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:
Showing 261 through 270 of 756.00-
One Fun SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Mitsu fan - December 1 - 8:13 amI bought this truck when my cute old Mitsubishi Mirage coupe got totalled in an accident in 2005. I was a Mitsubishi fan due to the fact that I never had a single issue with my 1997 Mirage for eight years, and this vehicle has reinforced my liking of Mitsubishi. My wife drives a Honda-CRV, and the Outlander definitely feels roomier in comparison when I drive (I am 6 feet tall). Add to that the 5 year/60000 mile warranty and an unbelievable price when I bought it (about $6,000 below sticker) and I was sold immediately.
-
Great Vehicle for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Love It - November 16 - 2:23 pmWe have had our Outlander about three months now and love it. My husband comes home with a smile on his face after driving around in his Outlander all day. We looked at the RAV4 - too expensive with the V6, the CR-V - didnt have enough power, and the Jeep Compass - just not what we were looking for.
-
Great small SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
By cn - November 3 - 1:40 pmI have had my 09 Outlander for 2 weeks now and its great. Handling is very good, I like the steering. Navigation is good but sometimes complicated to use, stereo has great sound strong bass. Fuel economy is just ok, but I expected that, I average around 23- 26MPG (highway). I enjoy driving it to work and all the features work great so far, glad I decided to buy it.
-
Back to the drawing board - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Poor mans car - November 3 - 2:50 amWell where do I start, engine and trans are good, radio excellent, seats are are comfy but the material is awful. Like the drop down tailgate. Had the protection package put on to spruce it up otherwise it looked too plain.
-
Surprisingly Good - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
By RandyWakeman - November 2 - 2:23 amThis is an SUV that I didnt plan on buying, but after an ocean of test drives with other vehicles...I really tried to find a reason NOT to buy it, but I couldnt. Im was pleasantly surprised at how peppy the 2.4L MIVEC engine is - it sure feels like more than a 4-cyl., and has a lot more zip than some 6-cyl. vehicles that I tested. It is extremely stable at high-speed; at 105 mph there is still some juice left (top end is about 120 mph). It has no problem keeping up with traffic when fully loaded. Its easy / fun to drive, comfotable, easy to park, and the cargo area becomes a cargo area by just dropping the seats - no headrests need to be removed. Just driving, no special attention nets me 22 mpg.
-
An Eye Catching SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Bud - October 22 - 11:26 pmThe Outlander is a great deal for the money with one of the best warranties out there on the market. This is the second Mitsubishi I have owned with my trading in a Galant for the Outlander SE. I reached for five months before buying the Outlander and what kept me coming back to the Outlander was the warranty, the outside look of the SUV and the overall qaulity of the SUV. It gets great gas mileage for an SUV with nice pick up and go with a stylish look inside and out.
-
My first AWD - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Tbone Steak - October 20 - 5:40 amThis is my first AWD with stick shift and its perfect for all weather, especially in snow! Car runs good and smoothly. I had this for like 2 years now and its reached 40,000 so far, and has no problem at all. I have referred many of my friends to buy this car. Great price with good quality.
-
What a sleeper !!! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Paul Wedin - October 19 - 2:19 pmAwesome, great small 2 w.d. SUV. Worst mileage is 31.4 MPG. Use for work & everything else. Live way out in the country. What a sleeper. Couldnt ask for a better vehicle.
-
Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Bob20vcq - October 18 - 11:40 pm4000 km drive to "break it in" showed that the road noise a little higher than we expected; the auto trans can be a little annoying, and it can scoot along with the best of them. The paddle shifter is a fun toy. In auto mode the damn thing is always trying to save gas with a very annoying rpm drop after every up shift. It drops off 500 rpm after the shift?! This is a truck and when I forget that and go romping into a corner at nine tenths it reminds me in in a controlled certain manner. But when dialed back to normal rate this is a very respectable handler well worth the money. Tried all the competitors and this is the best value. No regrets at all.
-
A great small SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By R.H. Ward - October 14 - 2:00 amWe bought our Outlander in Sept-03. We both love it and it drives great. We live in northern Idaho and we got 2 of snow this winter. The Outlander went thru it like a dream. We were not thinking of buying an SUV but the price was right and we liked the looks of the car and its many good features. We are glad we purchased the Outlander.
