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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  Exceptional Vehicle - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tim S. - August 5 - 11:10 pm

  I am very impressed with everything about this vehicle. I test drove the vehicle the day it came out (Friday Nov 3rd, 2006), and it blew my mind. I test drove the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Compass, Toyota RAV4, and the Outlander blew them out of the water. Its turning radius, acceleration, and handling are absolutely amazing. The one thing I was a little skeptical about the 27/20 gas mileage until I drove it to work and averaged 23 MPG! Are you kidding me? A 220HP V6 SUV averaging 23 MPG thats not a hybrid? All I can say is WOW.

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  More People Should Check This CUV Out - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By IPC - August 1 - 11:16 pm

  3 Months of ownership with no issues at all. Comfortable, rides smooth, responsive steering, fantastic sound system and great cargo space. Looked at/test drove the Rav4, Santa Fe, CRV, XL7, Rogue, Equinox and have no regrets on buying the Outlander.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By al - July 29 - 10:36 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for 7 months now after owning a galant for 3 years. I used to love toyotas and still do, but I can tell you these vehicles are every bit as good with more warranty. I love the awd system and the turning radius. It does excellent on bad country roads and drives nice on dry pavement. Just hit a large deer and it did very little damage considering speed.

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  2016 OUTLANDER SEL AWD - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JD Anderson - July 24 - 8:03 am

  This vehicle has rugged good looks and sensible features. Where else can you find a third row AWD wagon under 30,000? Initially my wife and I were drawn to the Subaru Forester, but after thorough review and test driving, determined that the quality of the Forester felt too small inside for our growing family and the materials not as durable as we would expect for the price. So, I continued researching all of the recommended models comparable to the Forester. Subsequently I test drove the Outlander SE AWD and the SEL AWD. A local dealer was offering a manangers special on a 2015 SE AWD at an ubeatable price. I test drove and fell in love with the outstanding practicallity of the design and relatively understated body design- more about rugged simplicity than urban bling. I took the test drive alone, with my wife trusting me to come home with a "managers special". My wife would have been perfectly satisfied with the SE, but I couldnt help taking notice of the 2016 SEL AWD on the lot. I took a test drive, and I was definitely impressed. Still functional and spacious, and the 2.4 L engine adding the power some may expect from this bigger SUV AWD wagon. I took it upon myself to go over our budget and surprise her with the 2016 Outlander SEL. I was a bit anxious, as my wife is more practical than myself and really would have lived with the winier 2.0 liter 2015 SE without complaint. For the price difference- I thought the upgrade to the SEL would be a good long term choice for the family. My wife is driving the vehicle daily and sends me messages throughout the day expressing her enjoyment the car. In my opinion, Mitsubishi is offering great AWD wagon packages for the value-minded that appreciate classic rugged good looks and AWD driving functionality. The expert reviews do not cover many of the positive attributes that make this SUV such an exceptional value, such as the alternative AWD modes- totally absent in most of the other SUV wagons. The Outlander is a unique SUV and deserves far more credit than the experts give it.

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  Made a big switch - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MellyG - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I traded in our beloved Acura Integra for the Outlander in preparation for a family. I admit I miss the sports car, but other than the loss of power, I absolutely love this car/suv (my husband calls it a "cruck"). We have the upgraded sound and sun package and the stereo sounds awesome! The sunroof doesnt open as wide as Id like, but its still nice. I love the interior design. Not many people have this car which is nice. We are the only ones in town to have the Green Pearl Color which I also love. The only regret is not getting the AWD. The 2.4 also make a funny whistle sound which I was told is normal...we wish it didnt do that.

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  This car is great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sirarmanichap - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Every thing on this car is awsome. The only downfall is that it sucks on the freeway.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Christian - July 8 - 12:57 pm

  As many others have said, the so-called "experts" seem to miss the true appeal of the Outlander -- an AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SAFE, FUEL-EFFICIENT family SUV with a load of features that would easily cost you thousands more elsewhere. We were able to get our 2016 Outlander SEL for $25,000, and that was WITH 0% financing for 72 months. Shop around, and you wont find another SUV in its class that comes even close when you factor in the features Mitsubishi includes as standard with the SEL trim level. So, what do you get for the money? Well, for starters we are routinely getting 31+ mpg on the highway, and up to 36 mpg in some instances. On hilly back roads and in town, you will run pretty close to the 24/25 mpg advertised mileage, which is still fine for a vehicle of this size. In addition to the economy, youre getting a 5-star safety rating, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Again, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan and all the U.S. auto makers dont even come close on warranty. And if you compare similar vehicles from Hyundai and Kia with the features you are getting from Mitsubishi, the price isnt close. So, on top of the economy, safety and reliability, now you can add a nicely appointed leather interior, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, 6-inch color touch screen entertainment display with integrated Bluetooth for your phone, fog lights, keyless entry, power drivers seat, 18-inch allow wheels, LED brake lights and daytime running lights and more. And as other reviewers have mentioned, the all-wheel drive on the Outlander is a full-featured system that allows you to switch to various modes and even lock the wheels. We havent had any poor weather yet to truly test the AWD system, but based on other drivers reviews, I am confident it will serve us well this winter on the mountain roads around our Pennsylvania home. As for the third-row seats, yes, they ARE tiny. You certainly would not want to ride across the country in them. However, I imagine most families are like ours and the third-row seats are not for everyday use but rather for occasional use when the kids have a couple friends along or when grandma and grandpa visit and we want to go out to dinner without the need to drive two vehicles. In such instances, the rear seats are more than adequate and represent a real convenience that most other vehicles in this class dont even offer, or charge $1,000 for as an upgrade. Plus, when the third-row seats are folded down, the Outlander offers generous cargo capacity, and with the second row seats folded, there is plenty of room for hauling even large, bulky objects. As for the driving performance, it is true that the 4-cylinder engine is a bit underpowered. Acceleration is sluggish, but thats the tradeoff for the great fuel economy. Besides, my wife and I arent race car drivers, and we find the overall performance more than adequate. The overall comfort of the leather seats (first and second rows) is very good, the standard sound system is quite good and road noise is quite good. We are only a couple months in, but so far so good with the Outlander. Honestly, I feel this vehicle represents, by far, the best family SUV value on the market, and after looking at MANY other options, I just could not get away from the fact that Mitsubishi offers consumers a lot more for their money than other manufacturers. Add in the great warranty and I am confident that this Outlander will serve our familys needs for many years.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rusty - July 6 - 9:10 am

  Bought this car used four years ago with 21000 miles and have 103000 on it now. It has been an almost perfect car. Nothing but regular maintenance has been required and it is an easy and even fun car to drive. Some reviews talk about a lack of power, but I have found the acceleration to be sprightly and the only time wishing it had more umph! is when loaded to the gills and trying to pass on a hill. This is the first Mitsubishi I have owned, but if it is a representative sample I am very impressed and wouldnt hesitate to get another when I need to replace this one.

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  Quality SUV for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ilikeit - July 5 - 8:36 am

  We looked at the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Sante Fe. The pluses for Outlander include its 5yr/60000 bumper to bumper, 10yr/100,000 pwr train and 5yr/unlimited roadside assistance. It also had the V6 engine and 4 wheel drive. The CR-V we looked at had a shorter warranty, no 4 wheel drive, less horsepower and a 4-cylinder engine, with a higher price tag. The safety features and interior were comparable. So far we are very pleased with our choice for the short time we have had it.

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  Back seats kill me - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Teresa - July 4 - 1:16 am

  We take lots of long road trips. The Mitsubishi Outlander is great on gas. I love driving it, but I absolutely hate riding in the back seat.