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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  Unexceptional, but thats a good thing - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mawingo - March 4 - 12:26 pm

  This is an after the fact review, as I just traded this one in. This car did nothing well, but nothing bad. It was just sort of there and didnt leave a bad taste. Its comfortable (the seats are very firm), got decent mileage, and didnt require a lot of non-routine maint; just oil changes, tires, brakes, and an AC recharge (common to this model). Its a little short on power, but proved to be reliable. The interior wore well.

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  Good Choice, But Look for Alignment - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Althai - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this new car over three weeks, I like it. It good for the valve. However, my car only has 500 mile, and it starts pulling to the right.

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  Our 5th Mitsubishi (2nd SUV) - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - February 14 - 7:10 am

  Our last SUV was the 2002 Mitsu Montero Sport XLS. Our daughter now owns this and it is still going strong. We decided to "trade down" to the 2008 Outlander and love the car. Just like the Montero, 100% made in Japan to last. The 4 cylinder engine will not win drag races, but is peppy enough and CVT is smooth. The engine is a little on the loud side though.

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  fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By thirdcreek2 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has the looks of a Vamp & drives like a Cloud. I have owned over 150 New cars,trucks and suvs and this one is the most fun to drive. It fits like a glove,solid and smooth. It it is like a Links it goes farward with personified awareness.

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  Outlander XLS - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Onda - January 29 - 9:10 pm

  We bought our mid-size SUV leaving the orginal Saturn family car. It rides higher than the car. The luxeries are all great, leather interior,heated seats, electric tilt sun roof. For the price and the cost of gas its a positive move in a SUV. Looks great and rides great!

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  Just got this SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By JoJoFlyboy - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice car/SUV, meaning it drives more like a car than the others, Santa Fe, CRV ect. Paid just a bit more than the TMV value on Edmunds for a XLS with "sun and sound" package. Only negative is that you cannot seem to find one, especially in the south with ABS without getting the luxury package also. Mitsu is one of the only companies around that ABS isnt standard or available as a single option. Interior is very nice, except for the gaping hole below the radio for cell phones ect. Ample leg room and headroom, I am 63,my head scraped the top on the Santa Fe. Exterior, still not totally convinced on. SUV is for wife and she likes it a great deal.

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  Cheap interior - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MITSUMAN - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  Chose the Outlander over several other small SUVs on the market because of bang for the buck. Love the performance of the engine and 6 speed tranny. Also very glad we opted for the sun and sound package. The interior however is cheap cheap cheap! Carpet is worst I have ever seen in a new car, plastic inner door panels and seat material are very low grade as well!

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  Very reliable, nice looking - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mikey - January 3 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car one year old with 12,000 miles, and it has served me well. Aside from a cooling fan that runs for a short period after the engine is turned off (I ignored the recall), Ive had no problems. Its comfortable, zippy, handles well, and the cargo space with the back seats down is plenty long. Wish it were a little higher, though. I had considered a 2004 Ford Escape (too pricey) and a 2004 Honda CRV (not long enough). Im happy with my pick. My only complaints are that the sheet metal is thin (dings easily), the in- town mileage isnt great (I get about 17 mpg on a 4-cylinder engine!), and wind pulses through the car when the back windows are down.

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  Dont Believe this so called expert review! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Bell - December 31 - 10:39 am

  This car deserves at least a high B in ratings! I bought mine back in July when they were first delivered to the public. Mercury Grey. It is packed with features that other suvs cant touch at this price......$32,545....I own a video production business and it is roomy enough for my equipment and crew. The wife loves it for the style and handling The paddle shifters are fun and it has plenty of pick up. The Leather and other equipment makes this a real joy to own...Drive one and you will buy one....

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  Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jane Wright - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Overall reliability has been good.