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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  Middle of the road - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mike - November 27 - 9:50 am

  Overall an OK car. Took 3 kids and a bunch of camping gear 1100 miles over 10 days. Everyone did OK. My son, a newer driver, doesnt like to drive it - too twitchy. I drive it to go skiing and the 4WD/AWD is solid on icy roads with all-season tires - no studs needed. Road noise is too high. It sounds and feels cheaply made.

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  I love my Anime Supershuttle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ultrarad - November 12 - 12:36 am

  I purchased my new Outlander out of state and recently drove it back to Texas. This little trek gave me a terrific opportunity to quickly become accustomed to this cars innate abilities. Once home, I cant believe I didnt purchase this car sooner. Everything about this car is exciting - the design, the way it drives, the technology - I simply dont have enough time to play with it all. If you are searching for an off-brand CUV/SUV that has driving personality, utility AND techno-enhanced design, then the Outlander should be at the top of your list. Go on, be different and check out an automobile that has inherent off-roading qualities perfected through years of Dakar rally challenges.

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  10 years later - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Christina - November 11 - 10:47 am

  I bought this car brand new off the lot in 2005. Within the first couple of years I had to have it repainted twice because it was already rusting. I had the bushings, control arms, tierods, and brakes replaced pretty much every year Ive owned this thing, since the first year I bought it. I dont mistreat my car or drive it rough because Im too paranoid something will go wrong with it. At 7 years the motor blew and the dealership refused to honor the warranty, despite it having 93,000 miles on it (well under warranty). The transmission was bad after the first year. The radiator had to be replaced after 8 years, even though it leaked since the first year I got it. The dealership wouldnt cover anything with my 10 year/100,000 mile warranty except the bushings. My window motor died after 9 years. The rear window windshield wiper died after 3 years. I feel Im replacing the lights every 6 months, and at $35 a light, it adds up real quick. Ive pretty much replaced every single thing on this car since the year I bought it, without any help from the dealership or warranty. Now its paid off, you better believe Im going to drive the hell out of it for another 10 years because Ive rebuilt the whole thing. I paid $27,000 for this car, and I refuse to let it go out of sheer stubbornness, and not wanting to have to buy another car. BUT, I sure as heck will NEVER buy another one again. Wasnt ever worth the money. And I didnt even get the nice packaged one, its just plain jane boring. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. Its hard to find parts for it, and everything costs a ridiculous amount.

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  It all fell apart! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ahinde - November 7 - 1:30 pm

  I really liked my 2003 outlander when I bought in in 2004, but soon after that I found it had many problems. Every summer water fills inside my air conditioner and causes it to short out causing a new blower motor to be replaced. This wasnt all covered by warranty and they could never figure out why it would do this. Also my entire suspension has been changed and only a year later its already squeaking. Also our temp dial doesnt rotate freely anymore, the cable designed badly and has been replaced once already. There are also numerous issues with this model and Mitsubishi wont do recalls on. Overall I would not purchase another one!

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  Sleeper In a Busy Market!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dfrenchbk - October 30 - 10:00 am

  After alot of research, I had settled on the Honda CRV - but decided to drive the Outlander anyway because of the great finance deals. I never went back to Honda - the Outlander looks great (especially in silver) and drove very well. The seats are excellent, the interior was very well though out and overall the car was just what I wanted for long (500 mile commutes with kids) and driving around town. Also a great vehicle for cyclists - getting a roof rack on the top soon! Overall, a great value compared to the higher priced competitors - check it out.

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  1st Mitsubishi, 1st 4-cylinder...wont be my last - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ldriver - October 30 - 3:25 am

  With only a few thousand miles on the Outlander so far, Im extremely happy with the purchase. Based on professional tests, user reviews, historical reliability, and my own test drives, the Outlander was my by far my favorite. It looks tougher than the soccer mom CR-V and costs much less than the RAV4. The warranty is excellent but hopefully I wont have to use it. The Outlander rides smooth and quiet. With the 4 cylinder Im getting about 25 MPG around the city. I was worried about buying my first 4 cylinder but it does great on the highway and uphill. It is slow off the line but the 6 speed trans makes up for it when passing and climbing.

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  Great Car dont overlook it - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cs - October 26 - 1:13 am

  So I drive a ton, and I mean a ton 25k per year. This car is a daily commuter for me. Why do I love it? The car is just has everything I need. Killer stereo, great seat comfort, easy to drive, even the stock tires have worn well. Easy and affordable to maintain and it takes 87 gas with no issue. I get 25 mph in my daily L.A. fwy/traffic commute which is pretty good. Great NAV sys, as well as a hard drive that records my cds automatically. Environmental stats, and a calendar that reminds me of birthdays. Heated seats, solid control, good ac, wipers work well, brakes are solid. For what you get this car is clearly the best value in the crossover SUV market. Take a look, you wont be sorry.

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  First SUV after 2-doors coupe - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ironvet - October 24 - 10:10 am

  Bought it second hand after arriving in Dubai. It is a small one compared to the others going around here. Very nimble driving at speed, but CVT transmission should be more responsive. Very comfortable and often we use it in place of the big Mitsubishi Montero we also have. The Outlander drives and feels like a car and I get most times 27mpg (highway) although mpg is not an issue here.

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  Loved my car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Starrfyyr - October 12 - 2:00 am

  It was perfect for us, theres no need to improve a thing. Our family of 5 fit comfortably within, and still had cargo room too!

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  New Owner Outlander - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitsu Fan - October 11 - 5:11 am

  Coming from loaded high end Murano to basic level Outlander was tough for about a day. Budget drove me to look at the Outlander. All the consumer reviews were pretty good, so I pulled the trigger. Once I got past the more luxury aspect, all is good. For half the price of the Nissan, cannot be happier now. For a 4 cylinder I am amazed, cruises at 80 smoothly and still has acceleration, up mountain roads at 75 no problem. Tight solid feel in the cockpit. Leg space was only glitch for me, my big leg rests against the console, just have to deal with that. For practical around towner and possible trips to the trailheads with lots of cargo space, giant warranty, and in 20k range, no brainer. Sales folks were great, no bs.....I hate buying cars and this was not that painful, very happy with purchase.