, that offers solid features at a good price, purchase the Outlander.

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  600 miles so far. - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R. Mumford - August 9 - 1:18 pm

  LE is higher level of trim with fog lights, moon roof and rear radar. Not the slowest vehicle (2.4L) i have owned but it ok for merging on highways and scooting around. I find it fun to drive and very good on gas. Smart display a good size screen incorporates several options. Us your smart phone (USB or Bluetooth ) and you pretty much have it all! Lots of room inside and seats for 5 adults & 2kids. Ride and handling ok , to few miles on odometer to comment. When you take into account the discount the price was a big factor. Mitsubishi has been around a long time , My guess you will be happy with purchase of this Outlander. My friend Bob has the sport model. Smaller but hes very happy !

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  Outlander Gt Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By genx_rated - July 28 - 11:24 pm

  Mitsubishis price of around $26k w/100k warranty was what sealed the deal. The MIVEC V6 is plenty powerful, especially since it only weighs as much as a midsized sedan(3500lb curb weight), despite what others may say. It also sounds quite nice, but not overly noisy. Have about 2000 miles now, and averaging 21-22 MPGs in 85% CITY driving. You can do 30 MPG on the highway at 65-70mph, but I dont drive there often. The 20/28 ratings are just about right. Ride is compliant and very Japanese, but not luxurious....more sporty. Handling is competent and fairly flat. Cargo space very good, maybe not as wide as Pathfinder or Explorer.

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  Value and Excellent driving manners - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By khm2010 - July 25 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased V6 XLS with luxury package 3 weeks back. Drives like a car has good cornering, road grip and no rolling effect. Does not feel heavy at all. Fuel mileage is as expected i,e 18/25 in 2WD mode but RAV4 has the best class mileage for V6. Like the contrasting leather, fit & finish. Lot of storage locations. Has a good usable cargo space due to length of the vehicle, but to gain more volume wish they made 3rd row seats optional in this package and body wider. 2nd row seats are the best in terms of configuring. Seats are firm , may lost longer.

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  Its Been a Fun Vehicle So Far! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mucool - July 21 - 10:20 am

  I am not a person that takes much risk or buys anything impulsively. But when I decided to buy the Outlander 2007, thats how friends and family thought of me. But so far, I have been happy with my new ride! We were almost going for the RAV4 , after evaluating CX-7, CR-V, Tribeca, when the Outlander came out. The Outlander is by far the best value for money for this segment. Its fun owning a car with a super cool navigation system, music system, Bluetooth combined with a V6 and not so useful but yet handy 3rd row seat. I am just waiting for the NHTSA crash test results, and if it gets a 5 star rating, then I am totally satisfied with what I got. Despite all the negative history on Mitsubishi, this vehicle rocks!

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  NO PEP, But nice Comfort! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By johnbobit - July 1 - 10:00 am

  It only comes with a 4 cylinder with no plans to have a V6 as an option any time in the near future. Much nicer overall than a CRV which we test drove.

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  2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ron84 - March 4 - 9:10 pm

  Just bought my son his second Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 Outlander GT AWD). We bought him a 2007 Outlander LS 5 years ago and it has been bullett proof. No issues at all. We bought the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2 months ago and thus far I have been very impressed. Although it is the same generation as his 2007 it has numerous improvements and has not dissapointed thus far. The 2007 had a slight hesitation when taking off but the 2012 does not have the same hesitation and is very smooth on takeoff. It is rated 10 HP higher than the 2007 and like the 2007 is very quick (and economical). Very fun to drive.

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  Very Happy Customer - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brian - February 19 - 7:13 am

  This is my first SUV. I needed more cargo space than my sedan could offer. I test drove the vue, equinox, escape, journey, nitro before looking at the outlander. This offered everything I was looking for and really enjoy driving it. I like the steering wheel radio controls, the in-floor storage (I dont have the 3rd row seat). I like all the safety and stability features. The 4 cyl is good, but because I have a lead foot could use a little more get up and go. I have to still get used to speedometer on left side of the display. Offers great warranty. Gets good gas mileage for an SUV. Great safety ratings. Not sure why you dont see more of them on the road. This is a great SUV especially for the $$.