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:

• 

  Nice Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By USMC VET - July 21 - 10:10 pm

  This Crossover is great. No major problems. I bought it used and it was in great condition. Handles well with great pick up on the Highway. The City MPG is bad but on the highway it is great. I am currently thinking about buying one for myself.

• 

  awesome SUV,dont belive the so called experts! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dorin balan - July 20 - 6:54 am

  I have the 2017 GT V6.This SUV is made 100% in JAPAN,so quality is excellent.The so called "experts",claim that the GT model is a gas guzzler which I can assure you IT IS NOT,im getting 28 to 29 miles per gallon hwy and about 23 city.compare the rest of the V6s out there and youll find that actually this does way better than most.im also amazed how well the seats are designed.Went on a 1000 mile trip and both me and my wife were amazed how good we felt after 5,6 hrs in the seat.Power from the V6 engine is good,the 6 speed automatic works flawlessly and the paddle shifters are a lot of fun.The only thing that I wish it had is a panoramic sunroof instead of the regular one that comes standard on the GT.Definitely would recomend buying this SUV,go take a test drive for yourself and Im sure youll agree.

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pcs15394 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after trade in of Leased Galant. Price was right, had to wait to get the Pearl White with Sun &Sound Package but I am glad I got it. The only problem I have with the vehicle is that the steering wheel placement blocks top of speedometer, Sunroof did not open as wide as I expected, and power is lacking a little.

• 

  Not in the shop much - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jo - July 11 - 5:06 am

  I cant believe Ive had the Outlander for over five and a half years now. I only planned to keep it three or four years but it is still running well and not giving me any headaches. It has not been in the shop for much of anything besides normal maintenance. It handles very well in the snow - I will not go back to FWD. The gas mileage has stayed around 22 mpg.

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tiger - June 28 - 5:34 pm

  It wont be the fast car at the traffic light. But it is a good family SUV (or CUV),

• 

  Good SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R C - June 22 - 2:16 am

  When I saw this SUV, I knew this was the one. It was different than all the other SUVs I had looked at! The interior looked like a German Interior and not Japanese. I really like our Mitsubishi Outlander, it has been a very reliable SUV. Performance is ok for normal drivers, but if your like me, theres not enough horsepower! My wife loves her SUV. It has been such a good vehicle, that Im going to buy a new Mitsubishi Lancer GTS for my daughter. Good luck!

• 

  Happy Owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shorty - June 18 - 6:43 am

  First Mitsubishi, and very happy. Great car for small family (I have the third row seat option) and ideal for economical trips. I live in a hilly area, and the power is very adequate. With care, and respecting speed limits I get over 30 MPG on a trip, and over 19 in city driving. My driving is approximately 35/65 city, highway. Comfortable, and fun to drive. Road noise is very low, and handling is quick, and responsive. Based on this experience, Ill buy Mitsubishi again!

• 

  Overall an excellent, well balanced SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By macuis - June 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive driven cars exclusively since my learners license when I was 16. From a 1985 Ford Tempo GL, to a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE, it was time for something different. Now that Im 24, I was looking for something with a little more cargo room, a little more power, and a little more comfort for driving friends around. So I decided to take a look at the compact SUV market, and had 4 on my list: Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Sante Fe has a smooth, quiet ride, but didnt have many options. The Rogue was pretty stylish, but felt underpowered and cramped. The CR-V has it right, but more expensive. For me, the Outlander had a good balance of everything.

• 

  Owner Impression of the 2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cturner291 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Just recently bought a 2003 XLS front wheel drive model and first impressions of it are favorable. It has a well thought out design, solid Japanese quality, and very quiet and extremely smooth ride on the highway. Handles well in tight traffic and is fun to drive. It has a comfortable interior with lots of leg room that wont have you cramping up with back problems after 300 miles or so. Peppy but not great acceleration out of the small 4-cyl. but is more than adequate for most normal driving and the gas mileage savings offset the lack of the V-6.

• 

  3 Month/2200 Mile Review - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fushigi - June 14 - 1:40 am

  Tomorrow marks 90 days of ownership. So far I have no complaints at all. Best MPG: 24.7; worst 17.3; averaging 20 using regular gas. I expect improvement once its fully broken in and the weather warms up (no winter-blend gas). Driving is a simple pleasure. Ive used the paddle shifters for passing power a couple of times; its a nice feature even if it wont be used daily. The audio system is just amazing. The auto-rip of CDs is a great feature though making your own play lists takes a little getting used to. Not sure if I could ever buy another car without a rear backup camera now (can spot small children behind the car easily; essential in my area). S-AWC works great in snow/slush.