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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  Great value for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lantgeo - August 11 - 3:20 am

  I traded my 2003 Infiniti FX45 for an Outlander. I needed a more practical vehicle. The good: I paid $25,000 for a demo model with leather, a sweet stereo, and navigation. It drives like a car, handles OK for an SUV, I love the paddle shifters, the 3rd row comes in handy for kids and short trips, and the fold down tailgate is a great idea. The Bad: It has pronounced wind noise from the drivers side window, it has initial acceleration hesitation, the fog lights cannot be used with hids, and the doors have to be slammed to shut. These are all minor issues. This is a good vehicle overall.

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  Good value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 502flier - August 2 - 1:41 pm

  My wife wanted this vehicle to replace her 04 Outlander, which she loved. Turns out that it gets better mileage than the 4 cyl. and has tons more power. Im not a big fan of the transmission, which hesitates slightly when accelerating from a stop light (almost like a delay between gas pedal and actual go). There are foot wells under the front seats, which are great for taller backseat passengers. We now have 200,000 km on this vehicle (15,000 the first 10 days we owned it) and, aside from a transfer case seal and squeaky rear shocks (both replaced under warranty, it has been regular maintenance only. Changed the plugs last week at $400+, but it was past time. Wife still loves it.

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  need a grill - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By xiang - July 24 - 4:30 pm

  notice the lower front bumper has a large open space in the center, where u can directly reach to the cooling system. A tiny rock went through hit the cooling tank. replacment costs $1000.............other than that the car is ok

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  Great....... - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ellen123 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I think the Outlander is the best buy for your money. It gets great gas mileage but it still has plenty of power. It handles great, it is lower to the ground then some of the larger SUVs and it doesnt feel top heavy at all. The seats are very easy to fold down and the back seats fold totally flat without having to remove the headrests.

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  Poor paint quality, Nice car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DIXIENDFW - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  Overall, I like my outlander, but my paint started fading within 2 years of owning it. I took it to the dealer who told me it was because of the "texas sun". Needless to say, it is paid off now, 4 years old and looks pretty shabby on the outside. All the plastic parts are more pink than red. I am not happy. But, the interior is nice, laid out well. I have room for my car seat and one other adult in backseat. Cargo room is sufficient for a smaller suv. I am unhappy that at 50,000 miles I am considering A NEW PAINT JOB.

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  Great Competitor - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MitsuLover - July 5 - 3:16 am

  Ive had my XLS eleven months now and am very happy with it; no problems yet & going strong. It has a number of features usually found in much more expensive cars, but if Mitsubishi wants the XLS to compete against the higher-end SUVs in its segment, then theyll have to "up the ante"; theyll have to install illuminated vanity mirrors (and improve quality of sun visors), programmable automatic locks, dual express-down windows, real fog lamps, mudguards, driver and passenger power seats, auto-dimming mirror w/built-in compass and HomeLink. With at least these additional features, it would put the Outlander XLS more at the Acura/BMW/Lexus level as opposed to the Honda/Toyota level.

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  mitsubishi vehicles are great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mikegacsy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  i cannot figure out why more people do not buy mitsubishi vehicles.this is one of the best built vehicles i have ever owned.it is fun to drive has lots of room,looks good,has an excellent warranty.

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  Fantastic, XTERRA ++++! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By javagirl1 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  very similar to Nissans XTERRA only with additional features and better gas milage. Only drawback is it is a bit less stable due to narrower roadbase footprint. Had EXTERRA, like this much more for a comparable price. Bettrta than Honda CRV too! 4cyl is amazing...skeptic till I test drove it.

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  Ultimate SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Samuel - July 1 - 2:20 pm

  Lots of compartments for storage. Very spacious interior. V6 power is good. Only have 1200 miles on vehicle, average about 24 mpg, switching from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive. Sound system is excellent.

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  Outlander 03 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dennis - June 30 - 10:40 am

  Ive own this SUV since Dec 02, I must say I couldnt be more pleased. I havent had a bit of trouble except for replacing the brakes at 20,000. The milage is great when I go to Vegas 27-28) but city driving eats up the gas (about 17mpg) Yea, I would buy another one when the time comes.