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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  Why are there not more? - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Babs8 - October 3 - 11:46 am

  It baffles me that I dont see more of these on the road. Every time I tell someone about my new car, theyve never heard of it. But then they see it and they love it! I researched vehicles in this segment obsessively, while I waited for the Cash for Clunkers deal to go into effect- I had been driving a 99 Jeep Cherokee for the past 7 years and when the A/C broke, it was time to go. While I never considered myself into features (the Jeep had hardly any), I am amazed at how many features I got on the Outlander for the price. Far better deal than any of the competitors. After 2 months of driving I can proudly say that I have absolutely no buyers remorse. Love it!

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By klas - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  Ive compared them all, (RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe, CX-7, etc.) and as soon as I test drove Outlander I fell in love. Its not just the styling, but everything else you get for the price. Go and price it!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander Lease Experience - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hunh - October 1 - 9:44 am

  The car was fine; the company is quite slimy. They did not respond to complaint letters. Then they tried to bill me thousands in phony repairs. They also tried to charge a late fee. The car was returned late because the person they asked me to contact was on vacation for two weeks. Then he turned out to be a slaesman from Mitsubishi trying to sell me a new car. What a mess!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - Love It! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John Logan - September 24 - 2:46 am

  Bought it in 3/03. Drove it for 40,000 miles and gave it to my son. I took it the other day to change the oil, I miss it! Great little truck! Fun to drive, gives you the feel of a bigger SUV (I have a 4x4 explorer too) gas mileage is good. Comfortable interior and stylish exterior at a great price, very reliable. The 4th Mitsubishi Ive owned, I recommend them highly.

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  One Of The Most Reliable Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Talbot Lilley - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi is one of the most reliable vehicle this is my second mitsubishi my first is the Gallant

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  great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Herve - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but very easy to scratch it

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  OK Overall, But 3 Warranty Visits in 1yr - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tanya1921 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the Outlander is great. Awesome sound system (stock), but the doors dont automatically lock, and I have taken it in 3x in a year for warranty repairs: molding on kick plate came off, A/C adapter stopped working, and excess glue on the windshield which was causing all the wiring to be exposed. My Hondas never had problems like this. It gets time consuming and my time is worth something. Paddle shifters are useless- no one really uses them in a 4 cylinder SUV. I have to yell at the bluetooth speaker to be heard.

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  Terrible Pull to the left - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BeagleDog - September 12 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I started driving this new vehicle I experienced a severe pull to the left. I assumed it was just out of alignment. However when I called the dealership, service told me the 2003s had a known defect requiring a major repair and I needed to drop the vehicle off for at least a day. Can you sell vehicles with known safety defects? Other than that major flaw, its nice.

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  Good bargain! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By litakhing - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The Outlander has surprising amount of control and stability for such a budget-priced entry. I love the manual "Sportronic" shift mode. It makes the Outlander more fun to drive. Nothing inside appears cluttered, but everything seems just right. The instrument panel is simple with a center-mounted analog clock above the comfort and sound system controls. Overall, the new Outlander seems a standout in a field that includes the established likes of Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

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  Great compact SUV and great value! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cooljw - August 26 - 8:00 am

  I considered all the other compact SUVs out there including the RAV4 and CR-V before choosing the Outlander. The Outlander definitely has the others beat on price, styling and overall utility. Plus it’s a great value and costs thousands less than a comparably equipped RAV4 or CR-V. The 4 cylinder is plenty of power for me and I can use the paddle shifters to quickly downshift if I need to. The handling is very good with excellent cornering. It’s nice to drive a good looking car that you don’t see on the road often – I get plenty of admiring looks from people.