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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  07 Outlander LS Praise - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bob - May 31 - 11:26 pm

  My 07 Outlander LS has less than 1,000 miles, but it has already delighted me with its good gas mileage. I recently got 28.6 mpg on a 150 mile trip and for a while was actually averaging over 29. The vehicle is spunky when it needs to be. Its controls are well placed and easily accessible. The dash is easy to read. The 6-speed tranny is great, and gives you freedom to shift easily into a higher or lower gear. For example, down shifting for engine braking. This is a comfortable car for even a 6 footer like me and how can you beat the 10 year/100K mi. warranty? Weak spots in design? Maybe its a bit difficult to see behind yourself, but no more so than in most SUVs. This is a very good buy for the buck.

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  Great for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - May 30 - 4:20 am

  This is our second Outlander (owned 2003). Was happy then and am very happy now. Bought this one used with all the options exc. Nav. This car, even with substandard interior materials and pronounced road noise is super fun to drive. My wife likes all of the storage in my Outlander. Road noise is pronounced but the stereo is out of the world. If you live in a pot hole infested area I would not recommend the car, but the highway ride is super smooth. This is the best used SUV. Overall for the money this is the car to buy. While its not perfect, it offers more stuff and good reliability for not much money in used format. Im considering already buying a 2010 used in 2010.

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  Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bekalynn - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is actually alot of car for the price! My husband and I decided to just get the LS trim with the convenience and appearance packages, which gave that extra edge for sportiness. The ride is extremely smooth and its not so high up that I (as a shorter individual) have to climb into it. The mini SUV has alot more cargo room that first appearance and there is alot of storage all throughout.

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  Paint problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bruce - May 19 - 1:53 am

  While I am generally happy with the 2008 Outlander with regards to performance and comfort, I am very unhappy about the paint on the exterior. This car is not even 6 months old and it looks like every kid in the neighborhood has been throwing rocks at it. There also is a body shape design flaw that allows road debris to sand blast the front of the rear wheel fender. Mitsubishi has disappointed me with their attitude of "too bad, so sad" when I bring the subject of paint durability up with them. I would not buy another Mitsubishi because of this.

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  Painful Like-affair - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 20vcq - May 13 - 8:43 pm

  I want so much to like this vehicle. Drives well under 140 kmph and gets very floaty and a little twitchy over that. AWD is not up to quality and useability of either Subaru or Audi - not by a long way. But its o.k. Road noise is higher than I would have expected and clangy doors are a disapointing sound. The auto transmission is my biggest disappointment. 6 speeds and paddle shifters are cool but the constant downshifting and that annoying 400 rpm drop after every downshift makes long trips less than as enjoyable.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JayWa - May 9 - 4:50 am

  My Outlander marks the end of a long search to replace my 1995 Aurora. It stomps the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V on looks, warranty and practicality; it is more driveable and gets better mileage than the Dodge Dakota; and it has more usable storage than the Dodge Magnum with much better visibility. Performance is not what I enjoyed with the Auroras V-8, but the Outlander has acceptable zip (on regular gas) and gets better mileage - almost 22 mpg on my daily in-town/Interstate commute. The 650-watt stereo and 10-inch subwoofer are fun to show off, but if you arent into rap then I would suggest you stick with the standard system and use the extra $$ to take this on a vacation.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SteveS - May 1 - 2:00 am

  So far, we really like the car. Negatives are fairly poor gas mileage (17-20), and the car takes a long time to heat up the passenger cabin. The cabin itself is roomy and fun to be in. The car handles very well, and the engine is responsive when needed.

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  Its not a "quality" japanese SUV. - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By paintrboy - April 29 - 6:55 pm

  We bought our Outlander 1 and half years ago from the dealer. Only 59K with lots of warranty left. Worked like well for the first 4 months then, $800 of front end work. New ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings etc. Then the gas tank started leaking another $1000. Then the transmission drive shaft seals began leaking (should have been covered under warranty) $300. New clutch kit, $800, new rear caliper $618 (yes, 1 ). Still needs new windshield, 4 struts, all new bushings again, doesnt start well after fuelling up and recently the power steering rack began leaking. It currently has 91K and we still owe $7000 on it. Dealer we purchased from said theyd buyback for $2200 firm.

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  ES AWD Review - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cosme1 - April 26 - 12:06 pm

  This is my second day with this "CUV" and can tell already (as long as no problems come up) that it will be in the family for at least the next 5-6 years. Its comfortable, rides smooth, and it has all the space in the world as far as cargo. We test drove the comp. (rav4, santa fe, equinox, forester) and this was it - the Outlander took the prize.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Caroline - April 10 - 6:00 pm

  I bought my Outlander about 6 months ago, after months of researching and test driving several small SUVs including Toyata Rav4, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, and the Saturn Vue just to name a few. I am not disappointed. Although the 4 cylinder lacks initial get up and go power, once its going the Outlander provides a very smooth, sporty, fun drive. Having driven a Landrover before, I am loving the fuel economy! Im averaging about 24 mph in the city, on a recent 8 hour trip I averaged about 32 mpg/hwy. I would have paid thousands more for the options I have, the SE model comes loaded with a lot of unique amenities the competition just did not offer. Overall what a great buy!