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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  Great SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Yasha - May 23 - 10:53 pm

  Just love the car! Everything.

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  Extremely Happy! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By euler21 - May 8 - 6:33 pm

  I just got my Outlander LS 4WD a week ago, and I think I just might be in love. Ive always owned GMs, but I needed an SUV for the headroom (64"). Most SUVs have terribly boring styling, but this thing is beautiful! It just looks like nothing else on the road. I traded in an 04 Grand Prix, and I love the fact that I can fit in a vehicle, without it feeling like a massive SUV.

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  Another Satisfied Owner - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rhuang - May 5 - 11:03 pm

  This is my first purchase of a new car. I owned several used car and been to leasing for few years. Ive been shopping around since Dec 2007. I read many reviews and done a lot of research before test driving the CR-V, RAV4, Element, RDX, and the Outlander. After test drove the outlander, I have a second opinion about Mitsu. It turns out that the Outlander has the best value, best warranty, and best incentives in its class. I pull my trigger on March and have been satisfied after driving 1200 miles. The car looks sporty and has many functions I like. I love my ride.

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  Great value, great vehicle!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tapachick - April 30 - 8:44 pm

  I researched small/mid-size suvs for months. I test drove Hondas, Toyotas, Chevys, Fords, Mazdas and for some reason, the Outlander was the last vehicle we looked at. I dont think Mitsubishi promotes this vehicle enough. But... we fell in love with the estimated MPG, body style, and most of all, the price. My 64" husband loves the head room and comfortable seating. It handles great and Im getting 22 mpg in city driving in Southern California. You cant beat the warranty and I expect the MPG to get better since Ive only had the vehicle for 4 weeks. Great value and a great looking SUV, were loving it.

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  outlander rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By repaustin - April 25 - 10:00 am

  reliable and fun. handles well. incrediable ski mtn. driving

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  Best value vehicle I could find - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dcpizz - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Chevy Avalanche for two years, I needed a vehicle with better gas mileage. After test driving about 10 small SUVs, I decided on the Outlander. In three weeks and over 1500 miles, the vehicle has been fantastic. Fun, easy & comfortable to drive, plenty of power (I dont do 100MPH), great in the snow & ice, and it looks good too. For under 20K, it has all the features that I need.

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  A Surpisingly Fun Toy to Drive - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lonestar1914 - April 9 - 10:40 am

  I was very surprised at the handling of the Mitsubishi Outlander. For a small SUV it really excellerates well. This is a good vehicle for a first time buyer.

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  Gotta love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jim - April 4 - 3:13 am

  Weve had our GT now for about 600 miles and love it! We thought about other SUVs but our last one , a 2003 Outlander, was flawless so we thought why beat ourselves up? We love the looks, and driving its a blast. We owned a Subaru WRX before, so we know fun driving! Gas mileage can be fairly decent if you can drive like an old lady. I tried it once and got 27.2 on the cars computer! It just hurt to drive that slow though. Road noise is a minor complaint but the Rockford Fosgate stereo takes care of that.The third row seat is a joke but we dont need it so who cares? Like the drop tailgate too. Theres too many good things to talk about so Ill just say we give it a 9.5-10!

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  This is a Home Run for Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ryan - April 1 - 1:16 pm

  We test drove the Toyota RAV4 v6, Nissan Murano, and the Outlander XLS. After reading a lot of positive reviews of the RAV4 we test test drove it and it was a bit of a let down. The engine was great however everything else was not. The interior design is very old ladyish. My wife and I agreed on this. Also, the great gas mileage that the RAV4 sports is offset by the required premium fuel which translates into a 2.5 miles per gallon reduction from 29 to about 26-27 mpg when price adjusted for premium fuel when compared to outlanders regular unleaded needs. The Nissan Murano was nice, but way too expensive and interior felt too ritzy and not sporty enough.

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  Great car, but.... - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bordell - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Outlander in November 2002. I love the styling, performance, comfort, and braking of the car. Acceleration is good too, not sure where Edmonds and Car and Driver got theirs from but mine is peppy. I have had a problem with the car drifting to the right ever since I got it. It has been back to the dealer 4 times to get corrected but they have not been able to get it right. They tell me that there may be a recall on Outlanders to correct this problem when Mitsubishi gets the fix in a few weeks. Have any other owners had this problem? Let me know. I have had no other problems, I really do like the car.