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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  my first - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eric Fleming - January 31 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car a few months ago for my wife, and i have since fell in love with it. we plan on taking out on camping trips very soon. i would recommend this car to anyone looking for the conviences of an all around SUV with utmost in styling and design. not to mention the price.

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  Outlander XLS AWD - Best buy for the $$$ - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gunther - January 28 - 3:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for less than 3 months and already have 5000 trouble free miles on it. Love the ride and handling and also the paddle shifters come in handy in really bad weather. You can select your gears without taking your hands off the wheel. Had a vibration at highway speeds due to a defective Goodyear tire, which was replaced under warranty by the dealership.

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  very satisfied - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fillde - January 26 - 2:03 pm

  Car is easy to drive. The 4 cylinder has very good power. Plenty of space. Have driven it about 1000 miles and average 27 miles a gallon.

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  Worth the dollar - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Flavio Medeiros - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  This is a very nice car for the city, highways and not much for off road. Its very nice to drive and has a low gas consumption (20 - 21 mpg) driving in the city. It is worth to have it.

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  2007 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Johnny Appleseed - January 15 - 1:56 pm

  The V6 engine is strong, but hard acceleration off the line results in heavy torque steer coupled with tires (Yokohama) that do not provide enough traction for the amount of power this vehicle delivers. Ride is silky smooth, but a bit loud by todays standards. Steering column controls are good as well as climate controls, but radio controls are too small. As deeply inset as the speedometer and odometer are, they still have glare when sunny. Seating is comfortable, but cloth is thin and feels cheap. The 2nd row seatbacks are a bit low for adults, but they recline and move fore and aft for added comfort. Front and rear armrests are too short even for average size adults.

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  2011 Outlander GT - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By daver10 - January 13 - 4:34 pm

  We had a 2004 Durango Limited and down sized to the GT Outlander. Overall it is unique looking, handles like a sports car, and in the snow it feels secure. And the MPG has been decent as Ive hit 30MPG at 60mph. The thing we really like is that it has a lay flat rear "bed". Cool truck, not everyone has one!

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jerry37 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were quite impressed with the styling/ design of this car (inside & out). The engine performs well on both city and highway driving and its got enough zip for merging/ passing. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is very quiet for such a small car. Having downsized from a 00 Mazda MPV (which we loved) I must say cargo space is more than adequate for our needs. My only comment about the stereo has to do w/ the faceplate. I wish it was more customized (with more options) for this car and it did not look so generic. Otherwise, so far so good.

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  Not a cookie cutter SUV - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By benneva - January 6 - 7:12 pm

  I have been looking for a new SUV for a year. When I went to the grocery I would see 2 more vehicles just like my 06 Honda CRV and in the same color. The Outlander is not a CRV or RAV4 and that is a good thing. I test drove Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai. I traded my 06 Honda CRV for this car. The Outlander is sportier, has better seats, and it is fun to drive. I am really happy with my decision.

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  Most Fun for an SUV at Such a Great Price - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Louana and Racquel - January 3 - 10:03 am

  I love the way the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander drives and I would recommend it to anyone that needs a little extra room without having a big gas bill. I have one other SUV, but this one is the most fun to drive.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 456654456654123321 - December 25 - 4:23 am

  We bought our Outlander new in 04. We have had 2 problems. 1, the power port stopped working. Replaced fuse and no good. 2. It stalls every now in then, and then it starts up fine. A few weeks later, it will stall and then be fine. Other than that, it has been a pretty good vehicle. We have been from TN to FL, TN to ME probably 20 times and the Outlander goes fine. If I could change one thing it would be the suspension. I think it needs to be a little beefier. With a heavy load, the front end gets light and it feels top heavy. Would I buy another one? Me no, my wife yes. I enjoy a bigger vehicle, but for the "soccer mom" it is fine.