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:

• 

  4WD Gas saver lot of fun - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By georgechi - March 23 - 8:44 am

  Great gas saver, lot of gadgets (bluetooth, handsfree, satellite radio). 5 speed manual gearbox when I need it, nobody else has it. 4WD real not a "awd". Best car I have owned and the best warranty. great power for a 4 cylinder car. Looks great out and inside. third row when I need it. everything on this car is great. Had mitsubishi all my life( montero, montero sport, mirage and the old pickups).

• 

  Sporty and Fun - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By outlander driver - March 7 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had my LS 2WD Outlander for one month now and love it so far. It is getting great gas mileage, about 24 in the city, and it is so fun to drive. Has all the necessary features plus some extras. I did my research and test drove the CRV and RAV4 and didnt think they had near as much power. They werent as fun to drive either. For the money, the Outlander is the way to go.

• 

  2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ron84 - March 4 - 9:10 pm

  Just bought my son his second Mitsubishi Outlander (2012 Outlander GT AWD). We bought him a 2007 Outlander LS 5 years ago and it has been bullett proof. No issues at all. We bought the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2 months ago and thus far I have been very impressed. Although it is the same generation as his 2007 it has numerous improvements and has not dissapointed thus far. The 2007 had a slight hesitation when taking off but the 2012 does not have the same hesitation and is very smooth on takeoff. It is rated 10 HP higher than the 2007 and like the 2007 is very quick (and economical). Very fun to drive.

• 

  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By wrightsumner - February 21 - 5:00 pm

  Ive had my Outlander now for 4.5 months and have already put 2000 miles on it. Its a blast to drive, comfortable, great handling, sporty. Lots and lots of car for the money. I got mine with all the features, 30GBHDD, DVD player/Nav system, sun roof, Rockford Fosgate sound system, Blue Tooth, and still payed thousands less than I would have for a RAV-4 or CR-V with comparable options. Im very pleased with the gas mileage. I actually got as much as 32mpg on a recent cross country trip. I average between 25-30 mpg (most of my driving is highway miles). I like the fact that I dont see many on the road. It feels large (I feel safe driving it) but also sporty at the same time.

• 

  Wow! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jeff - February 21 - 6:40 am

  I currently own a 2004 Outlander, so Im familiar with the quality of the brand. My wife traded her 2005 Subaru Outback for the 2007 XLS 4WD. We absolutely love this car. The ride is great and the vehicle is fun. I tried to talk her out of the navigation system, but we got it and it is awesome. The wheels, stereo, and of course the engine are all quite an improvement over the 2004 model. We compared it to the CR-V, Saturn, Toyota and Subaru (Outback and Tribeca) and nothing comes close to matching the engineering marvel of this vehicle. Note: there is no new car leather smell to this vehicle. The odor absorbing headliner keeps the car smelling, well, clean. Which is nice, since we have dogs. Give this car a look

• 

  Very Happy Customer - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brian - February 19 - 7:13 am

  This is my first SUV. I needed more cargo space than my sedan could offer. I test drove the vue, equinox, escape, journey, nitro before looking at the outlander. This offered everything I was looking for and really enjoy driving it. I like the steering wheel radio controls, the in-floor storage (I dont have the 3rd row seat). I like all the safety and stability features. The 4 cyl is good, but because I have a lead foot could use a little more get up and go. I have to still get used to speedometer on left side of the display. Offers great warranty. Gets good gas mileage for an SUV. Great safety ratings. Not sure why you dont see more of them on the road. This is a great SUV especially for the $$.

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By we2apothecary - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome buy! The Outlander comes standard with automatic transmission, add-ons are reasonable, & the financing deal Mitsubishi is offering is incredible. The Outlander has the smoothest ride of any of the "mini-SUVs" on the market. Great handling, super comfortable seats, good gas mileage, & you just cant beat the overall appearance. No problem with interstate passing here (not sure where Edmunds get that comment). This car has incredible get up & go. Mitsubishi includes tons of standard features. I am super satisfied with our purchase!

• 

  Good in the snow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By randyptl - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is great. Not much on acceleration, however, it rides well on the highway. My kids love the arm rest with the drink holders and the back seat fits two car seats well.

• 

  im in love with this car1 - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By clint - February 9 - 11:15 am

  This is my second car from Mitsubishi. My first was the 2014 Mirage. This is an upgrade leap frog years from what i had. the vehicle picks up speed from a standstill like a jag, leaving other vehicles in its dust. The ride is smooth, handles well, downshifts like a race car, sound system is boss, beautiful 18 alloy rims, no need to get after markets there. The look of the car is sexy, the grill reminds me of something from the Transformers. Get this car! you cant go wrong!

• 

  Outlandish Surprise - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tyler - February 1 - 5:57 am

  I needed an affordable SUV for my family of 5. I looked at all options including some large sedans and mini vans. Then I came across the Outlander. Ive had the car for only about a month but I am totally impressed. It looks great, drives great, gets amazing gas mileage for a full size SUV. I am consistently getting 31-33 mpg on the highway and 29 mixed. I can get my wife and three kids in this thing and jump on the highway and go! It also doesnt require Premium gas just basic unleaded. I have the base model but I love it for what it is. A simple clean performer. The bluetooth phone connectivity works great and much better than my last 35 thousand VW. The stock wheels look very nice and fresh. Its also very quiet on the road. Its a just a real good performer for the tasks that I use it for. My model doesnt have all the bells and whistles but honestly I dont need Nav. I have my phone and it works great. I also love that I sit up high on the road. Its as high as most trucks and higher than most vans. Its got tons of cargo space and is really flexible when youre hauling people or cargo. The build quality feels good. The ride feels solid with nice balance of road feel and comfort. It has high clearance so although I havent tested it in the snow, I am expecting decent performance. The warranty is amazing. I simply do not believe that there is a better SUV buy out there for $19,785 especially one that sits 7. The Outlander will haul people and cargo and do it with style and great gas mileage. Plus you get the added bonus that they are not a dime a dozen. In a way they are a bit like a boutique company. I read all the reviews before I bought it and many complained about the lack of power. I dont get it. It has enough power. Is it fast? Fast enough. Is it a race car? No. In drive mode with "Eco" mode enabled at can at times feel a little sluggish but its not that bad. If you feel the need you can always drop the shifter in "sport" mode, click off the "Eco" mode and get much snappier performance. I actually like that I can turn this stuff off and on. That way I can get great mileage most of the time but get performance when I feel like its needed. So far I am really liking the Outlander