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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  my new outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dougboy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it but am impressed with comfort and quality overall. Does lack power when punched but seems ok if i just let it climb on its own. For the money i think it is very good in its class.

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  Fundamental flaws - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Seth - June 22 - 4:13 pm

  Vehicle has all the bells and whistles but does not have any useful features that dont cost much such as 1. Telescopic steering wheel or rather the lack of it. Cannot find a comfortable position even with arms stretched out and seat pulled forward, and I am of average size 5 10 with a small paunch. 2. Zero Cushion in leather seats for better distribution of pressure and back support. 3. Arm rest too low and useless. 4. No sound deadening materials. Noisy is the word. 5. Suspension makes for an extremely uncomfortable ride. Every undulation in the road is sent straight to drivers spine. 6. No door inserts or soft dash. Just a sea of hard thin black plastic.

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  Great compact SUV and great value! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cooljw - June 15 - 9:20 am

  I considered all the other vehicles in this class including the RAV4 and CR-V before choosing the Outlander. The Outlander clearly has the others beat on style and utility. The Outlander makes the CR-V and RAV4 look boring. Plus you can get it better equipped for thousands less than the competition. The long warranty provides great peace of mind. The handling is quite sporty with little body lean when cornering. The 4 cylinder provides plenty of power for me with good fuel economy and I can use the paddle shifters if I need to downshift quickly. Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle and might just be a Mitsubishi convert considering its the first one Ive ever owned.

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  Awesome Suv - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By GREAT SUV - June 9 - 4:00 am

  Went in to actually buy a kia sportage and test drove the 2007 outlander 4 door 4wd and loved it, best decision I could of made. Reliable, fun to drive, lots of space and the back opens up from the top and the tail gate comes down, great stereo system, the only thing I can say is the gas is not as good as the paper said on the window. It gets about 22-23 miles to the gallon not 25-30 like it says. Comfortable when you have others with you and just a all around great vehicle. I do not see many of these on the road but I bet they catch on this year!

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  You wont find better small SUV for price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Found a best buy - June 5 - 9:30 pm

  With over 22,000 miles, it is flawless. I test drove everything from BMW X3 to Rav & nothing in this class will match the Outlander in all categories. I traveled routinely through the worst winter conditions imaginable & this vehicle is an awesome snow machine, even with the wide/street Goodyears. The exterior design is perfect & it stands far above the rest in looks. There are some minor quirks such as the torque steer which is easily fixed by putting in AWD or adjusting your starts. The Goodyears wore fast & need replacing soon. Anyone in winter conditions will experience lower "sandblasting" problems to the paint (apply addit clear protection & no problems or wait till 2008-fixed.

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  Super Reliable! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jwmatten - June 4 - 9:07 pm

  I bought my 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander used in 2006 with 20,000 miles on it. Ive never had ANY issues with this car other than the scheduled maintenance. I only gave it a 4/5 on performance because the 4-cylinder makes it hard to drive up hills.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lczick17 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Had it 5 months now. Very Happy! My wife and I both have bad backs. These are the most comfortable seats we have ever had. Took about 2K miles for the engine to break in and give 20MPG around town. The dash layout is great, it puts everything at your finger tips. Ive had many people comment on the looks.

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  A muscle car - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Big Guns - May 24 - 10:00 am

  A sharp looking vehicle and a enjoyable driving machine. Has a tough look about it which is a eye catcher while driving through town.

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  Unsatisfied - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By outout - May 13 - 9:33 pm

  My 07 Outlander has excessive wind-noise...the worst I have seen in any vehicle. The wind noise just gushes inside the cabin. I just keep wondering how Mitsubishi spoiled an otherwise great vehicle with nice value and features, because they did not take care of small things like proper cabin insulation.

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  All I Need - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MostlyCinical - May 11 - 2:00 am

  After driving for a year, it has lived up to my high expectations. I read the reviews of "not enough power," but waited until I drove it to form my own opinion. The clutchless manual gives the passing and highway entrance you want. I the automatic mode is tuned nicely to the engines power. The ride is beautiful. Take it on some windy country roads and go hard into the turns and itll make you smile. Tell your back seat passengers to recline and theyll smile. I found the Infinity stereo to be OK, I had to turn the bass down or it would distort. No mechanical or body probs. Great entrance and exit height. Range is 300 miles between fill-ups.