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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  THE BEST BUY - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By HARRISSON987 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  COMFORT, TECHNOLOGY AND STYLE FOR LESS

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  This truck is awesome! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By blackb13 - January 20 - 12:50 pm

  Mitsubishi hit the nail on the head with this one. I test drove the competition: the CX-7, RAV4, CR-V, Murano, Santa Fe and Tribeca. Nothing came close for features, quality, and price. The Murano and Tribeca had slightly more front legroom, but aside from the small details, I couldnt justify the price. The CX-7 was OK (no BT feature), but couldnt justify the premium fuel requirement. Honda and Toyota werent willing to deal at all (nasty attitude). Hyundai had no features and poor gas mileage. Our Outlander came loaded with HIDs, LED tails, Navigation, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, and a 5yr/60k bumper to bumper, 10yr/100k powertrain warranty. FYI, you can get beige or black leather depending on color.

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  Outstanding Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mikgyver - January 16 - 7:33 am

  I spend every free moment researching and driving cars, and then recommending them to others. After 24 used cars, the first to make me jump into a new car was Mitsus Outty. Rock-solid reviews everywhere peaked my interest. The unique fold down tailgate got me to the dealership. The absurd amount of cool features for the same cost as a base CRV or RAV brought it home. Obviously, the exterior looks darn good. Despite other reviews knocking the interior, my wife and I (both designers) love the it, and respect Mitsu for not putty phaux grain on plastic. My Infinity FX35 driving boss had to borrow the Outty one day. That car is cool! You have a touch screen. I dont even have that."

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  Very happy with my car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mylene - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my RAV4 with 200,000 miles for the Outlander. I had my doubts that I would be as happy with it or would get the reliability of the Toyota. I now love my Outlander. It rides way better than the RAV. The 6-cyl is real spiffy and I can actually pass cars now which I couldnt with the 4-cyl RAV. It handles great. I live in a mountain area and it takes the curves smooth. The gas mileage is real good. The cargo area is very roomy. I have not had to do anything other than maintenance on it. I am very happy with my Outlander.

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  L.O.V.E. - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By foxwagen - January 2 - 5:01 am

  Just picked up a 2014 Outlander SE AWD with the Touring package today. I am in love with this car. It could use a bit more power. But, honestly, the power is more than adequate, I think Im just gluttonous. The exterior is more gorgeous in pictures than you can see online, and the interior is very well-crafted and classically designed - modern without being trendy. For the price, the features and quality cant be beat. Oh, and the 710 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo? Ummm...insane.

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  So Far, So Good - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By isophorone - December 28 - 8:37 pm

  We bought this Outlander new in late 2011 to replace a Saturn Wagon that was burning oil (and that we were outgrowing). Right now we have around 23,000 miles on the car. It starts and runs well. Since we are used to small engine cars this has enough power for our needs. The trunk is huge, and the radio sounds great. Seats are comfortable. Handling is superb. We get around 23 mpg overall in winter and 25-26 mpg in summer (suburban driving). Highway mpg is 28-30 mpg. The CVT is a bit growly and low speeds and RPM, but once the car is moving it is fine.

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  Honda Is In Trouble Now - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mark - December 21 - 1:40 am

  Best small ute in the US for sure. Mitsu got it right. 180 degrees from the old cars. Incredible performance for the buck. Seamless 6 spd auto. Great touch nav and awesome sound system. No CDs rattling around the car with the hard drive. 3.0 V6 has so much power, torque steer is an issue. Just a real nice ride. Super warranty.

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  Its a Man cuv ! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By allcarguy - December 17 - 11:56 am

  Let me tell you a story about My Outlander;Im living in Colorado,on a day after a big snow fall,My Friends and I decided to put our vihicles to snow test...the car:2009 Subaru forester,2011 Honda crv,98 tyota 4runner and My 2010 Outlander GT. The terrain is a dry grass hill cover with about 15 inches of snow and incline about 20% (not so sure) and here the results: 4RUNNER :done it in 1 attempt,OUTLANDER :2 attempts,FORESTER:4 attempts,CRV:after about 10 attempts made it 30 feet ! What the hell...its the most Awards and comments vihicle here,but not at this,I gess.Im happy with My Outlander after 45k.Heres a thing you need to know:To drive fast use the paddle shifter not the D drive.

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  great car but inferior interior - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sfo_bayarea - December 11 - 5:06 pm

  Great engine, though inferior quality of interior features - easily scratched panels, no lights for button Windows except 1 -inferior seat cover - brakes are already squeaking at 7 mos old -prone to moisture, my front Windows have weird sound already- I am expecting them not to open anytime- informed dealers already - I am a Mitsubishi person though next time -I think Ill try Honda - my car was shipped from Japan- I noticed my tires are already worn out considering I just I take care of my car very well - Ill change my Yokohama tires in less than 2 years -maybe the u. S. Version is have longer mileage- who knows!

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  rate this vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Larry W. Edwards - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been vary well pleased with the my Outlander, it is a pleasure to drive. My wife and drove to Tahoe Nv. and iI was vary impressed in the way it handled in the mountains, and for and SUV the comfort is vary good.