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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  2004 Outlander XLS AWD - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By benzbeforemitsu:-) - August 14 - 3:10 am

  I have driven Mercedes all my life. A few months before my lease on a 230 Komressor SLK expired I started SUV shopping. I test drove multiple makes and models and out of all of them, the Mitsubishi Outlander was the best. It met my requirements for price, fuel economy, warranty, speed, design, and usefulness. After test driving a bunch of SUVs in its class I fell in love with my Outlander. Great job Mitsubishi!!!

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  Great SUV for your Family - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dean Gullberry - August 10 - 9:59 pm

  This SUV got Terrible reviews from all of the critics but please dont let that fool you. Sure its not as fast an Audi or the Dodge Durango off the line but in all its a really great Family SUV. Lots of extra features and space that you dont find in any of the other rivals.

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  600 miles so far. - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R. Mumford - August 9 - 1:18 pm

  LE is higher level of trim with fog lights, moon roof and rear radar. Not the slowest vehicle (2.4L) i have owned but it ok for merging on highways and scooting around. I find it fun to drive and very good on gas. Smart display a good size screen incorporates several options. Us your smart phone (USB or Bluetooth ) and you pretty much have it all! Lots of room inside and seats for 5 adults & 2kids. Ride and handling ok , to few miles on odometer to comment. When you take into account the discount the price was a big factor. Mitsubishi has been around a long time , My guess you will be happy with purchase of this Outlander. My friend Bob has the sport model. Smaller but hes very happy !

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  A great small crossover suv - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sierram - August 9 - 12:52 am

  Do not trust the reviewers. This vehicle deserves to be test driven. The material quality is fantastic inside. Mitsubishi did not cheap out and use tons of hard plastic like the rest of the competition. I think the exterior looks classy and is similar to the Land Rover Range Rover or 1st gen Cayanne. The 3rd row is usable because the second row can be moved up without losing that much legroom. Im 55" and I was able to sit in the 3rd row. I wouldnt want to sit there for long trips but it should be fine for my needs around town. I cant wait to try out the 4wd on the snow. I believe it has much better ground clearance and 4wd system than the CR-V. Im getting 25 mpg on mostly city driving.

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  Outlander Gt Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By genx_rated - July 28 - 11:24 pm

  Mitsubishis price of around $26k w/100k warranty was what sealed the deal. The MIVEC V6 is plenty powerful, especially since it only weighs as much as a midsized sedan(3500lb curb weight), despite what others may say. It also sounds quite nice, but not overly noisy. Have about 2000 miles now, and averaging 21-22 MPGs in 85% CITY driving. You can do 30 MPG on the highway at 65-70mph, but I dont drive there often. The 20/28 ratings are just about right. Ride is compliant and very Japanese, but not luxurious....more sporty. Handling is competent and fairly flat. Cargo space very good, maybe not as wide as Pathfinder or Explorer.

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  Value and Excellent driving manners - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By khm2010 - July 25 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased V6 XLS with luxury package 3 weeks back. Drives like a car has good cornering, road grip and no rolling effect. Does not feel heavy at all. Fuel mileage is as expected i,e 18/25 in 2WD mode but RAV4 has the best class mileage for V6. Like the contrasting leather, fit & finish. Lot of storage locations. Has a good usable cargo space due to length of the vehicle, but to gain more volume wish they made 3rd row seats optional in this package and body wider. 2nd row seats are the best in terms of configuring. Seats are firm , may lost longer.

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  Quiet, efficient, beastly in the snow. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Adam - July 24 - 1:15 pm

  It is too bad this SUV is often overlooked. Youd think Mitsubishi spit in the face at all the reviewers at one time or another for them to raise such an eyebrow on this vehicle. Edmunds rates it a C. This vehicle is B+ at the least. Edmunds claims the interior quality is cheap, but it is really no worse (better in my opinion) than many competitors that I drove. Get into a Honda CRV and see how much racket you can make with your fingernails on the abundance of plastic haunting the dash, and then get in here and you tell me what you see and feel. The AWD system is fantastic, one winter down with it and it absolutely crushes anything (within reason, of course) you throw at it. Gas mileage is average, but pleasant for the size. Acceleration is good, with the 4 cylinder I noticed if you do have a few people in the car it will feel a bit groggy. However, for everyday driving it should be more than adequate to the average person. Safety was a huge plus for me here too. Overall, I have 12,000 miles on it, have been driving it for over a year and no trouble yet. Props to Mitsubishi! With the pricepoint and warranty toppling anything else thats out there, you owe it to yourself to drive one.

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  Its Been a Fun Vehicle So Far! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mucool - July 21 - 10:20 am

  I am not a person that takes much risk or buys anything impulsively. But when I decided to buy the Outlander 2007, thats how friends and family thought of me. But so far, I have been happy with my new ride! We were almost going for the RAV4 , after evaluating CX-7, CR-V, Tribeca, when the Outlander came out. The Outlander is by far the best value for money for this segment. Its fun owning a car with a super cool navigation system, music system, Bluetooth combined with a V6 and not so useful but yet handy 3rd row seat. I am just waiting for the NHTSA crash test results, and if it gets a 5 star rating, then I am totally satisfied with what I got. Despite all the negative history on Mitsubishi, this vehicle rocks!

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  Thank God I owned this car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dsdjade - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved my little SUV. Drove like a car but had the features of an SUV. Great on the ice and snow with the AWD. Great for in town and long distance travel. Now for the most important. I was involved in a VERY serious accident and my son and I walked away!!!!

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  Not cloned . . . . nice - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sheldon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Not a sheepish clone of any other vehicle. Refreshing styling, surprising performance. A winner.