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:

• 

  The Best Car I Ever Had - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Drag Mos - January 9 - 2:27 pm

  It is a amazing what this car offer you for a less money. Pure luxury. Brown color with beige leather inside. Power everything. Many, many features that you can just dream about. My favorite : 7.0" Smartphone LDAS with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, FAST-kay, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Amazing 710 w Rockford Costs Audio System, Power Glass Sunroof, Power Remote Liftgate, Windshield Wiper De-icer...... Excellent driving performance, the best AWD system, the best safety features. I really enjoy driving this car. The best varanty in car industry gives you peace of mind....

• 

  Have 500 miles on it! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wayne O. - January 6 - 11:22 pm

  If you have never driven a CVT it will take you a while to get used to it. We had a turbo charged vehicle with a 6 speed tranny before and it would really take off after the turbo lag. It takes a while to accelerate with a 4 cyl and a cvt. Other than that the car is really great. The Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system really rocks. I do wish the power lift gate was foot activated. Have not taken it on a long trip to check mileage but computer is saying around 30 mpg. Our much smaller car before would be lucky to get 23. The 3rd row seats are really only good for kids but nice to have in this size vehicle.

• 

  Best in its class! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mariano - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Exactly what my wife expected and need. Nice high quality interior, superb sound system, adequate cargo space, great fit & finish, nice extra gadgets. Of course for my taste I wouldve prefered a 6 cylinders engine, but then again this is not a vehicle for sport cars fans like me. Great car for its price.

• 

  Stay Away From Mitsubishi - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander Buyer - December 29 - 8:40 pm

  I just bought 2010 Outlander XLS in one week and drove in 5 times, the air conditioner stopped working. There is leaking! Such quality.

• 

  Wake Up & Drive! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jwk1960 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We leased a 2000 Montero Sport for 3 1/2 years and loved it. When the time came to turn it in we had a hard time deciding whether to buy out the lease or not. Since we had such luck with the Montero we decided to test drive some of Mitsus other products first before making a decision. My wife drove the Outlander first and it was all over. We left the dealership with one and didnt get out of it the rest of the weekend.

• 

  Great value and best towing in class - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Fish - December 25 - 5:23 pm

  Ive had my LS 4wd for a month and I feel I made a good purchase. The performance is only average. It isnt nearly as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-7 that I test-drove. But I think the Outlander is a much better overall value.

• 

  Love! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Emma - December 19 - 7:23 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. The technical features are outrageous. It handles more like a car, not an SUV. Have driven on snow and ice and feel very confident in this vehicle. Very roomy in the back with the back seats folded. Love the look, especially from the front. Wouldnt trade it for anything. By-the-way, this vehicle tells you if you need to switch from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive when it senses a wheel spin or slip, how COOL is that?

• 

  2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Great Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By austintech - December 18 - 8:45 pm

  When you compare any vehicle priced under $25k that comes with 5/60 bumper to bumper warranty, 10/100k power train warranty, comes with back up camera, heated seats, bluetooth, roominess and 26 mpg combined, there arent many that can compare. With the 2014 Outlander SE, you get all this and reliability of Mitsubishi. Yes, its not a sports car. Yes, it doesnt have cutting edge design. Unlike other vehicles in its class, its very quiet, is comfortable, handles reasonably well, and has all the safety features youd expect for lots more. We researched lots of vehicles for what we needed and couldnt come up with a better solution for the money.

• 

  Love technology? Youll love this car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By egiardie - December 18 - 4:06 pm

  Absolutely the best bang for the buck out there! I purchased a 2007 XLS, with the three upgrade packages (luxury, sun/sound, and nav packages) during Christmas week (got a great end of year deal - payed only $28k!) and I couldnt be happier with this car. The engineering, attention to detail, and high tech appeal is just unbeatable for the price - not to mention the 5 year/60k mile warranty! Beats the competition hands down! Do the research, take a test drive, and youll probably end up buying this car - I did!

• 

  The Logical Choice - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Maxabishi - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Checked the rest, bought the best overall bang for the buck. Unbelievable price, 14,000 with Convenience Pkg, WOW