Overview & Reviews

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been with us for the better part of a decade, and for the most part, never really managed to challenge the more established SUVs in its class. When Mitsubishi announced the Outlander Sport model -- a smaller version with the promise of more athletic performance -- it seemed like a concept that could possibly gain a foothold. Sadly, that was not the case. The "Sport" badge was quickly dismissed as disingenuous, as this smaller Outlander suffered from a weak engine and lazy handling. Styling was at least intriguing, as it picked up cues from the sporty Lancer Evolution, but the standard Outlander also looks similar and foregoes much of what plagues the Outlander Sport.

As it stands, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is sporty only in name and appearance. Furthermore, it comes up short in cargo capacity when compared to competitors. For these reasons, we struggle to recommend it over nearly any other compact SUV, let alone the top-ranked Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Our suggestion is to check out everything else first.

Current Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is offered in two trim levels: the base ES and SE. Both models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the ES, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available as an option and is standard on the SE. Front-wheel drive is standard, with a three-mode all-wheel-drive system available only on the SE.

Notable Outlander ES standard features include remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system and auxiliary audio/USB input jacks. Stepping up to the SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a second-row armrest with center pass-through, upgraded upholstery and a six-speaker stereo. Heated front seats are only offered with SE AWD models. Some of the SE features are available on the ES as options.

An optional Exterior Sport package adds cosmetic and aerodynamic exterior elements and an aluminum fuel door, while the Interior package (available with automatic transmissions only) adds piano-black interior trim and an aluminum shift knob. Other add-ons include interior mood lighting, exterior protection (scuff plates, mud guards and bumper guards) and cargo solutions. Additionally, SE AWD models are eligible for a hard-drive-based navigation system, a rearview camera, an auxiliary video input jack and the Premium package (includes a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and a Rockford Fosgate audio system).

Among competing compact SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is ranked below nearly every alternative. Despite the "Sport" moniker, engine power is barely adequate, resulting in a class-average 8.8 seconds with the manual transmission, while the CVT is considerably slower. Handling is also a bit of a disappointment, as it exhibits a healthy dose of body roll in the turns. Braking performance is similarly lacking when compared to other SUVs in this class, as is cargo capacity. The Outlander Sport does manage to provide a smooth, quiet ride and offers styling that sets it apart from the rest, but its drawbacks far outweigh the positives.

Used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Models
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport debuted for 2011. Mitsubishi adjusted the optional CVT the next year for improved acceleration and response, though we've found the differences to be negligible.

User Reviews:

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  Ignore the reviews. This is a great vehicle. - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Luke Short - November 7 - 7:59 am

  I read the reviews for this vehicle and just knew it was the worst vehicle since the Yugo. But.....I decided to test drive it and determine for myself; Im glad I did. With almost 13,000 miles on the clock, its only seen the shop for oil change and tire rotations. HID headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth, heated seats, climate control, power drivers seat, PW, keyless entry, and on and on and on. It has every toy I could possible want and it does everything right. Today we loaded 750 pounds of dog food in the back; 15 each 50 pound dog food. There was room for more and I couldnt even tell the load was in the back. I still got 30 mpg on the 30 mile trip back home. We drove from Phoenix some 200 miles up to the White Mountains at 75 mph and still got 29 mpg. 1200 above sea level to 7000. The seats are a little stiff and the interior has some cheap looking plastic, but its $10,000 less than any competition and I can live with a few shortcomings for that kind of money. I paid just under $20k and got this amazing vehicle with a ten year bumper to bumper warranty. Great mileage, great storage capacity, almost every toy and the best warranty in the business. UPDATE: Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Rock solid. No problems and dealer service from Mark Mitsubishi is terrific. $39 for an oil change, tire rotation and car wash. You simply cant go wrong with this vehicle.

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  Peppy enough for me, stylish and nice features. - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By cdt2833 - October 25 - 1:26 pm

  Job location change increased my commute to nearly 80miles round trip. Traded in my heavy, thirsty truck for something a bit sporty, comfortable and CUV-like in terms of cargo capacity. Test drove several Hyundai products including the Tucson and went to the Mitsu dealer last. Nice features on the ES at the sub 20k price point including handsfree phone integration via FUSE system, telescoping steering wheel, full complement of steering wheel controls including magnesium paddle shifters for the CVT. Some soft touch surfaces on the dash and door panels. The 4B11 2.0L is not a hot rod but once you become accustomed to the acceleration with CVT it is more than enough for typical driving.

