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:

• 

  Dont Believe this so called expert review! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Bell - December 31 - 10:39 am

  This car deserves at least a high B in ratings! I bought mine back in July when they were first delivered to the public. Mercury Grey. It is packed with features that other suvs cant touch at this price......$32,545....I own a video production business and it is roomy enough for my equipment and crew. The wife loves it for the style and handling The paddle shifters are fun and it has plenty of pick up. The Leather and other equipment makes this a real joy to own...Drive one and you will buy one....

• 

  purchase for son - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mi powell - December 13 - 12:20 pm

  bought a 1 year old outlander for my sons 16th birthday (23,000 miles). it was the car of his choice. i was a bit skeptical at first but once i drove the car and looked at the interior features (sound system quality, seating, etc) along with the performance and fuel economy, i was impressed. we make long trips (500+ miles)on the interstate once a month. this car runs along at 80-85 mph with little or no wind noise and the motor is so smooth! in 6 months my other son will be getting his license. trying to find a follow up to this car will be difficult.

• 

  best value in a small suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By movienut - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great so far! Radio controls are a little weird but you get used to them...very comfortable...great around town avg 22mpg and 29-30mpg on the highway...excellent suspension...hardly and body lean

• 

  Great Value - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rick - December 8 - 8:29 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a third row SUV and were shocked at the sticker prices on most of them. I had previously owned a Mitsubishi Lander and loved it so we decided to check out the Outlander. After some negotiating we got the SEL for what they were asking for the ES and it was a deal to good to pass up. This is now my wifes everyday car and out family car on the weekends and we couldnt be happier. While the four cylinder does lack the get up youd like in an SUV the MPGs more than makes up for it. We get 30+ MPG on any interstate trip; It feels like weeks between fill ups, and as much as we drive thats saying something. The push button start and keyless entry means looking fooling with keys is a thing of the past. My biggest complaint is the lack of places to put stuff like my phone. Most vehicles have nooks or something to put your items in, they forgot about that when designing it. All and all we couldnt be happier. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV who isnt looking to tow anything.

• 

  Horrible No Confidence - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 1lemon - November 27 - 5:44 am

  If you need a car to get to work and family this is not the car. Continued electronic failures which prohibit the car from starting will cost you money and time. Wait an hour and try again until the next work day and a trip to the car rental. Beware the Outlander is a bad deal. The feeling of no confidence overtakes you when you attempt to start the vehicle and nothing happens, and let me tell you it is not a good feeling everyday after work to go through that. If you have kids and need to get home too, this auto may not be the best option.

• 

  Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jane Wright - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Overall reliability has been good.

• 

  Good value SUV but very boring. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By daydream - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Maybe all SUVs are boring. But I find this one to be really plainsville.

• 

  more than I expected in every way ! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By charles - November 18 - 12:21 pm

  Looked at a lot of SUV,s Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia. I was replacing a Chevy Captiva that was almost out of warrenty. Never considered a Mitsubishi before but seen how long the warrenty was on them. After reading the critics reviews on the Mitsubishi Outlander I almost didnt consider it. I sure glad I took the time to go look at one in person and drive one. I was sold in a mile ! The Mazda was noisy and road ruff. Ford Escape was ok but didnt like rear seat room or the packages they offered for the price. Hyundai and Kia are only a good value if you buy the base ones. GM Trax was really nice but again was too small. Toyota Rav 4 was very unimpressive and pricing was very high for what you recieved and the warrenty was half as long as the Mitsubishi. Nissan, well what can I say, again high price, worst CVT transmission I drove, Lots of consumer complaints . If you go and drive the competition then drive the Mitsubishi and consider price and warrenty I think you will be driving one home like I did !!

• 

  My outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By anthony - November 16 - 5:56 pm

  Everything about this car is amazing. One being the exterior and interior design, my Outlander had the 18 inch rims which looked great with the labor black paint job. The car is so fun to drive. I even got this monster up to 125 mph with friend. The average gas mileage for me was about 24 mpg on the highway. I also have a 2003 highlander and its no match, this outlander is just amazing.

• 

  Best Money I ever Spent - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lionesse2015 - November 5 - 5:21 pm

  This is the most awesome car I have driven to NY and Ga on many occasions. I bought the car used with 14k mikes on it today 12years later and 13 years old its at 214k. Awesome on gas unassuming and just an all around dream. I am in the market for a new car right now and fear I will never find something as good as my outlander.