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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  Its not a "quality" japanese SUV. - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By paintrboy - April 29 - 6:55 pm

  We bought our Outlander 1 and half years ago from the dealer. Only 59K with lots of warranty left. Worked like well for the first 4 months then, $800 of front end work. New ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings etc. Then the gas tank started leaking another $1000. Then the transmission drive shaft seals began leaking (should have been covered under warranty) $300. New clutch kit, $800, new rear caliper $618 (yes, 1 ). Still needs new windshield, 4 struts, all new bushings again, doesnt start well after fuelling up and recently the power steering rack began leaking. It currently has 91K and we still owe $7000 on it. Dealer we purchased from said theyd buyback for $2200 firm.

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  2011 Outlander GT - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By daver10 - January 13 - 4:34 pm

  We had a 2004 Durango Limited and down sized to the GT Outlander. Overall it is unique looking, handles like a sports car, and in the snow it feels secure. And the MPG has been decent as Ive hit 30MPG at 60mph. The thing we really like is that it has a lay flat rear "bed". Cool truck, not everyone has one!

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  So so disappointed - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 20vcq - December 12 - 12:13 pm

  Disappointment growing - lame awd - poor paint quality and road noise.

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  2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tr2v3l3r - July 27 - 9:30 am

  I test drove several Mitsubishi cars and liked the way the car felt. After driving the car for a week I was able to find a number of short comings. The automatic transmission is unresponsive, traction control never engages in slippery conditions, loud road noise, and the car itself feels unrefined. V6 engine has 224 hp at 6250 rpm, but power to weight ratio is 0.045 hp/lb. The car is a bit too heavy at 5005 pounds. My previous car was lighter at 4001 pounds and you can feel the difference. This is my first Mitsubishi car, but I have been looking at them for 15 years. A number of my friends owned Mitsubishi cars and were happy with them.

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  Real Review - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Will Deal - March 19 - 6:42 am

  I purchased the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL trim with the SAWC. Its a 4 cyl, and that part of the deal makes the vehicle light on performance. Its got this grind when taking off from a dead stop if youre on the gas, and in my honest opinion its just slow. The vehicle does offer a lot of bang for the buck, but not in the performance department. It is a stylish vehicle and i like that. The tech is outstanding! Youd pay a lot more cash for many of the standard options that come with the vehicle. If I had to do it over again I would not buy the 4 cly, Id get the V6 hands down which is about 4-5G more. That may have come down some since I purchased mine back in December 2016. Oh, the paint is another problem. You will get paint chips when you first hit the road. I have the cosmic blue and the paint chipping stands out like a soar thumb. I plan to buy the hood protector, but Mitsubishi could have done a much better job with the paint coat, at least for the hood area. Trust me that issue really ticks me off. Like others have commented it is a very nice vehicle for the money, but look around before you buy this vehicle. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone is looking for nice standards, reasonable cost, outstanding warranty and a great stereo system this car gets five stars in those categories. Mostly everything else is about middle of the road, and performance is not great.

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  Test drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tomcat14 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a car, nice interior, lots of places for storage. Did not like how break pedal works. Very soft and has to be pressed all the way down. And now comes the bad news: VERY UNDERPOWERED. Driving a 6 cyl. Maxima now, I would expect different performance from the 4 cyl. car, but 140 HP (even with highly advertised torque) just enough for this car. The engine made a noise and struggled when I tried to merge into highway from an exit. At 55mph it was hard to find extra power boost for passing other cars.

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  Middle of the road - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mike - November 27 - 9:50 am

  Overall an OK car. Took 3 kids and a bunch of camping gear 1100 miles over 10 days. Everyone did OK. My son, a newer driver, doesnt like to drive it - too twitchy. I drive it to go skiing and the 4WD/AWD is solid on icy roads with all-season tires - no studs needed. Road noise is too high. It sounds and feels cheaply made.

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  10 years later - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Christina - November 11 - 10:47 am

  I bought this car brand new off the lot in 2005. Within the first couple of years I had to have it repainted twice because it was already rusting. I had the bushings, control arms, tierods, and brakes replaced pretty much every year Ive owned this thing, since the first year I bought it. I dont mistreat my car or drive it rough because Im too paranoid something will go wrong with it. At 7 years the motor blew and the dealership refused to honor the warranty, despite it having 93,000 miles on it (well under warranty). The transmission was bad after the first year. The radiator had to be replaced after 8 years, even though it leaked since the first year I got it. The dealership wouldnt cover anything with my 10 year/100,000 mile warranty except the bushings. My window motor died after 9 years. The rear window windshield wiper died after 3 years. I feel Im replacing the lights every 6 months, and at $35 a light, it adds up real quick. Ive pretty much replaced every single thing on this car since the year I bought it, without any help from the dealership or warranty. Now its paid off, you better believe Im going to drive the hell out of it for another 10 years because Ive rebuilt the whole thing. I paid $27,000 for this car, and I refuse to let it go out of sheer stubbornness, and not wanting to have to buy another car. BUT, I sure as heck will NEVER buy another one again. Wasnt ever worth the money. And I didnt even get the nice packaged one, its just plain jane boring. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. Its hard to find parts for it, and everything costs a ridiculous amount.

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  It all fell apart! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ahinde - November 7 - 1:30 pm

  I really liked my 2003 outlander when I bought in in 2004, but soon after that I found it had many problems. Every summer water fills inside my air conditioner and causes it to short out causing a new blower motor to be replaced. This wasnt all covered by warranty and they could never figure out why it would do this. Also my entire suspension has been changed and only a year later its already squeaking. Also our temp dial doesnt rotate freely anymore, the cable designed badly and has been replaced once already. There are also numerous issues with this model and Mitsubishi wont do recalls on. Overall I would not purchase another one!

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  Terrible Pull to the left - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BeagleDog - September 12 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I started driving this new vehicle I experienced a severe pull to the left. I assumed it was just out of alignment. However when I called the dealership, service told me the 2003s had a known defect requiring a major repair and I needed to drop the vehicle off for at least a day. Can you sell vehicles with known safety defects? Other than that major flaw, its nice.