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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  Very good, could be GREAT - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Peter D. - November 5 - 12:13 am

  My wife has 07 LS 4wd. She likes it and I drive it once in a while so when time to replace my vehicle took a look at 08 leftover. The fun thing about this car is you have to drive it. It doesnt lull you to sleep and since I drive a lot I need to be awake. Gas mileage varies and so far best is 25 mpg in 2wd then 24 in 4wd. My XLS drives fine especially in the messy snow, wet and ice weve had this winter in NJ.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PMB - November 2 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned more than two dozen new cars in my lifetime, and this one wins hands down for being the most reliable one. Nothing else even comes close!!! I had it for almost six years and had to trade it in at 165K miles due to insurance premiums on multiple cars. It still ran like a dream, and I hated to see it go. Of course, I faithfully changed my oil with high quality products every 3000 miles. This one is really easy to do it yourself.

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  Love my Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sandy - October 29 - 9:56 am

  Ive had my 2003 Outlander for 3.5 years now, and have had zero problems with it. It still rides, looks, and feels brand-new. Its true that I dont put a lot of miles on my vehicles, but its been totally reliable in every way. I am planning on upgrading to the new 2007 version as soon as it comes out.

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  Fun to drive... - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Zelda - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Going from a sedan to a suv I was not sure about whether I would like the drive or the ride. I like both! Handles better and is a quiet ride if not somewhat stiff compared to sedan. I am enjoying it very much.

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  The Most Reliable Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mister Digger - October 23 - 6:43 am

  This is my fifteenth car in 20 years, so for this one to give me almost no trouble for 160,000 miles is truly remarkable. The AC went out at about 100K miles, just after doing a major overhaul as preventative maintenance (the timing belt was still good). The latch on the drivers side rear seat also went out at about 80K miles, but that was very minor. With gas prices soaring and me griping about only getting 24 MPG in this SUV, I did the unthinkable and tried to trade it in on a gas saving economy car. Well, I should thank the sales manager for giving me an insult of an offer for trade-in. I canceled the deal and kept this vehicle. If it works, dont fix it!

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  Satisfied owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 08Outtie - October 23 - 4:36 am

  Only owned the car for over a week. For the price of a fully loaded 4WD SUV, it beats all the competitors in the same market segment (mainly RAV4, CR-V and Ford Edge). The interior is not excessively rich, but it is comparable to the competitors. The technology features are hands down the best out of the competitors as my XLS model is equiped with touch screen harddrive based navigation, bluetooth, HID headlights, full function trip computer.

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  Love my Outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitisubishi fan - October 11 - 7:23 am

  I originally wanted a RAV-4, Im glad I got the Outlander. It has a lot of pick up for a 4 cylinder, like the braking, pretty smooth ride, like the big tires. Amazed at the gas mileage, I was used to driving an SL1 Saturn. Some days I average 30 miles to the gallon, never less than 25. I really cant say enough good things about it.

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  Updated comments - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander2 - October 2 - 9:10 pm

  Two months ago I rated my newly purchased Outlander. I still feel that the car is very smooth. It rides very quiet and is very comfortable. I especially like the transmission, allowing to shift up and down on the go. The sound system is great. I found that the rear wiper to be almost useless. It does not clean a large enough surface to allow for a clear vue, The rear wiper is a pain to change. The plastic on which mudguards are mounted is beginning to deteriorate. Gas mileage is disappointing from a 4 cyl. car. I find the tires 215/55/17 to be oversize and the 94V rating in unnecessary for this car with a top speed of 120 mph. The windows and sunroof freeze when cold.

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  Great small SUV! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By equ - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy my newly bought Outlander! The best I can find within the compact SUV class, the internal space is bigger compare to RAV4 or CR-V, try it before you buy others.

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  NEW SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kep5 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunatley I dont feel like Im in an SUV anymore. This vehicle is more lke a car. It is very comortable though. I really enjoy the interior. I will be taking it for its first camping trip soon and Ill report back with how it handled on the unpaved roads.