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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  outlander rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brandon Terrill - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The outlander is the bestcar Ive been in that I had!!!

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  Great value and great performance! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jimbo52 - July 31 - 1:16 pm

  We have been looking for a compact crossover with occasional third row seats. The XLS provided more than expected features and performance at a reasonable price. No problems and a great warranty. Anyone looking at vehicles in this class should try this one last.

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  Great little Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By leftbrain - July 25 - 1:33 am

  I bought this little 2007 Outlander just over a year ago - with just under 45K. Ive enjoyed driving it immensely - no problems whatsoever so far! The only thing I dislike about it is the red dash lights - if I could change them to blue or green, Id do that in a heartbeat. Fortunately for me, though, I rarely drive at night, so it doesnt annoy me too often ;-).

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  Great Trip Mobile! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By EMOH76 - July 13 - 7:53 am

  I would definitely suggest this SUV. Cheaper than its competitors and cheaper to insure. So far it has been extremely reliable at 11,000 miles. Many of my miles were on long trips. The AWD holds the road well in all road conditions.

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  Mitsu Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jpatulak - July 5 - 5:40 am

  Except for the gas mileage - way below advertised figures - this has been a great car. The AWD is best feature - the vehicle is excellent in snow and ice - teamed with the standard Yokohama Geolander tires the vehicle has super traction in adverse weather. The interior is well designed for driver comfort & ease. The only amenities it is lacking are heated outside mirrors and cross bars on the roof . The dealer service, so far, has been excellent.

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  2006 Outlander AWD - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Craig - June 25 - 5:20 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SE has lots of pep and power, it is fun to drive, and a good-looking SUV. How about an avarage gas mileage of 25 MPG? Sweet. These are really hard to get at the dealer and turns lots of heads on the street, well thought out design. My wife now wants one!

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  Great Car exactly what I was looking for - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chad - June 18 - 5:40 pm

  Best priced, best looking, crossover SUV on market. Great performance, great space, great options, great reliability, great mpg!

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  07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pitt4 - June 16 - 1:03 pm

  Have only had the car for a week now but am extremely happy I made the decision to buy this vehicle. Reliability is yet TBD, but Im confident this ones a keeper.

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  Love Car but dont buy from Nashua - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Glenn - June 13 - 8:00 pm

  This SUV has lived up to the good reviews I read before buying. This XLS AWD V6 handles well on the roads and corners with decent acceleration. I love the options with XLS and choose the XLS which includes the option of Leather Heated Front Seats, among other decent options including Satellite. When I negotiated the price of the car, it supposedly came with Satellite which was an option I was looking for. However, after the dealership gave me a short demonstration on how to activate the options of the car, which I verified verbally and was given info from the dealership to activate. I learned it did not. I had to pay for it because it was not on the sales slip. Big Mistake on my part.

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  Outlandish - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By camusgirl - June 7 - 2:23 am

  This is my second Outlander in three years after an AWFUL lease experience with Toyota where I will NEVER purchase another vehicle! Mitsubishi is right across the street and is wonderful to deal with, both in sales and service. The Outlander does everything I need it to do and more! Its gas mileage is above average (between 25 - 28 mpg) and its comfort is excellent with the lumbar package in the front leather seat. The Sunroof and sounds make the ride a joy and it is not HIGH off the ground so even in evening wear with high heels I can slide into the seat comfortably. I cannot wait to purchase a 2007 with a V6!