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 Car, Great Price, Fun Extras - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dugger48 - January 31 - 11:23 pm

  I was researching mid-sized SUV and Crossovers for approx. 2 years before I discovered the Outlander. All the other cars that I researched fell short of what I was looking for. The Outlander met almost all my expectations. Appearance & design: nicely designed interior and sporty exterior. Performance and good gas mileage: 220 hp + 6spd auto tranny. Price: $25k w/options. Drivability: ride quality (suspension, road noise, handling), interior comfort, visibility, and interior space. The Outlander also offers a lot of neat std. and optional equipment (see Fav. Features). I highly recommend you consider the Outlander when researching/test driving similar vehicles, you’ll probably buy it

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  Outeverything! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By evolander - January 31 - 8:20 am

  The Outlander handles like a car - a good handling car at that. Its quiet, there is nothing is flimsy in the interior. The vehicle fully equipped is an amazing value with many features the competition doesnt even offer. The transmission is very adept at shifting and selecting gears. Its gas mileage is right about what you would expect for a mid-sized sedan. With electronic brakeforce, all wheel drive, and a six speed trans, this vehicle is sure-footed to say the least. The sound system is fantastic. I could go on and on but it scores very highly across the board. There is a knock that we hear in the suspension and some wind noise around the mirror, but were still happy and will get that fixed. This truck has no real flaws and has had no failures.

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  Underated - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pancho - January 28 - 12:38 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. It feels like a luxury vehicle without the high price and it has a better waranty than a Lexus.

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  Four months after buying and still loving it - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rob - January 20 - 4:09 pm

  We shopped for a year before deciding on the 2016 outlander sel. When we started our search the "Mitsu", as my wife calls it, wasnt even on the list. One reason it didnt make the list was the horrible reviews from "experts". After looking for a while we narrowed it down to the Nissan Rogue and the 2016 Mazda CX-9. The main requirements we had was a three row SUV that got decent gas mileage. Well once pricing came out on the cx9 that pretty much ruled that vehicle out. We owned a 2008 cx9 and loved it and really liked the new design but the sticker price combined with the mediocre gas mileage with premium fuel was just too much. So we test drove the rogue and actually really liked the way it drove but the options on the mid level trim were slim for the price. The mid level is the only trim with 3 rows and leather isnt even an option. So we decided to try the outlander and drive it the same day. I didnt think it drove as well as the rogue but it had a few things going for it. 1. It was bigger, much bigger in the 3rd row 2. It got basically the same mpg even with the increased size. 3. It had a TON more options including leather, sub woofer, moonroof, led lights... 4. It was cheaper than the Nissan. We were sold. There are some complaints. The average mpg gauge resets after 8 or so hours so you dont actually get the average mpg per tank. The handling is ok but not great, 2008 cx9 was better. Thought it had led daytime running lights but its just led parking lights in the front. Infotainment center is a little behind the times, still works fine but hard to navigate. Things we really like: third row is fine for kids even our 12 year old. Gas mileage we average around 28 but constantly get over 30 mpg on highway trips. The subwoofer is awesome, great stereo. The warranty was an added bonus especially when compared to the competition. The power is sufficient, I know many reviews talk about the lack of power but most parents dont actually need a 8 second 0-60 time, they prefer savings at the pump and I appreciate the fact Mitsubishi recognizes that. We leave ours in Eco mode and are more than happy with the acceleration. So the short version, if you need a 3 row suv that gets great gas mileage and has a long list of features, make sure to test drive an outlander.

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  Both Rich and Smooth - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DKReviewer - January 19 - 2:43 am

  The new body design is amazing as well as the interior. Driving the car is fun, handles very well, has great acceleration but the trans is not always in the right gear, once in manual mode the paddle shifters make it a whole new ride. Even with four fairly hefty passengers it performs well. Love the exhaust note on XLS, resembles my G35 (6gr-manual). The interior has a clean and inovative look to it with clever storage everywhere and crafty 3rd row seats. Soft cloth seats are comfortable and hold you in surprisingly well, and the std sound system is great. The keyless entry makes the car so much sweeter. Overall, nice car, great buy. Mitsubishi has done well.

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  Diana - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Diana Harms - January 15 - 4:03 am

  I like this SUV would like a little better mileage . I think service is excellent and the suv is great on long trips

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  The car survived the college student but not the accident - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By alycop - January 14 - 3:18 pm

  Ill be honest, I am a college student and I did not maintain the car well. I received the car in 2011 at 67k and the tires, battery and brakes needed to be replaced. Since then I had nothing more than a burnt out headlight. It ran great, got good highway mileage for an SUV, and had plenty of room. Sometimes it would take a second turn of the key to start, but that was because I procrastinated (big time) on oil changes and such. 2.5 years and 30k miles later I had an accident after my tire blew from hitting a hubcap. We spun out, I over corrected, slid to a ditch and rolled over. I came out with out a scratch, my boyfriend got a mild concussion, but my poor car was totaled.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MADJIMMY - January 10 - 9:43 am

  Finally found a small SUV that doesnt need the V6 to climb a paved hill! This little gem is a powerhouse that is a blast to drive, looks great and is very nicely engineered. Love the Sportronic automatic transmission, a flick of the wrist, and you down and up shift manually. The engine is a marvel, plenty of power in the 160+ horses packed into the 4 cylinders, power to spare and power to play with. Roomy, comfy, and did I mention it is a great deal of fun?

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  Vader - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Kroll - January 6 - 10:30 am

  I had wanted to replace my 2001 F150 Supercrew with a new Mustang, but that was not practical with one offspring still in collage. The Outlander seemed to be the best bet for our needs. So far this vehicle has surpassed all of my expectations! I have hauled quite a few boxes (my mother is in the process of moving) and have torn up the roads using the F1 style paddle shifters. They took a bit of getting familiar with, since I am used to manual gearboxes such as in my wifes mustang GT, but once I did, there is no way that I will use the full on auto, unless the wife is with me. (She likes good gas mileage). Also, the Rockford/Fosgate kicks!

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  Love It!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rachel - January 3 - 9:03 am

  Never had a Mitsubishi before, wanted a CR-V, but after I drove the Outlander, the CR-V looked terrible. So much fun to drive, very cool outside look. Love it! I got hit by an 18-wheeler, and the Outlander took it like a champ! The side-curtain airbags saved my life! Very safe. Might buy another one!