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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  Goodbye Earth Destroyer - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tomak - April 5 - 5:06 pm

  I traded a 2006 Montero for a 2007 Lander and I really like my new car. The Montero was, in my opinion, a thoroughbred SUV with a peerless racing record. But with gas near $3.70/gal. here in NE Illinois, when I got a chance to trade over to the Outlander, I swallowed and went for it. I am not sorry. The Lander is a much more wieldy tool in traffic, goes and stops much better, and uses regular gas (the Montero needed premium). Ive taken one thousand mile road trip, and the greater economy was much appreciated. It was getting blown around on the return trip, but everyone was (8 degrees, 50 mph winds).

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  Lemon,Lemon---oh no - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hate my Outlander! - March 24 - 1:50 am

  My Outlander has been nothing but problems since I purchased it in 2004 BRAND NEW off the lot. Every year I had water rushing into the passenger side onto the floor. The shop attempted to fix it multiple times. Every time it would happen again until the my warranty ran out and they thought they could refuse to fix it! ha!! LEMON LAW!! Now I replaced the brakes on the front and guess what? I could not get the driver side brake to bleed!! Took it to a brake shop!! The master cylinder is out and I only have two brakes!! the part cost $374. My payment is $500/mo.

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  @weeks 1200miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Raymond - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Great on road & off. My job requires that I go off road a lot. The awd outlander is better then I expected. With only a 4cyl. eng. the power to clime dirt triles is amazing. traveling through through raw desert is a pleasure. this little SUV can get you there and back. and it gets about 22mph off road

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  Great Buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Norsekid - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  This vehicle is a "sleeper". Very sophisticated drivetrain, did I mention a 6 speed transmission? Tight handling, pretty quiet tires, could be better. Killer upgraded stereo, heated leather seats and the rear hatch has a lower section that drops down if you unlatch it. Great for sitting down to take off you boots, etc. Gas mileage is "foot" sensitive. Still trying to figure where it is but seems to be around 20 mpg city and some highway.

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  Real Review - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Will Deal - March 19 - 6:42 am

  I purchased the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL trim with the SAWC. Its a 4 cyl, and that part of the deal makes the vehicle light on performance. Its got this grind when taking off from a dead stop if youre on the gas, and in my honest opinion its just slow. The vehicle does offer a lot of bang for the buck, but not in the performance department. It is a stylish vehicle and i like that. The tech is outstanding! Youd pay a lot more cash for many of the standard options that come with the vehicle. If I had to do it over again I would not buy the 4 cly, Id get the V6 hands down which is about 4-5G more. That may have come down some since I purchased mine back in December 2016. Oh, the paint is another problem. You will get paint chips when you first hit the road. I have the cosmic blue and the paint chipping stands out like a soar thumb. I plan to buy the hood protector, but Mitsubishi could have done a much better job with the paint coat, at least for the hood area. Trust me that issue really ticks me off. Like others have commented it is a very nice vehicle for the money, but look around before you buy this vehicle. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone is looking for nice standards, reasonable cost, outstanding warranty and a great stereo system this car gets five stars in those categories. Mostly everything else is about middle of the road, and performance is not great.

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  Love Everything About It! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Relieved Its Over! - March 18 - 3:10 pm

  Really glad we went this vehicle. The HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and bluetooth is really cool. But the best part is the Fosgate stereo and the sporty feel/power. Got 29 mpg on the way home from the dealership. It was 100 miles city/hwy.

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  A vehicle to pass down the family - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By danman117 - March 16 - 5:55 am

  I cant say enough about my outlander. I absolutely love it. Ive put 50K miles on it, done regular maintenance and it drives great!!! This car is truly a bang for your buck and SERIOUSLY underated! On paper it may seem slow, but you must learn how to drive it properly, it will do 0-60 in 7 secs and handles amazingly due to S-AWC. All my friends compliment me on how cool my car is. We use it to cart around the family, commuting, and road trips, its perfect for almost anything. The ride is smooth and comfy, the brakes and steering are great because they give good feedback. MPG is right there with the EPA, 18/25. Car is technologically packed!! The Nav system is worth it when you dig through it

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  awesome sleeper car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mikal69 - March 13 - 6:06 pm

  only had my Outie for a few months, but she has been great, you get a lot of quality for the used price, liked it better than the typical Toyotas and Hondas, and better build quality than pretty much everything else in its range, its no BMW or Mercades though. sporty ride and steering, and perfect for those of us 6ft plus. lots of room. Love that the back seats recline and adjust, so that the person sitting behind me isnt cramped. overall, a really really nice Suburban Utility Vehicle, just wouldnt trust it off-road.

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  Good SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Loveit - March 7 - 9:33 pm

  My wife and I looked at the Outlander, CR-V, Santa Fe, and RAV4. For the price and what you get it, the Outlander beats all of them. It comes with a better warranty, 4 wheel drive, a good looking interior and exterior, great safety features, and its roomy. The CR-V we looked at had no 4 wheel drive, only a 4-cyl. engine, less horsepower, and a shorter warranty for a higher price.

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  Outlander #2 - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LoveMyOutlander - March 6 - 6:03 pm

  I owned a 2005 XLS and loved driving all 101k miles that I decided to give that one to my MIL and buy myself a new 2008 with all the new features! LOVE IT!It came fully loaded with the Sound and Sun pkg, the Entertainment DVD pkg and the Nav and Bluetooth sys. Love the 6 spd automatic tran-really see a step up in fuel economy over my 2005 one especially when using the paddle shifters to accelerate! 5 cup/bottle holders in the front! OMG the tailgate! Steering wheel controls! A real electrical outlet! The Fosgate! In 2008 sticker was 32k, since it was a floor model, I walked out at 21k before my down pymt! Couldnt be happier! in the manual, it said the upper glove can heat and cool??? WOW!