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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  best suv out for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mr. e - November 20 - 11:30 am

  I had 05/4cyl now I have 07/6cly.. better gas mileage, more room and great drive, good pick up and smooth shifting with the 6 speed auto transmission. love the tailgate when putting in the golf clubs, help so you bang or damage the back bumper...

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  3 months, Paint Chipping , Roof Creasing - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Elaine Weather - November 20 - 1:30 am

  2016 Outlander less than 3 months old, front exterior has started peeling and chipping. Warranty says its from pebbles and not covered. This car rides the same roads my other two cars ride and none of them are chipping or pealing. There is a crooked crease across the inside roof where the sun roof is. The warranty company states that is a user issue to. This crease was noticed one month after purchase.

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  How Can You Lose For Less Than $20K? - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SPOLkLd - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 01 Ford Ranger with a drunkardly thirst for fuel. Surprised when I drove the 4 cyl Outlander how much faster it was than the 6 cyl Ford (and they dont weigh that much apart). Better handling than the Ford, corners better, accelerates better, and has more room for passengers (I had the extended cab and if you think you can get 2 people back there, dream on).

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dane - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  I have put 8,000 miles on this little gem and very happy with it overall. For the price you cant go wrong. Mine is rock solid and dependable. It could get a little better gas mileage.

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  Love this truck! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By meagain076 - October 29 - 11:20 am

  I just bought my 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander this weekend. I fell in love with the design, and the sportiness of it. It is well worth the low price tag, and it is very fun to drive. It handles well on corners, though the pickup from start is a little slow. The gas mileage is great. Overall I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Some fun eh? - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rustaman - October 21 - 2:00 am

  First the nits. No Power! Needs a turbo bad! Youll need a calendar to clock 0 to 60 times. The Infinity stereo is horrible. FM reception reaches only about 40 miles. The speakers are just bad. The DC outlet is only powered when the car is on - my cell phone is always dead. Brake and gas pedals kind of close sometimes I hit both with my size 9 feet. The Sportronic trans is just a gimmick. Gas mileage is a disappointing 17mpg in mixed driving. BUT (really big but) this puppy is fun to drive. It handles like a sports car and loves curves. Goes fine in ice and snow too. Even with all the minor annoyances I love driving this car. Now, if it only had a turbo!

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  Driving a Road Less Traveled... - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bennett - October 19 - 5:50 pm

  Bought AWD Outlander GT at Chicagoland dealership (live in MI... vehicle STILL very difficult to find here in upper-level trims)... at first underwhelmed by Rally Red color- first choice was Quartz Brown with lighter interior- but Im coming around to appreciate this classic "mid-life-crisis" colored vehicle. Looks fantastic in overcast skies: for some reason brings out its subtleties and various hues. Mileage is WAY better than expected(about 2500 miles on it already). My commute is long- 95 miles each way- across varieties of roads, including city stop-and-go, 2-lane highways(55mph) and freeways (70mph). Averaging on trip computer mpg 27-29!!! Also love its gadgetry, tailgate/storage.

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  Very Reliable SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joe.arismendy@yahoo.com - October 14 - 5:54 am

  In terms of reliability this vehicle is tops, got it used with about 73k miles has been very reliable with no major problems did replace the front brake rotors and pads at about 90k miles but other thant just the basic service oil changes filters etc. the only problem has been the front door windshield gaskets let in a lot of road noise at speed have seen this reported by other people here and the turnn signal need a chime because they will remain on if you dont notice, again not so much to worry about with this vehicle and mileage is good for a V6. Update Sold it but my dad has same year XLS model his has 83k miles still going strong!

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  So much more for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhc003 - October 7 - 1:06 am

  Just purchased a new 2007 Mitsu Outlander XLS AWD and so far I am very happy with the decision. This car has a number of great features and is very stylish inside and out. Drove a Honda CR-V and some others but this seemed like the best way to go. Standard V6 blows away the competition and I also like the drive selector switch that lets you control 2WD, on demand AWD and full time AWD. Ive been getting great gas mileage on mixed driving (Ive even averaged over 27 mpg on my regular commute just the other day). Have felt some swaying with heavier winds which did surprise me. This SUV feels like a mid sized SUV in terms of interior space and with the V6 but gets the gas mileage of a compact.

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  Fantastic CUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cme4brain - September 22 - 6:18 am

  I owned a 2008 Outlander and bought the 2010. This is the best combination of style, performance, interior comfort, and reliability for the money. You will not be disappointed. Even with a distant dealer, I bought the car as it is so reliable- this is my 6th Mitsubishi. The rear back up camera, the integrated Audio and NAV systems are excellent, as are the modifiable computer controls. My next SUV/CUV will be a Mitsu as I am so pleased with this model. I drive 32,000 miles per year so I spend lots of time sitting in this car, very comfortable.