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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Its New and Its Fun! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Mickey - January 1 - 1:56 pmI just bought this vehicle a couple of days ago and I am very impressed so far by its quality and the fun to drive factor, while getting great gas mileage.
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Great on fuel - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Jose Ventura - December 24 - 10:25 pmGood value, great on fuel, so far proven reliable, on every situation, over a 1000 miles a week, on delivery work, can complain at all, apple car play works great, Android auto, not...cant believe I dont see more on the road, for the $$ hard to beat...
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Mitsubishi Outlander Rocks - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Jeff Launiere - December 23 - 2:56 amThis is likely the best vehicle I have ever owned. As some say the low end acceleration is not great, but it is fine. The Outlander has a real quality feel and is fun to drive. I tried the Honda CRV, Mazda CX7, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Murano, Kia and Hyundai and this was simply the best. And the price is better than all of these. I absolutely recommend this vehicle to anyone, other than the Navigation System unless you use it in an area where no new streets are put in.
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Finally - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
By michal - December 12 - 12:00 pmThe car drives more like a nice size sedan than an SUV. Grips the road nicely and takes corners well. Seating takes a little to get use to but once you find your spot and adjust your seat it feels great. Excellaration-just breaking the car in-you get a good response (a little delay) when you hit the gas pedal. Im getting about 24.7 mpg at speeds of about 70 to 75.
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Great Mid-size SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By jedidude75 - December 10 - 9:30 amWe recently purchased a 2007 Outlander with everything, navigation, the Rockford Fosgate speakers, Bluetooth, 4 wheel drive, XLS and sunroof. The vehicle is a steal for its price! The navigation needs some map upgrades, but overall this SUV is excellent!
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I love my Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By cymbidiumchic - December 2 - 10:00 amI was shopping for a new vehicle and test drove the Honda CR-V, and the Chevy TrailBlazer. The Outlander was more comfortable, stylish, and had a better ride and feel.
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Keep Away - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Pjopie - December 1 - 2:00 amPulls to right since day 1 and dealer says most of them are doing same Factory fix for the problem not working and now excuses that they test drove vehicle and its ok...but its not ok and it still goes to the right...keep away from this one.
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fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By JAY MA - December 1 - 2:00 amI really love this suv. has great pick up and handles great. It is an all around well built car.
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Very happy Mitsubishi SUV Driver - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By luken - December 1 - 2:00 amgreat sub to drive. Great fun to drive economical in gas. Is very good looking, which sun roof came with the vehicle I picked. The engine is quiet, and vehicle is solid. When you shut the doors you can not hear the outside.
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cant beat it for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
By ryanclements - December 1 - 2:00 amMy wife and I have had the Outlander for a year now and we still love it. It has a very car-ish ride and still has many of the useful things we were hoping to get from an SUV (cargo space, roomy ride). ABS should be standard. Its probably not the best SUV on the market, but the cost makes it, in my opinion, the best value--which is most important. Its pretty good on gas anyway, but we added a tornado fuel saver and the hwy mpg jumped by 4-6 miles/gal! The sportronic trannie is a hoot too. I dont use it often, but theres plenty of juice when I need it. We love it, and anyone that would give it a chance most likely will too.
