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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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jack - February 7 - 8:20 pm

  Ive received nothing but compliments about exterior and interior. Its perfect for me and my daughter. Would rather it had a little more power but its more than sufficient. Handling is great, and gas mileage around town is just about 20, not bad for an suv. Have not used the flip up seats, but have comfortably sat 5. Rear seat belts are difficult to latch for an adult (narrow positioning). So far I love this vehicle. Mine was loaded with everything but a rear dvd player, all the toys are well worth it.

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  Redesigned Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gene guy - February 5 - 8:33 pm

  Since buying the newly redesigned Outlander LS we have been extremely pleased with its styling, driveability, and quality. Many of the features that are present in this "small SUV" give the impression of a vehicle that cost more than it actually did. Its good stability on the highway and an excellent braking system lend themselves to a feeling of a secure, stable platform and ride. We really enjoy this vehicle. And one final thing, the low profile drop down rear gate really helps when you are trying to load things into the back cargo area.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chinna - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Liked the seating Position and comfort. Traded in 2000 Honda Accord. I found this one very peppy around town and even highways.I felt this is better than Accord in driving and handling.

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  Safety First - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 03ol - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a few suvs and the mitsubishi outlander is by far the best i have owned. It has great styling, perfect ride, plenty of room and the back seats recline, how cool is that. the only problem i have is the gas millage could be a little better. But the best thing about it is, i was hit in the front passenger side at about 30 mph and i had about $4500 in damages. i know it sounds like alot but the other car, a 2003 nissan maxima was completely totaled (the engine even fell out). i highly recomend the Outlander.....

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  Love it, BUT - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PN - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think I would like just from the comercial, but once I saw it in person and drove it, my wife and I loved it. Only have about 1300 miles on it and the only complaints so far is it pulls to the right and the rattling sound while accelerating. It is a distinct seperate sound from the engine, exactly in time with the accelerator. Bringing back to the dealer for evaluation on 4/25.

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  Jens review - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By J Paredes - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We went in to look at the Galant and found the basic version of this vehicle to be of similar price. We test drove it and fell in love. It is perfect for us - small but with the AWD we really need in our climate. We opted for the totally loaded version and are very pleased.

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  Great Downsize Vehicle - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cakegirl1000 - December 16 - 11:46 pm

  We are very, very happy with this vehicle having gone from a Cadilac Escalade to the Mitsubishi Outlander. We made many day trips to shop and drive every crossover including a few others both larger and smaller such as the Juke and the Explorer making sure to give everyone a chance. We almost walked away because we were not thrilled with the White or the Black color options until I spotted one on the showroom floor that had been ordered but not purchased last minute. It was in this esspresso color with cream leather interior. It had great upgrades as well and we fell in love.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By easternwis - December 14 - 9:00 am

  Given some circumstances unique to my situation, I ended up having to purchase a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander in November. I did not set out to buy this kind of vehicle, and I did not know what I was going to be getting, but I have been very pleased with it after three months and several thousand miles. Based on my experience I would recommend this SUV to others in the market.

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  Outlander is quality - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CErnst - December 10 - 4:06 pm

  The Outlander has been a really solid SUV. It hasnt really had any problems yet as it is relatively new. The only quirk is a clunk from the ABS system when you start it and take off, but thats it. Acceleration is REALLY good. Braking is great. Gas mileage is good, especially if you let cruise control do its thing. It is sensitive to weight of the tire. OEM tires, the computer said we were getting 27MPG doing 70MPH on Texas interstate. Firestone Dueler tires get 23-ish, but they are heavier. With new tires and traction control, this thing is a beast in the snow. A very safe vehicle.

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  Awesome machine - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CBJ - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Im coming off owning two 4x4 trucks which were both underpowered, and needed an AWD vehicle that could haul a some equipment on the inside. I took a chance on the Outlander because it seemed like it had a lot of value. Its been 3 months now and this car is more than I ever thought it would be. Incredible power, awesome auto/stick, very quiet ride, no flaws that I can find.