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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  More People Should Check This CUV Out - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By IPC - August 1 - 11:16 pm

  3 Months of ownership with no issues at all. Comfortable, rides smooth, responsive steering, fantastic sound system and great cargo space. Looked at/test drove the Rav4, Santa Fe, CRV, XL7, Rogue, Equinox and have no regrets on buying the Outlander.

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  Made a big switch - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MellyG - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I traded in our beloved Acura Integra for the Outlander in preparation for a family. I admit I miss the sports car, but other than the loss of power, I absolutely love this car/suv (my husband calls it a "cruck"). We have the upgraded sound and sun package and the stereo sounds awesome! The sunroof doesnt open as wide as Id like, but its still nice. I love the interior design. Not many people have this car which is nice. We are the only ones in town to have the Green Pearl Color which I also love. The only regret is not getting the AWD. The 2.4 also make a funny whistle sound which I was told is normal...we wish it didnt do that.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tiffany G. - June 22 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking to upgrade from a sedan but didnt want the bad fuel economy of an SUV. This car fit the bill. This has handled great in the show and I live on country back roads so this was important. I was hoping for a little better gas mileage than it gets in the winter but as the weather warms up, it seems to be improving and I have gotten up to 27 mpg on the highway in 2wd. My 6 year old son loves it and thinks its the best car ever!

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  Not driven a lot yet , But enjoying it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 1stXmitsuowner - May 21 - 8:03 pm

  Nice sporty ride, tight handling and good MPG so far! Sharp looking and peppy for a 4 cyl. Wish I upgraded to moon roof and R/F sound system. But sound not bad! Bought because of value and warranty. Looked at Kia, Mazda and Ford prior to buying the Outlander!

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  Great Value, Great Vehicle! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qoheleth - April 20 - 1:54 pm

  I bought this Outlander SE AWD as a 2012 leftover. The price was $21,300, a great price for a SUV with AWD, bluetooth, and lots of nice features. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong or missed a beat in the first 15,000 miles. It has been fun to drive, reliable and relatively economical.

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  like it but - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bob bove - March 17 - 10:00 am

  the interior could be a little more cushiony seat is a little hard but overall a pleasure to drive

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  WOW! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mohammed Habib - February 3 - 3:38 pm

  I spent 6 months researching cars. We rent a tiny little parking space in NYC width wise, and we were restricted to a car that is less than 75" wide. The family also got a little larger, and we needed a car with at least 6 seats. SO logically I went and researched the top most 7 seat SUVs, which were the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Rogue. To be completely honest, a 5-10 minute test drive of each of those cars, they felt the same. After seeing the width of Highlander, pilot and pathfinder, I realized none of these will do. I went at the nissan dealer, got a final cost of a rogue which with tax came out to almost $31,500. The rogue came with cloth seats, navigation and some extra stuff. Then out of nowhere saw an advertisement for outlander. We went to go see it, and instantly fell in love with it. Now all those negative reviews on different websites, where did they come from? I am driving a FAMILY SUV, I DEFINITELY dont need it to go from 0-60 in 3 seconds, I am completely fine with it going in 8 seconds. I have the AWC, but keep it off most of the time because I want to save gas. I love the leather, especially since it has on every part of the trim. I opted in for the SEL AWC. One thing that is lacking is the screen. Nower days the cars come with touch screen vs buttons, but I will gladly press buttons and pay 6k less. All honesty this car feels and drives like its worth $35,000. I got 3k miles on it, and took a 900 mile road trip and everything worked wonderfully. ONE very little thing is the paint chip and scratches. You just gotta be careful how you drive the car thats all, and take any paint chip issues straight to the dealer and they will fix it right away.

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  Bought another one! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John White - January 13 - 10:31 am

  Best value for your money. Good looking vehicle. Had a 2016 with 14K miles with no issues whatsoever. Liked it so much, We bought a 2017 also!

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  Have 500 miles on it! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wayne O. - January 6 - 11:22 pm

  If you have never driven a CVT it will take you a while to get used to it. We had a turbo charged vehicle with a 6 speed tranny before and it would really take off after the turbo lag. It takes a while to accelerate with a 4 cyl and a cvt. Other than that the car is really great. The Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system really rocks. I do wish the power lift gate was foot activated. Have not taken it on a long trip to check mileage but computer is saying around 30 mpg. Our much smaller car before would be lucky to get 23. The 3rd row seats are really only good for kids but nice to have in this size vehicle.

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  2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Great Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By austintech - December 18 - 8:45 pm

  When you compare any vehicle priced under $25k that comes with 5/60 bumper to bumper warranty, 10/100k power train warranty, comes with back up camera, heated seats, bluetooth, roominess and 26 mpg combined, there arent many that can compare. With the 2014 Outlander SE, you get all this and reliability of Mitsubishi. Yes, its not a sports car. Yes, it doesnt have cutting edge design. Unlike other vehicles in its class, its very quiet, is comfortable, handles reasonably well, and has all the safety features youd expect for lots more. We researched lots of vehicles for what we needed and couldnt come up with a better solution for the money.