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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  So Far So Good - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By brbrsks - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 2004 Outlander for about a month now. I absolutely love the appearance of it from all angles including the "pointy" front which somehow doesnt look as nice in photographs. The bucket seats are comfortable and roomy. The radio controls are just fine. The many storage spaces throughout the vehicle are well placed and designed, inluding the cup holders with room for coffee cup handles. I have not yet had the chance to calculate my gas mileage but I estimate it to be in the low twentys. The all wheel drive with sixteen inch rims really seems to hold the road even in the rain. Its a great little SUV!

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  Safety - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ken Bynion - September 16 - 5:50 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Seats were uncomfortable on longer rides. Safety. Labor day weekend I had a rollover accident, going approximately 50 mph. We wound up on the roof. All 4 of us (ages 72, 69, 65, 59) walked away! Only the windshield broke. 3 of the doors and the tailgate opened so we could get out. The insurance company totaled it. The outlander is safe! We bought a 2008 outlander a few weeks later.

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  Great car for the money! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tulsa Honey - September 13 - 4:10 pm

  I have owned several Mitsubishi. Only money I spent on my cars have been the expected maintenance items. A very economical vehicles.

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  Great All Around Compact SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OTO - September 12 - 10:26 am

  The vehicle handles like a dream, better than my previous (sports) car! And yet it feels extremely comfortable.

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  GREAT VALUE AT A REASONABLE PRICE! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TIto - September 11 - 10:30 pm

  The reviews are way too harsh , do they think its supposed to drive like a Porsche?, that is just not gonna happen!! This car rides and accelerates adequately on the streets and highway for a regular driver, even with a load of people I was doing 80mph without noticing because of how smooth it drives. Very comfortable even for an obese person as I am .

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  Great Car for the Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LauraW - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has a bold appearance,Its something that makes people want to look,with features such as a rear spoiler,sleek headlights and clear coated rear lights and sunroof- the frame is not boxy at all. This car will make you feel like your driving a sportscar with all the amentities plus its all wheel drive and slapstick gearshift.Finally,an SUV for people in their 30s. It has a 4 cylinder engine- HOWEVER, you can go up a hill with your a/c on full blast and you lose no power! It has a spacious and comfortable interior with ample hauling space when rear seats are down. If you like your music, Then the 240 watt infinity stereo will send pulsing bass through

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hramos - September 5 - 4:06 am

  I did a good amount of research before deciding on the Outlander. The three crossover SUVs that were in the running was the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander has a smooth ride and is quick! It can pick up speed on the highway fast and before you know it you are hitting 80 or 90 but itÂ’s so smooth you wonÂ’t notice it. Cool looking inside and out. Great car for the money.

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  So so - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By So sad - September 3 - 8:20 pm

  Not unhappy but not thrilled either. It is a truck with nice seats that you cant get rid of without a lot of time. The 3rd row is annoying waste of space and the paint protection is very poor. The car looks old now with a new paint job needed below the waist of the car. Nice engine though

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  Better than expected - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chuck - August 27 - 4:26 am

  After "trying on" several small SUVs, I decided this one has the best seat comfort which was my main criterion. I was pleasantly surprised with the mpg and ergonomics of the unit as well. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV with AWD.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By el cow - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The Outlander is a great value. It has so many more standard features than other SUVs and it is cheaper than them too. I would recommend this SUV to anyone using it for daily driving. Unfortunately it does not come with a V6, so it is a little slow and would not be good for towing large objects. The exterior and interior of the Outlander are very well designed and it is pretty sporty for an SUV.