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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  2004 Outlander XLS, replaces our Spyder - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By skarst1 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Mitsubishi and we have been very happy with all three. This has to be the best so far. It replaces a 2001 Spyder GT which was not being used. The Outlander has the power we need with the convienience of all wheel drive which comes in very handy during Pennsylvania winters. My wife is no longer afraid to drive in the snow, she now enjoys it. We dont even miss the Spyder, this is as much fun to drive. Would highly recommend this SUV. We chose this over Hondas CRV and Element

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sunshyndrmr - July 16 - 10:50 pm

  What a fantastic car! I had seen the Outlander but thought it was out of my price range and moved on. After test driving the Scion Xb which I originally planned to buy, I was less impressed than I thought I would be. I wanted something or more quality not just fun. This is both! I got lucky, they had 2 07s on the lot that they were trying to get rid of, and I ended up with more options that I couldve ever afforded

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  Great lil SUV - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TJ - July 5 - 7:13 am

  Just purchased my wife the XLS AWD w/ navigation. After reading a lot of expert reviews I was skeptical. But most of the complaints were that the V-6 was slow and the interior was really cheap. I would agree that the interior is not the most expensive materials used, but they are lighter weight and help reduce the total weight of the vehicle. We have no complaints with the engine, I mean its not a dragster and it has plenty of pep. I am 604 and am able to sit in the back seat easily even with the driver seat all the way back. The stereo and navigation system are awesome, truly. Very hard to beat Mitsus warranty and safety rating. Much bigger than it looks. All in all, great lil SUV.

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  Great value SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By J - June 24 - 7:43 pm

  Owned 10 months, driven 11,000 miles, & this is my take. Solid, responsive, fun to drive, overall great vehicle for the price. Have done a couple of 1000 mile road trips & found it to be very comfortable & a great performer. Am astounded with morning commute fuel economy being consistently over 30 mpg. Freeway average is 23-24 mpg, which is okay but expected more given commute mpg is so high. Pet peeves - the all round low quality interior, hard to see orange display in sunlight, & wind noise on drivers side. Observations - can be awkward getting cup in/out of holder with arm rest pulled forward, & swaying in high wind on freeway. If improvements below were made, would definitely buy again!

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  A lot of car for the money - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Luna - June 21 - 2:33 pm

  I just love the look of this car! I test drove all of the competition of approximately the same year, 2006 and nothing looked or handled as well as this vehicle. I am still impressed with how solid it is, yet how sporty it is to drive. I also am astounded at the great gas mileage. My boyfriend has a Jetta and the Outlander gets a bit better gas mileage! I need the space to haul things for my gallery as well as a car to do errands and take clients out. This car can do it all. I am extremely pleased.

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  awsome - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Norma23 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The best buy ever. Its so comfortable, easy to drive and best of all ride like a sedan. Its really economical. ¡Go a buy yours now!¡hurry!

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  4 years and no issues - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By beachin2 - June 16 - 5:24 pm

  Owned the Outlander now for 4 years and we love it ! We bought the LS and added leather. We run nothing but Mobil 1 in it and follow all maintenance schedules. Average 23mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway running 70mph and loaded. Aside from a bit loud road noise we like everything else on the car. If Mitsubishi had added a bit more insulation this would be a perfect vehicle. We use this as our 2nd vehicle so it only has 35k miles so far.

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  Go Mitsubishi! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Scottysnow - June 5 - 2:00 am

  After happily owning a 2002 Gallant (first Mitshubishi) that died in a car accident I Decided to try out the Outlander. After Driving the offerings from Honda and Toyota I found the overall feel, comfort and styling to be supioror to the other small SUVs. I must admit that there was some appeal to having something that is a little more "unique". I drive 35,000+ miles a year for work and I have already been on two long road trips and I have found that this is a great road trip vehicle from its powerful stereo to having a little extra space for a bicycle and such.

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  perfect small suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rbc - June 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, comfortable, great performance, good looking.

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  Low price, good quality, fun to own - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutLander - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Lot of car for the money. Most of needed stuffs is standard equipment Interior is quiet and roomy. The 4 cylinders engine is ok, has enough power for cruising around town and freeway. Reviews from Edmunds.com, Car&Driver ... said its underpower. I guess whoever drove test this car maybe living somewhere in the mountain region? But it will be nice if Mitsu give us a choice of V6 or 4 cylinders with turbo as an option. Audio control buttons are too small that reminds me of Walkman stereos button. I pick this car out of my shopping list: Rav4,Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute.