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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  The car is good - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - May 6 - 4:00 pm

  I have been continously suprised by the performance of my Outlander. We recently came over the mountains in the snow and the car performed remarkabley. I am able go faster than is safe and able to get up to speed and keep up with other higher performing cars that is acceptable. My wife and I purchased this car for her benefit, she wanted a car she was comfortable with in terms of size. I initially wanted to get the endeavor, but I think the outlander was a better purchase in terms of cost and efficiency.

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  good family car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jsk - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very good. Dependable, handles well. A little cramped on long trips, but good fuel economy.

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  2007 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By charlie b - May 2 - 4:10 am

  500 miles on it in 5 days and inital impression is that it is an average riding and average comfort vehicle that gets decent gas mileage. It is a small suv but the interior seating room is good. The engine and tranny combine for very decent power and fuel efficiency.

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  Oz Test - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Paul T - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable car, easy to drive, very quite after my last 4x4. Costs less to insure and run.

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  I love this vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By KATYRED - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I feel like I am driving a sedan. I am very short and I like the hight and the visability. It doesnt look like all the other corss-over suvs out there

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Quinny - April 24 - 5:50 pm

  Took a long look at many small SUVs. Honda CRV too sluggish, Forrester (used to own one) lacked wow factor, RAV4 V6 4WD was solid but cost $2000+ more with less features. Worried about American made being around much longer. Wanted to stay under $30k fully loaded. Walked out at $27,255 with 0% financing for 60 months (rather than another $2000 off) - approx. $1,500 below invoice. Sticker on car was over $31,000 MSRP. Fun to drive, looks good, great sound system, Fast key awesome - hope to have for a long time.

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  Great Buy - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ontarioman - April 23 - 12:47 pm

  Overall, Nice vehicle. Nice handling in city and has decent power with the V6. Very fast pick up on the highway. The V6 makes a nice growl when accelerating. Handles rough pavement like a charm. Good fuel consumption for a v6. It is about the same as my 4 cylinder rav4. Very good brake feel. Very nice well laid out dash. Out of all the vehicles i tested drove, The forester xt, mazda cx-5 and the outlander GT was in the running. The forester seat was not supportive and the steering was too loose. The mazda was very good and my wife has one. I think the handling is slightly better than the outlander but the powe of the outlander cannot be beaten . The Super allweel drive system is legendary.

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  Great Car, Bad Dealer - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Quality Engineer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Put 1000 miles on car and it drives like a dream. Get 29 MPG overall driving. Thats 75 MPH thru the mts. Who said this car cant climb? It sure can, and no problem either. This car is very satisfying so far. I love it. To bad Mark Mitsubishi is giving Mitsubishi such a black eye thru underhanded delings and false advertising. Oh well, there must be some good dealers out there.

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  First SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By desarge - April 11 - 8:10 pm

  During the recent winter storms in DC the SUV rode so smoothly over the snow and ice, it was refreshing to watch everyone else get stuck while we drove around freely. The back seat has plenty of space for passengers, since my son is driving it with my wife, I spend plenty of time in the back seat. Cargo space is actually bigger then the space we had in our minivan; that was unexpected. Gas mileage is wonderful for a car this size.

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  Good Performance with Premium Fuel - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutLanderer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  One thing I discovered in last few months is, substantial improvement in acceleration with Uleaded Plus or premium fuel(even better). I never used to believe in it. But the difference is day and night. The added bonus is 1 more extra mile gallon (compensates for extra money spent).