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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  interior lighting - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By larry - October 6 - 12:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 endeavor and was very happy with it except the gas mileage. I purchased a 2008 outlander XLS v6 3.0 awd and was sorry to see that there are not any interior lights in the glove compartment or on the dials for the temperature settings, and fan speed or positions for the vent direction. Cannot set any of the 3 dials at night while driving or go from 2wd to 4wd.

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  Not for off road use - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By spudhikes - October 6 - 2:30 am

  Perfect on the road, crappy off of it. Tiny rocks get caught between the brake rotors and the brake rotor covers. Had them emptied six times in one year. Drive dirt roads with the occasional rutted out section 3 times per week. Broke the suspension over and over again. Everything was perfect on the road, but off of it caused problems. Sound system was great. Heated front seats were amazing. Seats easily stain, even from water. Plenty of room for a 65" guy. Cant complain about anything on the pavement. Cant suggest you use it off of the pavement. Second Mitsubishi. Will buy an older montero most likely. Mitsubishi still rocks, just had the wrong one for day to day use.

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  smooth operator - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By naseer - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I just got my new mitsu outlander and it is really good, the ride very smooth. my 2.4 lacks some power but that expected and is good for low mileage. CVT is my first and it is very smooth. Turning is like a sedan, information panel is quite accessible.Lots of cup holders and power outlets. Competes with CR-V and RAV4, with a good deal it is much better than both.

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  XLS AWD with leather package - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ikay - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I got it and I love it. The engine has not been a problem. 140hp is enough for most people. Someone likes to compare with 200-hp+ SUV. We never get to use the full power anyway or you get busted. However, when speeding up, the engine is kind of loud as other mitsubishi. It did not bother me. The sportronic is very nice and it actually works well. It has a very good driving position in the car. you dont slide so much even with leather when turning (the bucket seat is doing some work). Overall, it is good and worth the $$. Comparing with CR-V, just less space with cooler look. Your call.

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  Really fun to drive - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MrLoopy - August 28 - 6:10 am

  Had the car for three weeks now. The car feels much more like a sports car then a small SUV! The suspension is very tight (as the reviews say) but I think this makes it feel like a low slung sportster. The seats are comfortable. Just love the way it drives. It is a small SUV though (we came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but has nice styling. Has enough power for fast acceleration. Very happy with the car so far.

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  one-year review - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rongmu - August 27 - 2:00 am

  good choice of Mini-SUV

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  Great buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ashgad - June 27 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car in 2005, needed a larger car for our new baby. It has been such a great buy! It is super reliable, nothing has ever broken down on it and it runs like a champ. It has almost 90,000 miles on it now and is still running as great as the day I bought it. It is awesome in the snow, when we had a huge storm here 2 years ago, I was passing up every other SUV and truck left and right as they all got stuck or slid down a the hill. I would recommend this car to anyone, it has been great for us!

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  Outlander 2007 - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mother of Twins - May 11 - 12:50 pm

  Its fun to drive. Handles very well in curves, even in really sharp curves. It accelerates quick and it is fast for a small SUV. It has a lot of cup holders. It has more than one storage compartment, not only the regular glove box. The seat hugs so you cant slide when turning. It is a fun SUV to drive and cool looking.

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  drives nice, but do not touch - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ultrarunner - April 10 - 10:00 am

  this suv, but it is really a small station wagon, handles great, rides smooth, but scratches very easily. If you put a fingernail on it, you will get a scratch. if you buy one, get a light color like silver or white. Mileage is very poor compared to other similar sized vehicles. i dont think they were truthful saying 20/27. I get 19/22, if i donot run the air

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  Great, but beware the Paint - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By matterie - March 6 - 6:45 pm

  Had this car for about 5 years now. Overall, we have been very pleased with it except for one issue: the paint. The clear coat appears does not appear to be of quality resulting in a car that scratches easy and a result, looks pretty awful after a short period of ownership. The built-in media center was cool at first, but is a bit annoying with expensive map updates and the inability to load MP3s on the hard drive. It will only load from original music CDs (or WAV files). Minus the paint, reliability has been very good.