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 small SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jam - August 23 - 3:03 pm

  The fastest SUV on the market for less than $40,000. The triptonic gear box works great, even better than my 2001 Audi A4. This truck is smooth and fast, with young and sporty looks. I love that is not very common. In fact is hard to find.

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  A Hidden Gem of a CUV! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Not a Zero - August 23 - 9:30 am

  Just bought a 2010 Outlander XLS V6 AWD. Its handling is sharp and the ride is firm but not harsh. Good feedback from the road and drives like a car with a low center of gravity. Acceleration is brisk and the 6 speed transmission is fun to shift with the paddle shifter. Body roll is minimal and I find myself taking corners faster and more confidently than I would normally be with a SUV. A/C is very cold and much appreciated in 100+ degree Texas heat. Very satisfied with the purchase on 0%, 60 months financing and a longer than typical warranty. The Outlander is a hidden gem of a CUV that driving enthusiasts will love.

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  2006 Outlander AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By don williamson - August 9 - 8:53 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is exactly the right SUV for our needs. It performs better than expected.

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  my favorite car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By chucktrain - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. It suits my needs to a T. I also enjoy the great mileage I get since I drive a lot of miles every day in town.

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By robxls - August 2 - 6:43 pm

  Well for the price it has all the features I wanted in a car. I have had it for about 2 years. Some of the parts are falling off like the plastic clips holding the back of the 3rd row seat and the driver side mirror shakes sometimes but the drive is great.

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  Bad Paint on Mitsubishi Outlander! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kathy - July 25 - 9:50 am

  I have had this car for 2 years and can accurately review it now. I have several complaints. 1-The paint and body quality is terrible.It looks like Ive been in a hail storm from the side. I have had cars for 6 years that didnt have as many dings and marks as this car does. Its a mess. 2-I have found there to be large blind spots on the bottom front windshield corners. I have, on many occasions, just missed pedestrians or cars coming from the opposite corner. The corner joining metal and the rear view mirrors create too large of a blind spot. 3-The interior being black on the red model. The other choice was light cream (on and SUV?). It is the hottest car I have ever been in.4-Gas mileage

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  Exactly what I was looking for in a low-cost daily - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jason K. - July 13 - 11:49 pm

  I knew going to the dealership what the pros and cons were of this vehicle but I desperately needed to replace my 15 year old daily driver with something better. I weighed the options and considering that this is the 3rd car in our driveway and didnt need many bells or whistles, I chose the ES model for its overall value. I truly enjoy driving this car everyday and it does exactly what its supposed to do, get me from point A to point B with zero issues or worries. Shes a very nice looking SUV, has plenty of room for cargo, drives perfectly sound and true, isnt to loud, handles the elevation changes like a champ, and is very comfortable including in/egress. The trip computer is nice but sometimes a little goofy as is the radio but its nice that it has a 6.1" touchscreen with bluetooth standard, not many cars include that in the lowest trim level. I got a great deal on the car with the help of a pre-approval from my finance company and Ive gone from filling the tank once a week with premium fuel to filling it once every two weeks with mid-grade fuel. Im very aware that many people will have complaints about little things but as I said initially, the total value and amenities provided by my Outlander are exactly what I was looking for in a tidy and attractive package. Ownership level: 2+ months; purchased in November 2016; review written 2/7/2017

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  Best Compact Available - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Linda S - July 11 - 9:56 pm

  We test drove most CUVs and once in the Outlander XLS, there was no turning back. Our second choice was the RAV4, but it didnt have the nice features and the swing tailgate/tire would be annoying when launching our boat. The Outlander will be great with the lift gate and tail gate. The Navigation system is impressive and in winters, the Active Skid Control and 4WD are a must for ND winters. The warranty is top notch.

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  Love this SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shane10940 - July 11 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned three Subarus and one Honda SUV prior to owing this my Outlander. I must tell you that the critics must not know anything at all based on what they have to say about the Outlander. The Outlander is of high quality, drives and rides well, attractive and has tons of luxury like features. I will likely never buy another Subaru based on how much better the Mitsubishi Outlander is when compared to the Subaru Tribeca.

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  Love the Outlander - so fun - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Love it - July 9 - 1:33 am

  Ive been driving the Outlander for a year now. Bought it brand new. My favorites are the torque (very quick), fun to drive, turning radius, love the liftgate (perfect for changing babies diapers), backseats lay down easily, the upgraded bluetooth is nice, all the cupholders are handy, great setup in the front seat, and the long warranty are just some of my positives. My husband likes the head space, yet it is small for tight garage. My only complaint is the seats are very sporty & not as soft and comfy as I would like. After about 6 mo, I had a problem with the circuit breaker (I may have blew something out) and the dealership replaced everything free & immediately with no questions asked