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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  Liked it so much I bought two! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Neale - October 10 - 10:56 pm

  Great flexibility, good gas mileage! I have a 90 lb. Doberman who loves to ride in the back! Very dog friendly! I dont think I have paid anything in maintenance with my dealer sending free oil change certificates and rotating my tires for free! Great sound system, hands free phone. very comfortable seating with good support. I am getting about 23 mpg with mostly city driving.

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  Better than Reviewed - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Blades - October 6 - 12:21 am

  I read a bunch of reviews but wanted something specific: a car that could hold an extra smaller kid when I needed it and 30 mpg on the highway. Alternatives were a minivan...nope. A ton of cash...nope. Or a Journey or a Rogue. The Journey with leather seats and AWD came out with less mileage and more $. Plus they have not been reliable and have a short warranty. The Rogue back seat was ridiculous, plus no leather with that extra seat option. -So I went back and forth on the Outlander because it got middling to poor reviews, particularly with Consumer Reports. But I realized the poor reviews came in areas I do not care about because I drive like a grandma. Acceleration slow? So what. Some lean on corners? Who cares. I stick the thing in Eco mode X 2 (AWC Eco and the Standard Eco) and get 34 on the highway with an AWD vehicle on a nice day. -Its also comfortable and quiet and my 35 mile commute in the am is incredibly pleasant. -The warranty is king, and I took it to the life of my payments (84 months...at 0.9%..Yeah, seriously) for 1200 bucks. -The safety ratings are outstanding. -It looks good with a metallic coppery brown exterior and beige leather interior. -Im happy.

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  Great but I Didnt have a need for it - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hal - October 3 - 1:33 am

  I bought my Mitsubishi Outlander in December 2004 and just now traded it in for a Scion Xb. I drive a lot and I cant justify 21-27 mpg for me. I dont have a family.

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  Downsizing from Minivan - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Terri - October 3 - 1:33 am

  I chose the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander due to the 100,000 mile warranty - no other manufacturer came close. I keep my vehicles for at least 10 years so this was the deciding factor. It is a great truck, handles well and coming from a Plymouth Grand Voyager and the size is very adequate for my needs. Of course, we would all like to see a little better gas mileage with todays gas prices.

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  Very Pleased w/ My 1st SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New2SUVs - October 2 - 9:36 am

  After a lot of research on Edmunds about the Outlander I decided to go to the dealership- after test driving the SE- I fell in love and the following week bought it (not NEEDING a new vehicle). I was driving a 09 Civic Si and was growing tired of a manual. The Outlander is one of the sharpest looking SUVs Ive seen and the room inside is amazing. My salesman was 64", 240lbs and with the front seats all the way back- sitting in the back seat his knees did not touch. IMPRESSIVE!!! The price was great for everything I got including the extras. I am very pleased. Only had it for a week and immediately packed it up to go camping- exceeded my expectations.

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  Tommys Red Rider Outlander GT - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tom Colosimo - September 28 - 7:52 pm

  Dont believe everything you read! The Mitsubishi Outlander is NOT a piece of crap! Ive got 6K miles on mine and love it! I burn regular unleaded and get an avg. of 23 MPGs! Ive tried a couple tanks of premium and get the same MPGs and performance! The vehicle is solid in snow traction, acceleration, quietness, steering, etc. I love the LED headlights and tail lights - you dont get that on a 2016 XLE Rav4! I did test drive a LOT of 2015 CUVs before I bought this model. I recently drove a 2016 Rav4 and did not like the bumpy ride, noisy interior, poor acceleration and LACK OF TOWING! AND the price for a 4 cylinder vs. my V6 was ALMOST the same with the same options I have!! I think Mitsubishi messed up there marketing and some of their models over the past 10 years or so but this car is NOT bad! I had a Mazda for 12 years before this and there is no comparison to that vehicle with the smooth shifting 6 speed the Outlander has and power over that Mazda that had a 200 HP V6. So.....try it out before you buy something else!

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  Great economical SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tbailey152 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable. Would recommend AWD version though. I bought FWD and sometimes wish I had AWD.

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  My First Mitsubishi is a great vehicle! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gmo - September 17 - 3:13 am

  My switch from a full size Ford pickup to a suv came when I needed a newer vehicle to drive in heavy Nashville traffic. The 2010 Outlander has been great so far with better than expected gas mileage and comfort. I researched the SUV line heavily between a Subaru Forrester,Toyota Rav 4, and the Outlander. I am 6ft. 3 and the Outlander by far is the most comfortable. I would recommend to anyone.

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  Not your cookie cutter small SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CW - September 15 - 11:06 am

  It came down to the Outlander and RAV4. The Outlander looks a lot better, has a lot more technology and a superior warranty and provided more for the money. We really like the car and would highly recommend to anyone. If we had it to do all over we would buy the Outlander again.

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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ARS - September 15 - 5:03 am

  I like this vehicle more and more each day. It drives nice and has a lot a cool features. I find the engine a little soft on immediate acceleration, but find it very responsive afterwards. The third road seat is not that useable and I would like to have that as an option to get the extra storage. The clamshell rear opening is very versatile. I found you can lower the tailgate and close the top hatch to haul longer items like boards. I feel like I am driving a high class vehicle but not paying the high price. It is a real value!