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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  Serious Competition for Honda and Toyota - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Marcus - April 12 - 9:50 am

  I reviewed and tested the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Mazda Tribute. All of which had their pros and cons, but the Outlander seemed to be more of a compromise of all the pros. My first choice would have been the Honda CR-V because I am a Honda loyalist comming from a Honda family. I might have even paid more for it. However, since none of the 6 dealerships in my area treated me like I was a loyal customer I actually entertained other competitors products. I have to admit that I didnt know what I was missing. There are better options to an over priced Honda. Their reputation preceeds themselves and they take advantage of it. Dont be sheep like I was.

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  A Smart SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gold star - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Outlander LSAWD surpassed our expectation.Its like youre riding in Lexus based on comfort and its rear end design.The height is lower Compared to Rav4 & Honda CRV so you are more closer to the ground in proportion to its center of gravity so you are more stable,its like riding in Subaru Forester.In regards with fuel its good it doesnt cost as much as other suv.If your looking in SUV which you can use in all terrain try the Outlander,I can say you wont regret it.

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  Nice car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bob - March 26 - 10:00 pm

  Our recent trip of over 800 miles in our 07 Outlander was a pleasure. We consistently got 28-29 mpg at highway speeds. The manual shift option is fun and easy to use. There is plenty of room in the rear for baggage. how can you not love the exceptional 5 year bumper to bumper warranty? We have downsized from ford Explorers and are seeing a big difference in economy. I really like this car.

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  I dig it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By franchinboy - March 25 - 9:13 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 months now and I love it! Definitely not a mom SUV. Im a 29 yr old male who has previously owned a Mazda RX-8 and Audi TT. Great transition vehicle for me. All the upgrades are worth it, wouldnt have gotten it without them. This car is very fun to drive too. Ive never noticed any road or wind noise. The 3rd row seat is small, but my wife rode back there once, she is 57, and said it wasnt bad. Just couldnt do for a long road trip. Front seats are very comfortable, back seats a little more stiff. Fuel economy is great IMO, a lot better than my previous Mazda. All around, a very cool ride.

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  Great car, practical! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JT - March 25 - 7:18 am

  This is my first Mitsubishi. We had a Mazda5 2013 for almost 3 years but decided to sell it after bad crash rating released recently and major warranty work on the engine tappets (not a good sign). So we were looking for an SUV with third-row thats not a full size or V6, and it boils down to Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan Rogue (with 3rd row option and run-flat tires since the third row takes over the spare tire space). We test-drove our friends 2015 GT and was quite surprised with the car and I was glad to find many improvements was done to 2016 version. The Rogue is out of question since we would rather have spare tire than using run-flat tires. We ended up getting the cosmic blue 2WD SEL with roof rack, and exterior package. The car is primarily driven by my wife and she couldnt be happier with it and I also really enjoyed the car. I drove it to the mountain and the Bay many times, the performance is good. Im not sure why the the reviewers from certain auto mag and review sites gave it such low mark (biased-much?). The engine power is decent, dont believe when reviewers slammed about how slow the car is getting into freeway ramps. I lived in CA and drove to the SF and the bay many times and it gets to the ramp fine even in fast paced traffic. Maybe those pro reviewers are so spoiled with testing high end cars and have snobby attitudes against more affordable car for the masses. I also used to own 2007 Acura MDX with technology package and I enjoy driving the Outlander more than the MDX to be honest. I cant say anything about the warranty yet but the 10-year 100k miles warranty should give you peace of mind. All in all, this car deserves a look, its a great people mover, fun enough for weekend driving and its priced great for its class. PS: look for real world reviews in youtube and websites. This car is actually selling well in Europe and not sure why its hardly heard in US (I would blame Mitsubishi North America marketing department for this). The plugin Hybrid version is selling like hotcakes in Europe and will come to US sometimes next year.

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  Incredible reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M. Taylor - March 24 - 10:08 pm

  Mitsu has a poor image here in the US but the Outlander was a great car for my family. We purchased ours new in the summer of 2003. It was the XLS model with AWD and all factory options. It was originally my wifes car and she chose it over the CR-V and RAV4 due to our positive experience with a prior Mitsu SUV (Montero Sport) and the availability of a sunroof along with heated leather seats. A year later, we got her another car and I took over the Outlander. We traded the Outlander in for new car in Feb 2016. It had 302,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. The Mitsu was extremely reliable for us with the interior and exterior holding up well through the those 13 years. My only gripes: slow acceleration, average fuel consumption, and timing belt had to be changed every 60k miles.

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  fun on my blue outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bike kid - March 16 - 10:00 am

  by this date, at almost seven months of of having purchased my SUV I am more than pleased with my blue AWD. By this date I have been able to ride it extensively in road and out road with no problems at all

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  Went from good to best! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cl - March 16 - 12:05 am

  As every dollar-minded car shopper today knows,at least baby-boomers like us,the most bang for the buck is very important,especially with cars.Last year I decided to trade om 2009 kia sorento,which I loved,for another suv as we have grandchildren and like to take them for long rides occasionally whenever we can.We wanted another newer Sorento but decided to test drive a Mitsubishi when we learned the drive trains of Sorentos were actually made by Mitsubishi.Traded for a 2016 Mitsubishi outlander 2.4 4 cyl.Drove it for a year and a half but just wasnt happy with what I thought was a lack of power on big mountains,we live in the Ny Adirondacks and powere is essential.So while having an oil change done at dealer last month,11-17,i test drove a 2017 outlander 6 cyl,with a few more bells and whistles and a third row of seating for grandkids.We loved it!Arranged to trade for the new car that day and when they found the color I wanted a few days later (pearl white),we signed,Very happy with the trade,getting around 23.5/26 highway on regular unleaded.Hope to get even better when we go cross-country next summer.Have leather seats,back-up camera,710 watt stereo system with 3 month Sirius xm satellite trial subscription,not sure if ill keep that,but we love it.With the bigger engine,we can tow a small boat or camper now.Got 4k in rebates and couldnt be happier!

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  Where have they been hiding this car? - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Edward - March 14 - 4:46 am

  Almost made a big mistake by looking at the CR-V, RAV-4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai SantaFe and making a decision then on which one to buy. Fortunately I drove by the Mitsubishi dealer and decided what the heck, I will see what they have. The Outlander is roomier, just as comfortable and has more standard features for a better price. Was equally surprised when I found out that Mitsubishi has the same 5yr/60K bumper to bumper warranty and 10yr/100K Powertrain as Kia and Hyundai do.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By FST - March 4 - 1:03 am

  Bought as a leftover model. Had a 2003 previously. Love the keyless entry & ignition. Key never comes out of my pocket. Getting 24 + for mileage. 3rd row seating useless for us, may never be used. Our 2 dogs like all the room available with the 2nd row seats folded. Liked the spare (2003-2006) up inside rather than under as with the models with the 3rd seat. We like the styling , and it is comfortable to take a trip with.