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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  interior lighting - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By larry - October 6 - 12:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 endeavor and was very happy with it except the gas mileage. I purchased a 2008 outlander XLS v6 3.0 awd and was sorry to see that there are not any interior lights in the glove compartment or on the dials for the temperature settings, and fan speed or positions for the vent direction. Cannot set any of the 3 dials at night while driving or go from 2wd to 4wd.

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  Not for off road use - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By spudhikes - October 6 - 2:30 am

  Perfect on the road, crappy off of it. Tiny rocks get caught between the brake rotors and the brake rotor covers. Had them emptied six times in one year. Drive dirt roads with the occasional rutted out section 3 times per week. Broke the suspension over and over again. Everything was perfect on the road, but off of it caused problems. Sound system was great. Heated front seats were amazing. Seats easily stain, even from water. Plenty of room for a 65" guy. Cant complain about anything on the pavement. Cant suggest you use it off of the pavement. Second Mitsubishi. Will buy an older montero most likely. Mitsubishi still rocks, just had the wrong one for day to day use.

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  Good Buy - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By GLEN HOBIN - October 5 - 9:06 pm

  I have had my eye on this type of vehicle for some time and decided to take one for a test drive. The Outlander is smooth, comfortable and very quiet. I have been driving minivans for the past 11 years and it was time for a change now that it is mainly just my wife and myself when we take a drive. I am counting on getting better fuel economy as well.

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  smooth operator - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By naseer - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I just got my new mitsu outlander and it is really good, the ride very smooth. my 2.4 lacks some power but that expected and is good for low mileage. CVT is my first and it is very smooth. Turning is like a sedan, information panel is quite accessible.Lots of cup holders and power outlets. Competes with CR-V and RAV4, with a good deal it is much better than both.

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  XLS AWD with leather package - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ikay - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I got it and I love it. The engine has not been a problem. 140hp is enough for most people. Someone likes to compare with 200-hp+ SUV. We never get to use the full power anyway or you get busted. However, when speeding up, the engine is kind of loud as other mitsubishi. It did not bother me. The sportronic is very nice and it actually works well. It has a very good driving position in the car. you dont slide so much even with leather when turning (the bucket seat is doing some work). Overall, it is good and worth the $$. Comparing with CR-V, just less space with cooler look. Your call.

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  Great deal for its cost!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jnpchad - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for a short time but it is truly fun to drive. Its a smooth ride and very comfortable to sit in and drive. For the cost of this car you really get more than what you pay for. Prior to this car I had a Ford Expedition which I LOVED....I am just as happy with this car with the exception of the 4 cyl. engine...I am use to a V8 so this is quite a difference. But overall, I am very happy about the quality and comfort of this vehicle for its cost.

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  Happy That We Bought IT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Argentum - September 3 - 8:06 am

  With a recommendation from Consumer Reports and good reviews here at Edmunds and elsewhere, we were confident about the purchase. Also, we own an Eclipse GT which we love. So we traded in our trusty 2002 CRV and never looked back. The ride is a big upgrade from our Honda. It is smooth and composed, corners nicely and the steering feedback is excellent. Though there is some wind noise.

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  Really fun to drive - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MrLoopy - August 28 - 6:10 am

  Had the car for three weeks now. The car feels much more like a sports car then a small SUV! The suspension is very tight (as the reviews say) but I think this makes it feel like a low slung sportster. The seats are comfortable. Just love the way it drives. It is a small SUV though (we came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but has nice styling. Has enough power for fast acceleration. Very happy with the car so far.

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  one-year review - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rongmu - August 27 - 2:00 am

  good choice of Mini-SUV

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SRR MAUI - August 22 - 11:53 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda for the last 30 years and have no complaints. I test drove and researched the Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 thoroughly before reaching the conclusion the Outlander far exceeds these two in quality, ride comfort, and value. The Outlander has great style, a 6 speed transmission that is smooth and perfectly balanced. It is quiet inside and has a fantastic Rockford Fosgate stereo and bluetooth.