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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  The best SUV youve never heard of - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SUVfan - December 25 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the Outlander looking for a very safe, very well equipped family vehicle that still had the styling a young man would appreciate. This had it all. It has a great, fuel efficient 6 cylinder engine, a state of the art safety cage/ front and side airbags combination, responsive breaks, the best sound system I have ever heard (Rockford Fosgate upgrade is a no-brainer), soft, comfortable leather, and it rides like a dream. What a great discovery!

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  My Mitsu Outlander is perfect for me! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kathleen - December 21 - 1:16 pm

  This was my first new vehicle ever and the whole experience has been great. The Outlander is fun, lively, handles like a dream, gives me good performance on the highway and comfort for my kids,, and uses regular gas and cheap tires! I got through the gas hike just fine! Im going to trade this year to preserve resale but plan to buy another OUTLANDER! Its the same overall size as Montero, just shorter, and for the money, its a great deal. It would make a great vehicle for a college student or young driver.

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  Commuters SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Maggie - December 20 - 8:46 pm

  If you want a commuter SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander is it. It handles like a car, is solid, has good fuel economy, and best of all a low price tag. It hugs the road and makes the driver feel safe.

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  Outlander 2.4 2009 - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eelly - December 12 - 2:06 am

  I bought the outlander after test driving rav4 and crv. I like the outlander looks and its price of course, unlike rav which I believe is overpriced. Honda crv is better in acceleration, Rav4 is more car like when you drive. Outlander is heavier, but more stability in curve although a bit slow during start but can be faster if you use the techtronic options. Overall its worth the money compared to Rav4 and CRV. Forget about resale value - just enjoy driving it... no regrets.

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  2004 Outlander (bought in 2003) - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By redbrnch - November 30 - 6:20 am

  I have always driven large SUVs and trucks and just love this car. It takes daily off-road abuse to get to and from our home. Great buy, just beware of financing scams that can come with it.

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  Great Value, Comfort and Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhmh - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I find the Outlander to be comfortable and stylish. The 2.4 liter engine provides the power level I expected (what do you expect from a 4 cylinder?). I think it is enough power for most drivers. After reading through almost all of the other reviews, I have found some common complaints. 1)The vehicle pulls to one side. I dont think this is an alignment problem. 2)Under hard acceleration, the muffler or something in the exhaust sounds like it is loose or has a hole in it. I checked the NHTSA website for recalls on these two specific items, but there are not any. Overall, I think this is a strong buy for the money.

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  Tough enough for Australia - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mark Hunter - November 11 - 7:10 am

  Everyone gushes about how much they love their new car, of course. We were in Australia for three months, and drove two of these for just over 10,000 KM (about 6,300 miles). This is a useful seven passenger three row size, partway between the smallest and biggest SUVs. The Outlander’s third row seat is not the biggest, but it does offer about a foot and a half more room between the second row and the hatch. That means a lot to us on an extended road trip with lots of luggage and gear. We drove the ES/SE (rental hybrid of trim levels) with the 2.4 CVT in Australia, and bought the SE S-AWC a month ago here in DFW. I had the same experience as other private reviewers. I don’t understand what the pros are talking about when they say this doesn’t have enough power. I never had to floor it to merge into traffic. It has plenty of power for passing, easily goes from 55 to 70 uphill in the mountains with a full load of gear, and tachs at 2,300 when cruising at 70. It has a very smooth stable ride, a good driving position with comfortable seats, feels confident when cornering, and brakes well. The interior is remarkably quiet. The salesman said it has acoustic glass. Who knows? One feature not available on any other small SUV (that I am aware of) is the ability to disengage the AWD system altogether, using just the FWD and saving a penny on gas. We test drove most of the manufacturers, and could feel the difference between the AWD and the FWD. The Outlander’s AWD was not noticeable whether engaged or not. We spent a lot of time and miles in the Outlander ES/SE in Australia, and found it (and Australia) altogether agreeable. We test drove the GT (V6) and the Sport (shorter wheelbase). The GT and the Sport have firmer rides for different reasons. The seven passenger ES S-AWC 2.4 CVT is the way for us to go. It’s an all day driver, and carries our full load of gear without breaking a sweat.

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  Great Auto - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Moose - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  I had this auto 1 1/2 years and have had no problems. The looks are great for the inside and outside. Really stands out when clean. I find the comfort in the front seats very good. Gas mileage is about 25 - 26 highway.

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  The Right Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By karatedvm - October 13 - 1:23 pm

  After looking for more than 1.5 yrs for a smaller SUV that didnt look like a womans car I kept coming back to the Outlander. Only had mine for 2 weeks but its proving itself the right vehicle for me. After 2+ years of not driving a 4WD SUV I had to get back to what was right for me and my dogs. This vehicle is spacious especially with the back seat folded forward. The fuel economy is better than I had hoped after only 2 weeks - averaging ~24mpgs combined. Handles well, cant wait for snow - actually I can wait forever for snow but by Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio it wont be long. A little hard to keep clean, the interior attracts and holds dog hair. Wish I had all leather interior.

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  I absolutely loved the 06 Outlander! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gigemmer - October 10 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this Outlander used in 07 and continued to drive it until last week, when it was totaled in an accident. I actually cried when the adjuster told me it was totaled, because I LOVED this car! We put 80,000 miles on it over the 4 years, and not once did we need a repair, except to replace the brakes at 90k. I wanted to write this review because of how well it held up in our wreck. We were rear-ended while at a complete stop by a guy going 50. We were thrown into the guardrail, but the only major damages were in appearance. The car held up extremely well, and none of us was injured. I was so impressed by how safe it was, Im planning on buying another one!