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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  A g vehicle at a great price! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:16 am

  I bought this outlander ES (FWD) base + Conv. pkg in Black on 28 June 2009. This vehicle runs great and performs as expected or better considering that this is a 4 Cyl engine. Fuel economy on a 70 mile straight highway was about 29 mpg, and my usual driving of a 20 mile trip (80% Hwy) gives about 25-26 mpg. There seems to be a very faint buzzing sound, I need to look into that. Lots of cargo room, and comfortably seats 3 avg. adults in the back seat. Seats are nice and firm and are very comfortable on long drives. I am happy with this purchase.

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  Shouldnt have bought this SUV - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By applepie237 - June 7 - 9:55 am

  Just hit 3,000 miles and mileage is more like 17-25 mpg. Doors are really light, back gate doesnt always open, a # of features are stripped out in the SE so some things you would expect arent included. Bluetooth doesnt always work so I make a call, they hear me but I dont know its even connected. Wipers spray over the windshield/crooked. Remote start is a joke, need to start again when in car. The only comfortable spot for the steering wheel will block your dash. Two days after leasing, had major mechanical issue. Second lease payment they didnt notify me of automatic payments starting so I made a payment and then they pulled as well, overdrafted my account for following directions.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By glorkar - June 4 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased Used with 66,000 miles. When I started looking for a different vehicle, the Outlander wasnt even on my list. But after I saw it and test drove it, I fell in love. The exterior is fairly aggressive and the seats are very comfortable. The ride is nice and smooth and it has been able to haul anything I needed. I have not needed the AWD yet but with winters in Wisconsin Im sure it will come in handy. The mileage is ho-hum at about 20 mpg and its not very peppy off the line, but I knew it wasnt a race car when I bought it. The mesh cloth seats are great. Even though they are darker, they are cool to the touch even in 85 degree weather.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By wymanc - June 1 - 5:50 am

  I just bought an Outlander ES and was surprised by the performance along with the list of standard features. Originally I was set on the new Honda CR-V, but felt it was too weak. My second choice was the Toyota RAV4, but I felt that the V6 engine was way too expensive. The Outlander is the perfect middle ground. Im used to driving sporty cars and was surprised by how much better it handles than vans / SUVs Ive driven in the past. The only negative I can think of right now is the fact the second row seats dont fold all the way flat down.

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  Awesome Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Greg Aumann - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The ride and comfort is exellent. The power and gas mileage is excellent. The comment about not enough power is misleading. This is not a sports car. Much more room than the Hyundai SantaFe and Honda CRV, especially Rav4. Would recommend it to anyone. Drive it to believe it.

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  One of the best purchases to make - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JMH - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1.8T for this (yes I am growing up or whatever I guess), so to me it had no power what-so-ever, but Im not the most unbiased based on my former vehicle. Once I got used to the idea that I was no longer going to see the acceleration, I got quite used to the adequate engine. Also, by switching to clutchless shifting for freeway ramps you can keep the car in a better gear. Cup holders are placed in a position where I have to take my eyes off the road in order to locate my can of Coke. Maybe I just havent owned it long enough though. Small, small issues with an otherwise great vehicle.

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  Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By old and slow - May 15 - 12:03 pm

  I researched this very competitive market in depth, many good choices but none were a better value when considering everything. MSRP $24,705 Invoice $23,333 Sale Price $22,199 and received full Blue Book Trade In Value for my trade in. Also, 0% financing for 36 months. Lastly,5 yr bumper to bumper, 5 yr road side assistance, and 10 yr power train warranties. Mitsubishis however dont hold their value as trade ins, so a negative if you will sell or trade in after a few years, with low mileage.

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  2004 outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pauleee - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the Outlander. The only complaint so far is that the ride is a little harsh on bumpy roads. It has a lot of features for the price.

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pjohn - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought Outlander last month. Exterior, Interior is the best than other competor(CR-V, RaV4) Driving is like a car, and very quite. Interior is kind of simple, but driving is very fun.

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  75k death - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joelor - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  At 75k entire rear suspension needs to be replaced. Car was cared for very well. Was told by dealer that I should have had a 4 wheel alignment every yr! Good bye mitsu