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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  Highly Suggested Buy - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TLC - March 10 - 7:16 pm

  I had been researching several SUVS and this one just stood out to me. I really enjoy the drive although it is a little noisy. I love all of the storage compartments as well as the storage available in the back,. It is made for tall people to ride in the back which is good because most of my family is tall. I love it, cant wait to take it on a trip to really test it out. I am really surprised I dont see more on the roads.

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  Great, but beware the Paint - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By matterie - March 6 - 6:45 pm

  Had this car for about 5 years now. Overall, we have been very pleased with it except for one issue: the paint. The clear coat appears does not appear to be of quality resulting in a car that scratches easy and a result, looks pretty awful after a short period of ownership. The built-in media center was cool at first, but is a bit annoying with expensive map updates and the inability to load MP3s on the hard drive. It will only load from original music CDs (or WAV files). Minus the paint, reliability has been very good.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nagilbaz - March 4 - 4:27 pm

  We bought the Outlander in late 2007. The car has not had any problems so far despite the fact that it has been in major accident. I have read most of the reviews pointing to the fact that the interior has problems with the plastic parts and there is poor paint job, which is susceptible even to minor scratches and dents. Well it is absolutely true. Nevertheless, this is the great car and a great helper. We moved several times and overloaded it with furniture and other household items. It did well. Anyway the Outlander does not claim to be a luxurious SUV and saves you a lot of money over the time.

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  Unexceptional, but thats a good thing - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mawingo - March 4 - 12:26 pm

  This is an after the fact review, as I just traded this one in. This car did nothing well, but nothing bad. It was just sort of there and didnt leave a bad taste. Its comfortable (the seats are very firm), got decent mileage, and didnt require a lot of non-routine maint; just oil changes, tires, brakes, and an AC recharge (common to this model). Its a little short on power, but proved to be reliable. The interior wore well.

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  Good Choice, But Look for Alignment - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Althai - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this new car over three weeks, I like it. It good for the valve. However, my car only has 500 mile, and it starts pulling to the right.

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  07 Outlander Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Thomas Terry - February 27 - 5:53 pm

  Finally, an SUV built for the next generation. But guess what, my Dad owns it now. Mitsubishi means business here with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 5 year/60,000 basic. This vehicles state of the art navigation and music package is something to behold. The 30GB hard drive allows you to store digital music for listening playback any time at your convenience.

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  best little suv,bar none - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By miami beach - February 24 - 2:00 am

  i drove the honda,toyota,saturn and was not impressed at all,i found hype more than substance.then i drove the mitsubishi outlander xls and found the real thing a very comfortable and stable ride,suburb handling for a suv a very solid build quality inside and out.everything that i have read complains about this suv being under powered but thats only if you dont know how to drive,i can with the sportronic 4 speed auto if used with some inteligents you can make it get up and move with the best of them so dont beleave all the experts because they have ties to the suvs that they hype.the outlander is the best bar none just go drive one and you will see.

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  Our 5th Mitsubishi (2nd SUV) - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - February 14 - 7:10 am

  Our last SUV was the 2002 Mitsu Montero Sport XLS. Our daughter now owns this and it is still going strong. We decided to "trade down" to the 2008 Outlander and love the car. Just like the Montero, 100% made in Japan to last. The 4 cylinder engine will not win drag races, but is peppy enough and CVT is smooth. The engine is a little on the loud side though.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Melanie - February 13 - 9:53 am

  The Outlander is great for the person that wants a vehicle large enough to haul everyday things, but doesnt want the huge, gas-guzzling monsters that are out there today!

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  Extremely disapointed - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By icharles - February 13 - 1:52 am

  I have had my Outlander since December 2009. While it is fun to drive and has very comfortable seats, I have been very disappointed in the build quality and reliability. 1) After 14k I started hearing a knocking/creaking in the rear right brakes. Dealer said it was caused by rust. After two failed brake services Mitsu replaced the rotors under warranty - fixed. Now, at 38k the problem is back. Mitsu again said the problem was caused by rust and would not fix it under warranty (new rotors only have 24k on them). 2) I have a multitude of paint chips on the front hood after only 1.5 years of driving. I had a Honda Civic for 4 years prior to this vehicle and never noticed one. 3) Creaky seat