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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  All-Around Performer - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cuffy - February 19 - 6:16 pm

  Had the Outtie for a month now and like it more everyday. Fun to drive, looks great, handles nicely, fits our needs well, is extremely comfortable for 3-4 hr trips, and consistently gets 20-22 mpg in mixed 4WD auto mode driving. What more could you ask for in a CUV? Selectable 4WD, heated leather seats, moonroof, hard-disk 650 watt music server and navi system, auto-leveling HID headlights, v6 w/paddle shifting 6-speed semi-auto, roof rails, 3rd row jump seat, fold down tailgate, Bluetooth, more safety features than most luxury cars, and 18" wheels. Lets see any other manufacturer do that for under $30K.

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  Good Mom Mobile - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ivan - February 18 - 4:10 am

  For the price its great. My suggestion is to splurge and get the XLS with all the options. You will wish you had if you dont. Great mom car, better and much more style then a mini van. Handles well and has a safe feel.

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  Look at something else - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Larry - February 14 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this car thinking it would be a good median for everything, I was wrong. I have had the car for 6 months and its been in the dealership 5 times (3 for problems). Most noteably is an engine rattle that seems to come and go. The car sounds like a 12 year old Buick. This was a sad regrettable purchase. Just about everything else in the car rattles to, and I have babied the car...

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  EXCELLENT!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bkey79 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car Dec 26th and already have put close to 2000 mi on it! Very fun to drive, and handles very well! The gas mileage is getting better with every fill up!

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  GREAT SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BIGATL - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY OUTLANDER, I CANT BELIVE IT HOW NICE IT REALLY IS!

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  WOW! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mohammed Habib - February 3 - 3:38 pm

  I spent 6 months researching cars. We rent a tiny little parking space in NYC width wise, and we were restricted to a car that is less than 75" wide. The family also got a little larger, and we needed a car with at least 6 seats. SO logically I went and researched the top most 7 seat SUVs, which were the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Rogue. To be completely honest, a 5-10 minute test drive of each of those cars, they felt the same. After seeing the width of Highlander, pilot and pathfinder, I realized none of these will do. I went at the nissan dealer, got a final cost of a rogue which with tax came out to almost $31,500. The rogue came with cloth seats, navigation and some extra stuff. Then out of nowhere saw an advertisement for outlander. We went to go see it, and instantly fell in love with it. Now all those negative reviews on different websites, where did they come from? I am driving a FAMILY SUV, I DEFINITELY dont need it to go from 0-60 in 3 seconds, I am completely fine with it going in 8 seconds. I have the AWC, but keep it off most of the time because I want to save gas. I love the leather, especially since it has on every part of the trim. I opted in for the SEL AWC. One thing that is lacking is the screen. Nower days the cars come with touch screen vs buttons, but I will gladly press buttons and pay 6k less. All honesty this car feels and drives like its worth $35,000. I got 3k miles on it, and took a 900 mile road trip and everything worked wonderfully. ONE very little thing is the paint chip and scratches. You just gotta be careful how you drive the car thats all, and take any paint chip issues straight to the dealer and they will fix it right away.

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  Pleasantly surprised in Hawaii - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tballer1976 - January 17 - 2:50 pm

  This car was not first choice but it has been dependable for 5+ years! When on the mainland, its been to New Mexico, Las Vegas, & throughout California with no problems. Driven through rain, fog, & desert too. Its great to have for long drives & the MPG is comparable to other SUVs of its type/year. The interior is well spaced, especially for back seat passengers, & the stock sound system is surprisingly good. A/C is still running great too. Only complaint is the front seat headrests. I feel like my head is jutted out too forward. Had to just turn my headrest the other way. Also, maintenance at Mitsubishi dealers can get quite pricey, but it is the dealer after all. Great car!

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  Bought another one! - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John White - January 13 - 10:31 am

  Best value for your money. Good looking vehicle. Had a 2016 with 14K miles with no issues whatsoever. Liked it so much, We bought a 2017 also!

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  Looked Far and Wide! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By KKar21 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  It was time to turn in my much loved 95 Explorer and I wasnt going to settle for anything but style and comfort. I cant believe I found it all in this price range. Ive only had this vehicle for 2 weeks and I already love it! I bought it used with 16,000 miles on it. It still rides and smells like new. The gas mileage is wonderful, especially with todays gas prices going through the roof! Its smooth and so easy and fun to drive.

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  Not bad! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By not bad! - January 9 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased a 2008 outlander in staten island i like it. Pickup from a stop isnt great but once going you forget how fast youre going. When I pass on a highway, I have to almost put the pedal to the floor but its ok.