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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  Outlander excellent, auto media reviews are biased - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PK - March 2 - 4:21 pm

  Biased and disconnected auto media... Why do the Edmunds owner reviews not reflect this horrible car you profess? Your credibility is doo-doo. Real proactive lockable 4WD with torque vectoring and major ground clearance (~2+ inches more than most). You only get this grade 4WD (~Quadra Drive II) as a spendy option on a Limited or better Grand Cherokee. $50k for starters. Not even available with most other mfgers. You could stick with the cheapo reactive 4WD (a simple ABS mod actually) where it kicks in after the wheels slip. Great! AWD kicks in -AFTER- youre already sliding into the ditch! Shame on you Subaru for going this route to bump your fuel ratings. Oh well, join the club then. OMG, doesnt handle like a CX5? No kidding, its biased for 4x4 capability, not car-like compromise. Unfortunately you cant evaluate 4WD capability in the ten minutes the auto journalists spend with the car in southern California. 3rd row seating is tight? How many SUVs in this class have 3rd row? Right, its not a Suburban, why compare it to one? Low on power? Acceleration is the same as prior model Toyotas and Hondas, but nothing was said about them at the time. Ill take tried and true power train over "experimental" systems that boost power at the cost of reliability (widespread direct injection teething problems, Chrysler 9 speed transmissions, etc). Its criticized that Mitsubishi has the lowest output V6 available. How many of the small SUVs are available with a V6? Almost none. And the power to weight ratio is the same as a Grand Cherokee with the Pentastar, which is panned as "more than adequate" power. Notice the 100% "built in Japan"? That means all parts are high quality. Look at US built cars. 70% US parts, with 30% coming from Vietnam,China, etc.. Have to offset the cost of the good stuff with some crap. Oh, and the crap is the stuff the mfgr has no warranty or accountability for. Wear parts; Shocks, brakes, ball joints, tires, tied rods,etc.. Plan on replacing those at 30k miles. The Fosgate audio system gets criticized hard too. Give me a break. Its the best sounding system out there. It destroys the Logic 7 in my old BMW. The head unit isnt a technical wonder, but oh, the sound... My biggest problem is that they are comparing MSRP to MSRP. To compare apples to apples you should compare -actual- average purchase price. What they are selling for, not what theyd like to sell them for. Throw in the 60k/10 year bumper to bumper and its an easy choice for a lot of people. Problem is they dont even drive one after they read the 5 minute test drive review from the guy who re-printed the previous year review, who just got out of a Land Rover and a Corvette. This vehicle needs a proper review, unbiased, with attention to detail, with no comparisons to vehicles that are dissimilar. Mitsubishi is not getting a fair shake here.

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  outlander - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joel - March 1 - 5:35 pm

  good price

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  One Punishing Ride - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Alltone - February 14 - 7:03 am

  A kidney belt might be a nice option, you will feel every crack and bump in that supposedly smooth black top. The ride is harsh and tiring, like a bicycle with touring wheels, otherwise the car is a joy. We got the basic $20k model, upgraded to leather, moon roof, CD changer, 10 yr warrantly.

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  A Must Buy! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Whitney - February 12 - 12:30 pm

  I just purchased the Outlander XLS 2WD today! I have to say, after searching for the past six months and doing some homework, this is the car to get. I test drove the CR-V, CX7, and Santa Fe, plus the old Trailblazer (previously owned). There is no comparison, this is the best and a definite MUST buy!

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  Large small SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hfelen Uhrmaan - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The Outlander feels more spacious than any of the other small SUVs I considered. Despite the small engine, it doesnt struggle to climb the mountain roads of West Virginia, and it hugs the curves very well. The combination automatic/manual shifting worked well to get me up my icey drive and the AWD seemed surefooted on the snow this morning. The hatch is easier to open and close one handed than other SUVs. The cargo area with the rubber liner tray option is great for my 40 pound dog. The exterior design lacks the safari feel of my old Montero, but the smoother ride and better gas economy, along with the luxury features make it a pleasure to drive.

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  Love it! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arwood - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, used with just under 50k miles on it, in 2010 when I graduated college. The first month I had it I drove it from AZ to AK! Very Comfortable. Didnt have a single problem. I have now lived in AK for over 2 years and have driven in all the craziest weather conditions and couldnt be happier! It gets decent gas mileage, I love that I can switch on AWD whenever I need it, the sound system is AWESOME and I always get complimets on how nice it is. I went from driving a sports car to this and I love my Mitsubishi and would definitely buy another!

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  aperance/convience pack-total cost 18200 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander4life - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have researched over 10 of these so called "crossover" models and the outlander is by far the best choice. It gets unbelievable gas mileage and sits up high enough to feel like your up with the big boys.My biggest concern when buying this vehicle was all the negative reviews concerning the power to get up and go.At 75 mph you are barely at 3000 rpm! I guess if you wanna drive a 100 mph power would be a problem but for everyday comuters this is the best. To give you a better idea as far as the size of the suv it is probably the same height and size a the old chevy blazer 4 door. Overall this was a great buy.

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  Good for its class - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bmwadam - January 13 - 4:20 pm

  My wife bought this car back in December of 2005. We have over 30,000 miles on it now and have had any problems whatsoever. It has NEVER been to the dealer, I do all of the maintenance myself and the car is very easy to work on for the home mechanic. Good gas mileage for its class. All around a good deal for someone that is wanting a compact, SUV.

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  Fun - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ghost - January 13 - 8:46 am

  This is the second Mitsubishi I have owned, not including my TV ... They are great cars and are very reliable. I test drove an Outlander a year ago, but was not quite ready to purchase one. Now I wish I had then. Even though this is a "base" model it has lots of perks like power locks, power windows, a decent stereo and rear defogger. This is stuff you would pay extra for on some of the other small SUVs. The 5-speed transmission is pretty responsive and, in reality, it has plenty of power for a SUV this size. It is also larger than it looks. I was suprised how much the size was comparable with my 2001 Jeep Cherokee. I really have enjoyed mine.

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  Love It - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ebough - January 2 - 5:50 pm

  I just bought my 2006 Outlander after almost eight years driving a Ford SHO. I wanted a truck, but we picked the Outlander as a compromise. After years of driving a very powerful, low profile car, the Outlander took a lot of getting used to. However, once I was comfortable I love it. I hate super plush cars, so this is a great compromise between a car and a truck - and honestly, with Mitsubishis road rally experience, I expect to be able to get out of my driveway many mornings without snowblowing. Once I get my first scratch I might go down some dirt roads. If youre looking for something with quick acceleration, this is not the car. But it does cruise quite nicely.