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 Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jo - October 21 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car needing something with low miles, good gas mileage, but with more room (I am a horse person so I needed cargo space for my equipment). I looked at all the usual crossovers (Escape, Rav4, CRV, etc) and found they were either too expensive, or did not get good enough gas mileage. I found the Outlander, test drove 2, and fell in love with it. I have never owned an automatic, so it took some getting used to, but I am happy with the pickup and passing ability on the highway. Gas mileage is great- Ive consistently been getting 27 mpg going 80 all the time on highway. This car is a great value for the money- great options, safe, reliable, great gas mileage, and not boring!

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  Somewhat overrated - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhill99357 - October 15 - 12:50 pm

  After an extensive test drive and looking at the available competition, I thought that this was overrated. I saw the great reviews by everyone and thought that it was going to be a home run. Since the Outlander is based off of the Lancer, it definitely drives more like a sports car. The ride is very firm and you have a tenancy to feel every bump in the road. The interior left a lot to be desired compared to the Santa Fe and CR-V. The plastic door panels looked cheap and the arm rest was made of hard to clean cloth. The car itself is basically a clone of the RAV 4 in how it looks and drives. If you like that car, youll love the Outlander.

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  Great SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Junaid Khan - October 9 - 9:55 am

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  Nice mini suv - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By el dog - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The outlander is a quiet mini-suv that demands a test drive. Its a real suburban vehicle for shopping, picking up the kids etc. I enjoy the clear view of the road from the driver position. The acceleration in the lower rpms is great for city driving. If you need to carry large items this is not for you! Ive notice that cargo space in limited but other than that I have no complaints!

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  Great Mini SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Fishers - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Wish it had a bit more power, but then I would just drive too fast. Very comfortable and my family loves it!

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  Very Pleased... - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By xcell - September 24 - 2:30 am

  I am having a blast with my new Outlander. After months and months of research for a compact SUV this has been a perfect buy. I have almost 4,000 miles on it and it has performed flawlessly.

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  Amazing New Redesigned Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hgarmarr - September 20 - 5:06 am

  Excellent driving performance, good road handling. Stylish looks and very comfortable interiors. Very useful features.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cbk2000 - September 13 - 5:00 pm

  Just bought a base XLS less than a week ago. So far, I really like it. Very roomy, drives and shifts very smoothly. Very good handling. Love the paddle shifters. Good storage up front, too. Waiting to see how gas mileage really is and whether I need to protect doors and rear fenders from front tire splashes.

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  This car surprised me - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cboth - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Now we own it. We were going to wait for the x-3 or get a Murano but decided that this was a great deal.

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  Great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Frank Trobirdge - August 18 - 12:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I drive it 30,000 miles a year and has 95K on it now and still runs like new. I have used it to haul my small camper and have really abused this car, but it continues to work like a dream. While its design is pretty extreme, it allows the car to look as new and trendy as the other crossovers being released today. I will keep this thing forever if I can, and if it dies, it am so pleased I am likely to go out and purchase another Outlander.