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 buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ashgad - June 27 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car in 2005, needed a larger car for our new baby. It has been such a great buy! It is super reliable, nothing has ever broken down on it and it runs like a champ. It has almost 90,000 miles on it now and is still running as great as the day I bought it. It is awesome in the snow, when we had a huge storm here 2 years ago, I was passing up every other SUV and truck left and right as they all got stuck or slid down a the hill. I would recommend this car to anyone, it has been great for us!

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  My first car is a total winner - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dr. Ann - June 26 - 7:33 am

  This is my very first car! Since I got it in January, Ive been very, very, very happy with it. Every aspect is just right. I didnt want to spend a lot of money as I just started working, but just needed a car to move my kid to school and places. Our Britax convertible car seat fits perfectly, and when I tell my friends this new Outlander has the latest-tech rigid anti-crash frame (called R.I.S.E.) as well as six advanced-tech airbags, plus 5-star frontal crash test result from the NHTSA, they are impressed. Great value!

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  Terrific Buy - I Love this Car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gloria LaBrecque - June 23 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle after 6 months of researching several similar small SUVs, like the Rav 4, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, etc. I found the ride of the Mitsubishi very comfortable, the look very sporty and sleek and the overall driving experience to be superior to the others and the BEST part of this research process was the price piece - the "Bishi" (as my 3 year old calls her) was less than the whole bunch. I have owned the car for two full months and have consistently gotten 20-21 mpg city driving and 26-27 mpg on the highway.

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  Sporty Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rick - June 12 - 11:32 pm

  I drove a lot of crossovers before buying my Outlander. It was the most fun to drive with great handling and awesome acceleration . It has also been one of the most Reliable vehicles I have ever owned . Ive only had it in for repairs for a minor exhaust problem, otherwise just routine maintenance .

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By harleychik - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Outlander for four days now, but I think it is awesome. So far, it is exactly what I was looking for in an automobile. The interior is sleek and very comfortable, the exterior is very classy and stylish. It is exactly what I needed and wanted, no more, no less.

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  Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Storms - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for people who want the SUV look, but the ride & handling of a sedan. Its very sporty and fun to drive, this is our fourth Mitsubishi and we love it.

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  Great Car Horrible Paint - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eric Vanhinkle - May 16 - 6:13 am

  I purchased this car with 4 miles on it. I noticed after my first oil change that there were specs on the cars hood. Very small at first then increasing to the size of a pea. At my next oil change I mentioned it to service who took pics and sent to corporate as the dealer cannot make warranty decisions on leather and paint. I had the regional director of service come out and inspect my vehicle who took more pics and turned into corporate. I was told these were stones and not covered under warranty. While I am not a care engineer, repair or sales person, I would think that if I was hit by something hit my car hard enough to chip my paint to the gray primer there would probably be a dent, which there is not. As the chips are increasing in numbers and size, I am anticipating my entire hood will be gray and not the beautiful cosmic blue before the loan is even paid off. So buyer beware and google mitsubitshi paint and I will assure you that one of the suggested phrases is mitsubitshi paint "chips" or "problems".

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  Excellent Value and Fun Too! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DPiedra - May 13 - 12:40 am

  This car has handled well through Ontario winters and through several long trips in hot summer months. Highway driving is very smooth (surpisingly so for a small V4). Interior is nice, but could use a better clock (minor detail though). I find the accelaration a bit slow when entering the highway, but at high speeds, no problem. In city driving, there is no lack of accelaration. Not sure what the folks who say this vehicle lacks acceleration are looking for, racing type acceleration? If so go to high end V8s, this is a great buy and fun to drive too.

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  Outlander 2007 - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mother of Twins - May 11 - 12:50 pm

  Its fun to drive. Handles very well in curves, even in really sharp curves. It accelerates quick and it is fast for a small SUV. It has a lot of cup holders. It has more than one storage compartment, not only the regular glove box. The seat hugs so you cant slide when turning. It is a fun SUV to drive and cool looking.

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  Exceptional vehicle despite poor reviews. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By C Sigrist - May 5 - 9:45 pm

  After researching which car to buy for months, I finally decided on the Outlander SEL 2WD. Most of the automotive magazines hate this car and Im not sure why. I love my Outlander! I have a fairly significant commute; about 60 miles a day so fuel economy was an important factor. The Outlander gets the best mileage of any other non-electric SUV out there. I put it in eco-mode and Im getting an average of over 30 mpg. The acceleration is not zippy but it is fine. I also opted for the safety package which gives adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance. I really like having both of those features. I would never have thought to buy a Mitsubishi but happened to be looking at a used car at a dealership and the salesman convinced me to test drive the Outlander. This vehicle is an exceptional value. The purchase price is considerably less than any other similarly sized SUV out there. It comes with a great warranty and roadside assistance. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one.