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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  Paint chips and plastic - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jamie - August 5 - 8:50 pm

  I was a happy owner of the 04 outlander and fell in love with the look of the 07. Got a good deal on a sun and sound package demo... I thought, until I noticed the paint chipping and rust on the bottom of the back doors. Went rounds with mitsu only to find that since this is exterior damage that occurred after the vehicle left the lot, it is considered wear and tear. I figured the person driving the demo was abusive, but have learned this is a common problem with the design. This chipping paint is going to look terrible in a year or so. The finishes on the 07 are of a much lower quality than the 04 I previously owned, which has left me with a negative impression of Mitsubishi.

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  2003 Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gina M. - July 30 - 12:33 pm

  Great small SUV for the money. Dependable. If you dont mind a little bumpy ride, this is a very inexpensive SUV to own. I have owned it since their debut in 2003. Gets through the bad winters, high enough to see well. Not great for carry more than 4-5 adults. Small cargo area. I like the truck a lot.

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  where are all the outlanders? - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mayda1 - July 22 - 6:06 am

  My car is 1 month old and performed flawlessly on a 6100 x-cty trip (mostly on I-70). I was a bit skeptical purchasing my first suv, and had to purchase the smaller engine thanks to cash for clunkers, but this model is the perfect fit for my lifestyle. I love the "sun and sound" option, the rear door opening and "tailgate" and overall space for the "stuff" I cart around. I love that I can fit my bike inside, although I do have a usable rack if needed. Other storage room and cup holders are more than adequate. For the money, this is a great performing vehicle. Down the road some of the interiors "plastics" may pose a problem, but I can easily accept that. The 168 hp is adequate. Would rec.

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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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  Very Fun CUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By biscuit_xls - July 6 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had my Outlander XLS V6 4WD for almost a year and 11,000 miles. So far its been a really good vehicle. Fun to drive, handles good, decent fuel economy (20mpg+), and lots of great features. I cross-shopped all CUVs, it came down to the Outlander vs. RAV4 V6. The Outlander won because of better styling and a lot of useful features. I think I like the Outlander even more after driving it for a year!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By myke - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had our Outlander about 6 weeks now. Havent found anything wrong yet. Starts right up, runs great. Comfortable, easy in, easy out. Bought it primarily to be an economical cruiser around town, handles that flawlessly. On the highway, Ive had it up to 80, cruised at 70, felt safe & secure. First foreign vehicle, extremely pleased with it so far.

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eddie - July 3 - 10:10 am

  Great SUV and a lot of bang for the buck. Performance and gas mileage are great, stereo system rocks! Clean lines and styling. Only knock I give it is relatively high cabin noise at freeway speeds.

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  Everything you want - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By theddy - June 28 - 7:50 am

  The best looks on the outside. Inside is roomy and comfortable. I have the luxury package, sun & sound, and the accessory navigation package that I cant live w/out. Hard drive based nav is fast and the music server that expels the iPod is cool. It has a powerful v6 engine that outruns those four cylinders. but still very fun to drive. It has the best features in its class. Some standard features are additional costs to the competition. The split open tailgate liftgate is very clever idea that adds the best convenience in cargo handling, unlike those that open sideways with bulky doors with tires on it which blocks your way. The best bang for the buck, best SUV on the track.

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  Very nice car I enjoy driving it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Andrzej - June 26 - 2:40 pm

  It would be really difficult for me to say what I dont like about this car. Everything is in place and works very well. Driving is definitely pleasant. Engine is quiet and IMHO very powerful. I would buy Outlander again, however this time with navigation and video built-in. We have quite a lot of snow during winter and this car works perfectly on icy road. No complaints at all.

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  Love it! Love it! Love it! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Upstate Gal - June 21 - 5:36 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle for about six weeks and absolutely love it. Was deciding between the Nissan Rogue and Outlander and glad I made this choice. For all of the features and options, the price point could not be beat. The exterior is extremely stylish! The interior is decent as well. The dash materials are so-so, but I use protectant cloths to keep them clean and scuff free. Having two glove boxes is great for storage. All of the cup holders and extra storage places are a bonus! I have the third row seat which is small, but convenient. When the seat is folded, you cant beat the cargo space. I made the right decision on the 2009 Outlander and highly recommend it!