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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  im in love with this car1 - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By clint - February 9 - 11:15 am

  This is my second car from Mitsubishi. My first was the 2014 Mirage. This is an upgrade leap frog years from what i had. the vehicle picks up speed from a standstill like a jag, leaving other vehicles in its dust. The ride is smooth, handles well, downshifts like a race car, sound system is boss, beautiful 18 alloy rims, no need to get after markets there. The look of the car is sexy, the grill reminds me of something from the Transformers. Get this car! you cant go wrong!

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  Outeverything! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By evolander - January 31 - 8:20 am

  The Outlander handles like a car - a good handling car at that. Its quiet, there is nothing is flimsy in the interior. The vehicle fully equipped is an amazing value with many features the competition doesnt even offer. The transmission is very adept at shifting and selecting gears. Its gas mileage is right about what you would expect for a mid-sized sedan. With electronic brakeforce, all wheel drive, and a six speed trans, this vehicle is sure-footed to say the least. The sound system is fantastic. I could go on and on but it scores very highly across the board. There is a knock that we hear in the suspension and some wind noise around the mirror, but were still happy and will get that fixed. This truck has no real flaws and has had no failures.

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  The car survived the college student but not the accident - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By alycop - January 14 - 3:18 pm

  Ill be honest, I am a college student and I did not maintain the car well. I received the car in 2011 at 67k and the tires, battery and brakes needed to be replaced. Since then I had nothing more than a burnt out headlight. It ran great, got good highway mileage for an SUV, and had plenty of room. Sometimes it would take a second turn of the key to start, but that was because I procrastinated (big time) on oil changes and such. 2.5 years and 30k miles later I had an accident after my tire blew from hitting a hubcap. We spun out, I over corrected, slid to a ditch and rolled over. I came out with out a scratch, my boyfriend got a mild concussion, but my poor car was totaled.

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  Had a 2007 this is a major improvement. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lowsidr - November 23 - 2:22 am

  My 07 had 233,000 miles on it and still ran as well as it did when new. It was by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and thats what led me to the new 2016 Outlander SEL. The new Outlander is entirely a different animal. Its so much quieter and the ride quality is vastly improved as are the materials used for the interior and soundproofing. This new Outlander is QUIET, the old 07 was noisey, tons of road noise and wind roar, virtually eliminated in this new 2016. Fuel economy is impressive, we are averaging a solid 27 combined and have seen as high as 32mpg while cruising open back-roads at 50-60mph. Hopefully once its broken in a bit the fuel economy will rise a bit as we are only getting about 27 on the highway at around 75mph. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is really nice, a bit muddy and punchy compared to my Mercedes E-350 but Its not really fair to compare a 60k vehicle to this, for the price point you would be hard pressed to do much better. The exterior looks nice but to me all crossovers look about the same, the 18" alloys are a nice touch though. The 2.4 motor coupled with the re-programmed CVT is lackluster but functional. I miss the power of the old 6cyl in the 07 but I dont miss the appalling fuel economy that came along with it. For our purposes the 2.4 will be just fine and we have zero issue merging onto the expressway or overtaking. Comparing the two models the 2016 just blows the 07 out of the water, its a huge improvement. As for comparing it to other crossovers, I just spent a day driving around in a 2017 Subaru Outback. The Outback was much more peppy and its CVT more refined. Ride quality was better, it has a more substantial solid feeling as far as the suspension goes but road noise was about the same and the cabin was nothing to write home about, I think the Outlander is superior and more comfortable along with feeling significantly larger with a higher more commanding ride. Considering how much more the Outback sells for I am VERY happy with the Mitsubishi Outlander, it represents one hell of a bargain at $22k and if it holds up as well as our 07 we will be incredibly happy owners.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jeane - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall its been a great vehicle. The only draw back was the heat/ac system died at around 3500 miles. But the warranty kicked in.

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  Somewhat overrated - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhill99357 - October 15 - 12:50 pm

  After an extensive test drive and looking at the available competition, I thought that this was overrated. I saw the great reviews by everyone and thought that it was going to be a home run. Since the Outlander is based off of the Lancer, it definitely drives more like a sports car. The ride is very firm and you have a tenancy to feel every bump in the road. The interior left a lot to be desired compared to the Santa Fe and CR-V. The plastic door panels looked cheap and the arm rest was made of hard to clean cloth. The car itself is basically a clone of the RAV 4 in how it looks and drives. If you like that car, youll love the Outlander.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cbk2000 - September 13 - 5:00 pm

  Just bought a base XLS less than a week ago. So far, I really like it. Very roomy, drives and shifts very smoothly. Very good handling. Love the paddle shifters. Good storage up front, too. Waiting to see how gas mileage really is and whether I need to protect doors and rear fenders from front tire splashes.

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  This car surprised me - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cboth - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Now we own it. We were going to wait for the x-3 or get a Murano but decided that this was a great deal.

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  Love Car but dont buy from Nashua - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Glenn - June 13 - 8:00 pm

  This SUV has lived up to the good reviews I read before buying. This XLS AWD V6 handles well on the roads and corners with decent acceleration. I love the options with XLS and choose the XLS which includes the option of Leather Heated Front Seats, among other decent options including Satellite. When I negotiated the price of the car, it supposedly came with Satellite which was an option I was looking for. However, after the dealership gave me a short demonstration on how to activate the options of the car, which I verified verbally and was given info from the dealership to activate. I learned it did not. I had to pay for it because it was not on the sales slip. Big Mistake on my part.

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  Great for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - May 30 - 4:20 am

  This is our second Outlander (owned 2003). Was happy then and am very happy now. Bought this one used with all the options exc. Nav. This car, even with substandard interior materials and pronounced road noise is super fun to drive. My wife likes all of the storage in my Outlander. Road noise is pronounced but the stereo is out of the world. If you live in a pot hole infested area I would not recommend the car, but the highway ride is super smooth. This is the best used SUV. Overall for the money this is the car to buy. While its not perfect, it offers more stuff and good reliability for not much money in used format. Im considering already buying a 2010 used in 2010.