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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  Great SUV - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By hansp1 - August 25 - 1:56 am

  Ive had this SUV for two weeks and cant say enough good things about it! There is a lot of bang for the buck here! What you get for your dollar is not to be believed! I had a Subaru Outlander that I loved and was quite honestly looking at a new one when I decided to check this car out. It was really no contest!

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  2007 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 07XLSDiamond - August 6 - 12:20 am

  This car had nearly everything I wanted in a small to midsize SUV. I use it as my daily driver. I got the Diamond White Pearl XLS FWD model with all the bells and whistles except the DVD package. I got the navigation package with 40G hard drive, sunroof, leather, bluetooth, SIRIUS radio (Id have prefered XM), etc. The gas mileage is okay, around 21.6 average. Mitsubishi owners are also a great bunch of people, this is my second Mitsubishi; I own an Eclipse too.

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  Good but not perfect! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Piper - August 2 - 5:16 am

  Now that I have 5 month of driving on my Outlander, its time to put a good review. First, the inside insulation is not at the top, your ear a lot of road noise and the exhaust system is a bit noisy. I get an average fuel economy of 18-16 in the city and 22-24 in the highway driving. Its a great suv during the winter season, you feel secure driving around. The seat are comfortable but a lite high. The warranty is great but after driving it for a couple month, if I had to choose for my new SUV now I would not choose this one. Before buying test drive it for a day or two, you will see what I am talking about.

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  Good Purchase! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kaelyn - July 19 - 2:20 pm

  This smaller SUV handles like a car, which is what I was looking for. So far, its been a smooth ride, not as bumpy as I wouldve expected. I really love the cargo space & riding much higher than Im used to in a conventional auto. Ive only had the car a couple of weeks, but have almost 1,000 miles on it as its been fun driving it everywhere. Its a purchase that has put a smile on my face!

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  Buy One - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By geminite - July 19 - 10:00 am

  One early problem that was instantly rectified by the dealer. Problem with power steering. Otherwise, great car, roomy, perfect for taking the kids and animals on trips to the mountains.

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  Suspension worry - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By davebeat - July 12 - 4:56 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for only 6 weeks, but have subjected it to all manner of tests and scrutiny. It has only done 106,000 kilometers, looks immaculate inside and out, is very comfortable, handles well and is perfect in every respect bar one -- suspension (or shocks). No one can find anything wrong, yet while very smooth on good roads, smallish bumps and accompanying road noise suggest very rigid suspension. Is this a characteristic?

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  The truth - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Marc - July 5 - 3:53 pm

  Owned car since nov. 06/1500 miles was one trip. Owned Mitsubishi before so stayed with brand (no problems). Had hesitation problems but service bulletin cured that. On road trip car is outstanding just sit back and put on Cruise and front wheel drive (28 mpg) around town not impressed with mpg or noisy motor, like all available features (best bang for buck). I have had no problems with this vehicle at all, what you see and hear when you purchase is what you get. I was rearended at 40 mph (car stops on a dime) and lower tailgate still opened, car took impact really well. My main pet peeve is the interior fit and finish are starting to look sloppy/lazy. Where`s that quality Mitsubishi?

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  Outlander is great! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sanders - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Drives wonderful. Great vehicle. Could use a little more power, but runs like a top.

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  Best compact SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ruks - June 28 - 11:23 pm

  Best compact SUV that Ive ever driven. More power with less gas consumption. Easy to drive.

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Diane/dihp10 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a mid size car that could get thru the snow in New Jersey. This car is it! I have always purchased Chevys, not anymore, this car is great. It handles perfectly in the bad weather and I like the option of manual shifting. I am not an expert in the snow, but this car give me alittle more confidence driving in bad weather.