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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  I really broke it in!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cozzy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Within the first week of owning this vehicle, I drove it from Milwaukee, to San Bernardino, CA and then to Santa Clara, CA, then back to Wisconsin. I loved it. The only thing that it struggled with was on mountain roads of Colorado and Utah. The semi-trailers were passing me up!! But other than that, it handled the roads very well especially in rain storms. Never got uncomfortable riding/driving in it either for over 4,000 miles!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tweetybird - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Honda, Nissan & Toyota (all were great vehicles) I was a little nervous about Mitsubishi. I didnt know anyone with an Outlander. I test drove a Honda CRV and was very disappointed. It was cheap looking. The Toyota Highlander was expensive with accessories. I was totally surprised by the Outlander! Super SUV. Fun to drive! Its drives like a foreign sports car. Handles well. Lots of PEP!

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  Great Value and Fun to Drive - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By M185 - September 26 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my 07 LS used with 44,500 miles. It is the best value in a used compact SUV out there. I shopped against Toyota RAV4 and Highlander, Acura MDX and RDX, Nissan Murano, and Ford Escape. The Outlander with leather seating, V6 engine, AWD, rear seat DVD, and upgraded MP3 stereo was $3-10K less than the competition. It is not the most luxurious, road noise is a little higher than the Acuras and Toyotas, and the suspension booms over some potholes but for the money, it cant be beat. It blows away the 2003 Pathfinder we sold and I really liked the Nissan. Highly recommended if you are shopping for the best value in a CUV. My kids love it too.

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  A great value purchase - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Vik - September 23 - 7:00 am

  We bought this to replace a 3-series BMW sedan. With a growing, athletic son and two large dogs, we needed to return to having an SUV for toting everyone around. Having previously owned both a Pathfinder and a Highlander, we were familiar with the virtues/vices of both truck- and car- based SUVs. We researched the Outlander thoroughly, and this model is recommended by both Edmunds and Consumer Reports. In fact, this model gets the nod over the 6 cyl, and we agree with that assessment. It is truly a great value purchase: fun to drive, very good technology, comfortable, and highly useful. The vehicle is thoughtfully designed. Yes, they could have used nicer interrior materials.

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  Best SUV for the Money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tommybo76 - September 22 - 1:13 pm

  My wife and I love this SUV. It gets great gas mileage, has lots of great interior features, a 10 year warranty, and all the safety features standard. This is a great SUV for the money.

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  A Great Standout - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brian - September 22 - 6:23 am

  This car is great for its class and offers more for the money than any of the competitions. It looks good and is very fun to drive. It is an athletic yet comfortable car that has always been great so far. It is faster and more agile than most other small SUVs and has a host of great standard features. I also really like the gauge computer and the 6-speed auto is unheard of in this class. Also, the 4WD system is great and I highly recommend it for buyers who encounter snow and slick road conditions like I do.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Delma - September 20 - 10:06 am

  This little SUV is just right for me. Its got everything I need. Its nice and roomy in the front and rear. Bottom line, I love my Outlander.

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  Love at 1st sight - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rmoose - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Saw the commercial & ran out to get it! Loved it even more in person. For a smaller suv, it has a look that definitely separates it from everything else out there. Engine power is more than adequate--Im not on the autobahn and Id trade a gas-guzzling v6 for this anyday. Interior is extremely roomy, especially the back seat. Friends have 4-runner & we have more passenger room than they do. More comfort too. Ive also been dealing with the whole drifting-to-the-right-fiasco. Mitsu really needs to do something about this. Overall, it fits exactly what I was looking for and I get many comliments on it.

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  2 year review - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rdbmpls - September 10 - 8:27 pm

  I am a normal person in that I am not a car snob nor a gear-head. In a vehicle, I only want a few things… first and foremost I want a reliable vehicle that gets me from point A to point B. I want a vehicle that makes me feel comfortable while driving in it. I live in Minneapolis, MN and am 6’4” so I need a vehicle that can drive through sloppy/snowy weather and this vehicle can get that done. It also gets good highway MPG(23-27Highway MPG) (only ok if continually driving in the city:14-17MPG) If you are looking for a reliable, small SUV, that offers solid features at a good price, purchase the Outlander.

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  Still Riding Strong!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bigbossman - August 21 - 2:10 am

  I wrote a previous review about a year ago, Mitsubishi was great with the warranty, even for the littlest things, it still ride great, gas mileage is good on the highways and in the city, its almost time for its 60k tune up.