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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  Decent Value - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jaydoh - March 4 - 10:43 am

  Compared lots of other models (Mazda CX-5, Buick Encore, Kia Sorrento and Sport age, more). This one won on price, warrantee (over Mazda, Buick, and other 3/36 warranties), and room/versatility/fuel economy for the price. They were all good, but this was lowest priced and came with a lot of room, flexibility and deceng mpg. Only real complaint is build quality. Kinda cheaply built. But overall, very nice so far.

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  best vehicle Ive haf - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tnk - March 1 - 6:51 am

  It is so reliable...I have had cars in the past the need too much work. This car just needs your basic maintenance. Im at 190,000 with miles still runs great (knock on wood).

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  Mitsubishi Sucks - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cyndietx - February 27 - 4:31 pm

  I bought a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander SE FWD grey in color in 09/2011. I have had nothing but problems! 1st the sunroof popped out of it sitting in the garage!!Mitsubishi 1st gave me the run around, and after much debate, they paid for it. Then a stress crack in the windshield. I paid for it myself because I got NOWHERE w/ mitsubishi. It runs terrible, I have to be careful getting out on the highway or I will get run over. the dealership says nothing is wrong w/ it! I can smell burning rubber, and so can everyone else! They say nothing is wrong! Now the PAINT is comming off!! Mitsubishi says its MY fault....driving conditions??? The running light FELL out going down the road,and low MPGs!!!

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  One Solid SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By goldenboy - February 18 - 12:56 am

  I got the car late ma 2007 and I must say Im very satisfied with the cars performance. The cabin & cargo area is very spacious. The interior geometry & functionality is superb, youll have no problems finding extra space to store stuff. Despite its high stance, it rides and drives like a car w/very good handling and a comparably comfortable ride. Put it on 4WD lock & youll be surprised how well it handles twisty roads at moderately high speeds. Power-wise, you may not take off like a rocket but theres a lot of it to pass and climb steep terrain. Overall, this is a great car. It certainly deserves more credit than what most other reviews give it.

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  Love my 2007 Outlander! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By I. Macias, jr. - February 15 - 9:56 pm

  My 2007 XLS Outlander w/Sun and Sound Package, and the Luxury Package is still awesome and still very sexy looking. Recently put on 2,975 highway miles on trip to Las Vegas and San Diego, CA and my Outlanders V6 engine and 6-speed auto tranny handled it easily and very comfortably. Has many pluses and only a couple or real minuses... GREAT VEHICLE!!!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - February 11 - 4:26 am

  I looked at every single small SUV on the market in the $18,000 to $28,000 range. I purchased the Outlander XLS FWD, Phoenix Red and the more I drive it the more I really like it. It has more than enough power, especially when using the sportronic. I think the steering is quite good, the brakes are excellent and the fit and finish both inside are quite good. I would recommend it to anybody who needs a small space vehicle.

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  just picked it up wow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjr723 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have just had the Outlander 3 days 560 miles so far wonderful. I was up in the mountains and out on the desert. Dirt roads and no roads this thing can handel it. Steep dirt pitted roads and lose sand no trouble. I like it!!!!

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  Test drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tomcat14 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a car, nice interior, lots of places for storage. Did not like how break pedal works. Very soft and has to be pressed all the way down. And now comes the bad news: VERY UNDERPOWERED. Driving a 6 cyl. Maxima now, I would expect different performance from the 4 cyl. car, but 140 HP (even with highly advertised torque) just enough for this car. The engine made a noise and struggled when I tried to merge into highway from an exit. At 55mph it was hard to find extra power boost for passing other cars.

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  2012 Outlander GT - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eoddeputy1 - February 1 - 12:51 am

  Overall this is a good SUV. The exterior design is very appealing. The interior is more like a sports car cockpit. Everything is at the drivers fingertips. The MIVEC 3.0 performs very well and responds good when needed. The fuel economy seems very good for a V6.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By wen - January 24 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased this car not to long ago and so far it has an awesome feel, an awesome drive, is very roomy, and is comfortable. I knew after seeing it online I had to go and test drive it since then I have been in love.