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  Inexpensive but has design issues - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By danb61 - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  The Pros-good looking, simple but functional interior, comfortable seating, 2WD/AWD/4WD simple switch, good visibility, AWD/4WD worked very well in snow, smooth 6 speed transmission, inexpensive, good visibility The Cons-gas mileage lower than advertised, drops dramatically over 60 mph, engine struggles at higher interstate speeds, excessive road noise, wonders on the interstate, large pillars are blind spots, A/C causes engine to drop to 400 rpm, idling rough, surges to 1500 rpm with A/C on and causes vehicle to accelerate, difficult starting, stong, outgassing new car smell

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  Freshest crossover on the road - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zx_knight - May 20 - 12:44 am

  Power- Its lacking in this area in comparison to the others in its class but the CVT tranny really makes good use of the 148hp. It gets a little fun when using the paddle shifter (The paddle shifter sold me on the car). Only issue I have is that you cant tow anything, I dont know how that compars to the rest but its a forgivable issue. Suspension- This little truck could out handle alot of cars. Definitely shines above the rest, especially in 4wd mode :). Seating- Im 6"1 and have 2 children in car seats and we fit with little issue. Im a lil cramped in the leg department but I could still do long distance trip in it easy. I even talked my sister in to buying one. There fresh

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  Love the car-Hate the dealership - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Candy - May 6 - 11:11 am

  I purchased my 2015 Outlander Sport at the end of 2015. 2 months after I bought it, I received a recall notice, so I made an appointment with the dealership for Saturday Morning which is about 25 minutes away. To my surprise when I got there the dealership had closed down. No letter no phone just puff gone. Trip made for nothing. Called Mitsubishi and the closes dealership to me is 2 1/2 hours away and they dont do Saturdays. Miss a days work because they have a recall. I am not happy. To bad too I love my car but will not purchase again because of the dealerships. Oh one more thing had a road trip and after a while the front seats were not comfortable. Had to sat on a pillow.

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  DONT BELIEVE THE EXPERTS ! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By JCLZEKE@AOL.COM - April 3 - 9:52 am

  This is my third Mitsubishi. 1991 Galant, 2003 Outlander we still own with 210,000 miles and this 2015 Sport GT. Ive owned it for 4 months, 4000 miles and We LOVE it! Ive owned Honda, Toyota, Nissan truck and Chevys. All good cars and trucks, but Mitsubishi NEVER gets the credit it deserves for a Japanese vehicle of Superior quality and lower price than its better advertised competitors. These are Wonderful vehicles, precision built and designed. Available in the U.S. at lower prices for who knows why? lack of advertising... Take advantage of these deals and get a Well designed, quality built Japanese vehicle for a great price! They run FOREVER with just proper maintenance, the exterior stays beautiful with minimum maintenance. how many times Ive said to my son "OH U washed the Outlander (03)? His answer "NO it rained"... it looked Great. I Love our new 2015 Outlander Sport, the Rochford Fosgate Sound system is Awesome. Performance with the 2.4L is great, mileage is about 25-26 around town. Took her out in unplowed 14 of snow in 4WD LOCK No problem at all. Heated seats, mirrors, adjustable drivers seat, steering column... 4WD, glass roof, back up camera, much, much more for 20 something K? Plus 10 year/100,000 warranty. I love it! All I can say is give it a chance? Dont listen to the ""so called Expert reviews?

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  Best compact suv - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Valerie - March 28 - 6:22 am

  I had a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander but wanted a smaller suv with 4wd option. I looked at Honda HRV, Mazda CX5, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage and none even compare to the Outlander Sport. My requirements are good stereo and satellite radio. You have to buy top of the line trims with the others to get this. The SE trim also has push button entry which is a great safety feature and means no searching for keys. The chrome on the front makes it look expensive. The AC is very cold which is awesome because we are having record high temps this summer. Lets not forget the 5 year warranty and roadside assistance (which I never used on my last one). Please ignore the "expert" reviews and look at consumer reviews for past years.

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  Hands down - this is the best SUV for your money! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By indianadad - March 19 - 9:05 am

  Mitsubishi does not do a good enough job marketing this vehicle. They are either pricing it to regain market share or the other brands are way overpriced. That being said, I had checked out most other small SUVs, focusing on the American & Japanese models. They are all in the 25-30K range to get the features this one has. With rebates and negotiations with the dealer I got this great quality SUV for about $19,200. For this price, who else gives 18" alloys, keyless ignition, fog lights, auto & adjustable HID headlights, tinted windows, auto heat/air, rain sensing wipers, super crisp LED multi-color info. display, wireless Bluetooth, 6 speaker satellite radio and much more??? No one!!!

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  Mitsu - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By robin m - February 2 - 7:36 am

  Although the critics seem to dislike this car I not say enough about it. Handles the road really well and is extremely comfortable to drive. It may not go from zero to 60 in three seconds but overall it has pretty good pick up and is fun to drive. Cant wait for it to snow so I can test out the AWD