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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  Had a 2007 this is a major improvement. - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lowsidr - November 23 - 2:22 am

  My 07 had 233,000 miles on it and still ran as well as it did when new. It was by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and thats what led me to the new 2016 Outlander SEL. The new Outlander is entirely a different animal. Its so much quieter and the ride quality is vastly improved as are the materials used for the interior and soundproofing. This new Outlander is QUIET, the old 07 was noisey, tons of road noise and wind roar, virtually eliminated in this new 2016. Fuel economy is impressive, we are averaging a solid 27 combined and have seen as high as 32mpg while cruising open back-roads at 50-60mph. Hopefully once its broken in a bit the fuel economy will rise a bit as we are only getting about 27 on the highway at around 75mph. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is really nice, a bit muddy and punchy compared to my Mercedes E-350 but Its not really fair to compare a 60k vehicle to this, for the price point you would be hard pressed to do much better. The exterior looks nice but to me all crossovers look about the same, the 18" alloys are a nice touch though. The 2.4 motor coupled with the re-programmed CVT is lackluster but functional. I miss the power of the old 6cyl in the 07 but I dont miss the appalling fuel economy that came along with it. For our purposes the 2.4 will be just fine and we have zero issue merging onto the expressway or overtaking. Comparing the two models the 2016 just blows the 07 out of the water, its a huge improvement. As for comparing it to other crossovers, I just spent a day driving around in a 2017 Subaru Outback. The Outback was much more peppy and its CVT more refined. Ride quality was better, it has a more substantial solid feeling as far as the suspension goes but road noise was about the same and the cabin was nothing to write home about, I think the Outlander is superior and more comfortable along with feeling significantly larger with a higher more commanding ride. Considering how much more the Outback sells for I am VERY happy with the Mitsubishi Outlander, it represents one hell of a bargain at $22k and if it holds up as well as our 07 we will be incredibly happy owners.

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  best bang for the buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mickey Mantle - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my first SUV experience with the Outlander. I was not looking for an off the road vehicle but for good gas mileage, ability to transport goods from time to time and comfortable ride. I got it all with the Outlander. It has decnet acceleration but I dont want a car to go 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. I am a point A to B type of guy and this Outlander has suited me well. Gas mileage is 25 or better with mostly highway miles. I am a big guy and I am quite comfortable in the drivers seat. Passengers have remarked they are very cozy in the passenger seats. I looked quite a bit before I bought and the Outlander has worked well for me!

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  Checqued out Outlander-Good Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JMErbrick1980 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The other day I went to look at the Outlander, since I needed a larger vehicle. My first impressions were for the most part positive, but would have been more positive, had Mitsubishi added the Galant V6 as an option. A little underpowered, but overall a good choice.

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  5600 miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - November 17 - 2:00 am

  At almost 6000 miles the Outlander is still impresing me. Power to spair on hills and on the ice mountains sure footed like a cat. this is a great car at a great price.

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  A Great Competitor! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Amelia - November 16 - 2:50 am

  Ive had my XLS about a month and a half now, and I love it. Its fun to drive and runs very nicely. Compared to others in the same car segment, this one is the clear winner as far as Im concerned. Toyota and Honda dont offer as much at this price level, and to boot, I think the Outlander is a good-looking car, especially with the 18" wheels and LED tail lights which are normally found in higher-priced vehicles. Mitsubishis attempt to include a 3rd-row seat is the only big minus I find with this car.

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  Its Great - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gski - November 11 - 7:13 am

  Just picked up the 08 and theres one word to describe it, WOW! Im impressed. Its my first automatic in over 20 years. Im impressed by the pickup and the paddle shifters still give me that "standard" feeling. Its very roomy both in the front and back.

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  Wasnt even looking... - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Spakie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Outlander for a little over three months, and really like it. When I first started looking for a small SUV, due to lower back problems aggrivated by my current car, I was primarily focused on the Honda CR-V and lookig at Pre-Owned. The price tag of the 3-year old CR-V with 38K and the brand new Outlander LS AWD were almost identical. I found the Seating in the Outlander far more comfortable. No brainer... bought the Outlander. Like everything thus far but, like many others, would like to have about 20-30 more HP on occasion. The Sportshift mode does help.

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  The Sleeper of the Cute Utes! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jewels - November 5 - 4:26 pm

  Bought fully loaded with all the extras and have never been happier. Picked it up and drove up and over the Rocky Mountains, through snow and ice etc. I got a chance to test the 4wd, the anti-skid and the anti-lock brakes (on purpose :-)). Handling was super and it really hugged the road when I tested it on the dry hairpin curves. Easy to park compared to the Dodge 3500 Diesel 4x4 I normally have been driving! Looked at the Escape, Rav and CR-V and feel like I got more bang for my buck and a great warranty. Just wait... you will see a lot more of these in the future

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  Mitsubihi Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sherrill - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander is spacious and comfortable with a jazzy exterior. The ride is smooth. Handling is more on the lines of an automobile - specifically the Lancer chasis it is built on. Not meant for road racing, but for tooling around town and in the country (which I do) this crossover vehicle fits the bill for a solid performer.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jeane - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall its been a great vehicle. The only draw back was the heat/ac system died at around 3500 miles. But the warranty kicked in.