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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  Perfect for Our Young Family! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By crosstrack21 - June 1 - 6:20 am

  Weve been looking for something our two year old would enjoy as much as my wife and I would. And we found it. My wife loves the sunroof, and I love the sound system (subwoofer is my favorite part!). Our daughter sits high enough to finally see out of the window and I have peace of mind with the Anti-skid control and enough airbags for any situation. The gas mileage is great for an SUV, but obviously not as good as our Nissan Altima. The XLS model is worth the extra money! We love this SUV! It has the best warranty available and the customer service is extremely pleasant.

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  Keeps Locking UP - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Donna - May 27 - 6:20 pm

  Ive had the OUTLANDER long enough to put 6500 miles on it. I love the getup and go it has. Love the handling and the comfort it offers. The center armrest isnt very workable and the drivers side cup holder next to the window broke the first time my knee hit it. Ive had a big problem with the steering wheel locking up. This is Saturday night and Im stuck at the house because the steering wheels locked and I cannot get it to unlock.

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  Decent SUV but Im never again buying Mistubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - May 9 - 6:49 am

  I liked this truck from day one. We lucked out getting it in such good condition. The truck was getting older and I didnt notice the rust damage underneath. However, the engine was good, the interior was clean and unmarred; she drove nicely. That being said, there was a lot that needed to be changed after the first year, there being 69,000 miles in. The tires, belts, filters, and battery all needed replacing. Not the worst except the battery was annoying. However the engine required a tune up; there was an issue with the timing belt which could have caused an engine seize and car being totaled if we hadnt caught it. Then the damned intake manifold went. The truck is great the problem is Mitsubishi is the worst company to deal with in regards to parts and service. You have to use their parts and those parts are NOT CHEAP. We lived with a non-working key fob (no lock/unlock) which would only have unlocked the front driver side door. I have to say good product, but bad product support by the company. This will be our last mistubishi, as a result. Traded her in after almost 2 years...and didnt get near anything to what we paid for her.

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  You Get What You Pay For. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qball5 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Well built Very good fit and finish Great seats Visibility is good Like the placement of cupholders both front and rear Good cargo room Can always find a good seating position

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  Lemon,Lemon---oh no - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hate my Outlander! - March 24 - 1:50 am

  My Outlander has been nothing but problems since I purchased it in 2004 BRAND NEW off the lot. Every year I had water rushing into the passenger side onto the floor. The shop attempted to fix it multiple times. Every time it would happen again until the my warranty ran out and they thought they could refuse to fix it! ha!! LEMON LAW!! Now I replaced the brakes on the front and guess what? I could not get the driver side brake to bleed!! Took it to a brake shop!! The master cylinder is out and I only have two brakes!! the part cost $374. My payment is $500/mo.

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  awesome sleeper car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mikal69 - March 13 - 6:06 pm

  only had my Outie for a few months, but she has been great, you get a lot of quality for the used price, liked it better than the typical Toyotas and Hondas, and better build quality than pretty much everything else in its range, its no BMW or Mercades though. sporty ride and steering, and perfect for those of us 6ft plus. lots of room. Love that the back seats recline and adjust, so that the person sitting behind me isnt cramped. overall, a really really nice Suburban Utility Vehicle, just wouldnt trust it off-road.

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  Decent Value - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jaydoh - March 4 - 10:43 am

  Compared lots of other models (Mazda CX-5, Buick Encore, Kia Sorrento and Sport age, more). This one won on price, warrantee (over Mazda, Buick, and other 3/36 warranties), and room/versatility/fuel economy for the price. They were all good, but this was lowest priced and came with a lot of room, flexibility and deceng mpg. Only real complaint is build quality. Kinda cheaply built. But overall, very nice so far.

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  2012 Outlander GT - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eoddeputy1 - February 1 - 12:51 am

  Overall this is a good SUV. The exterior design is very appealing. The interior is more like a sports car cockpit. Everything is at the drivers fingertips. The MIVEC 3.0 performs very well and responds good when needed. The fuel economy seems very good for a V6.

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  So Far, So Good - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By isophorone - December 28 - 8:37 pm

  We bought this Outlander new in late 2011 to replace a Saturn Wagon that was burning oil (and that we were outgrowing). Right now we have around 23,000 miles on the car. It starts and runs well. Since we are used to small engine cars this has enough power for our needs. The trunk is huge, and the radio sounds great. Seats are comfortable. Handling is superb. We get around 23 mpg overall in winter and 25-26 mpg in summer (suburban driving). Highway mpg is 28-30 mpg. The CVT is a bit growly and low speeds and RPM, but once the car is moving it is fine.

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  Great Car dont overlook it - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cs - October 26 - 1:13 am

  So I drive a ton, and I mean a ton 25k per year. This car is a daily commuter for me. Why do I love it? The car is just has everything I need. Killer stereo, great seat comfort, easy to drive, even the stock tires have worn well. Easy and affordable to maintain and it takes 87 gas with no issue. I get 25 mph in my daily L.A. fwy/traffic commute which is pretty good. Great NAV sys, as well as a hard drive that records my cds automatically. Environmental stats, and a calendar that reminds me of birthdays. Heated seats, solid control, good ac, wipers work well, brakes are solid. For what you get this car is clearly the best value in the crossover SUV market. Take a look, you wont be sorry.