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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  Traded off - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bdk437 - February 4 - 2:59 pm

  We made a mistake buying this car. Bluetooth after a few months never worked... maintenance alert for oil changes sucks too. Our dealer was 90 minute drive and what brought me to the end of my rope was how rude the service department was. Went back to Toyota RAV4 which just blows the Outlander away. Worth the extra $8k.

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  Better than expected - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Ron - January 29 - 4:27 am

  I bought a 2015 leftover in April 2016 because I got a real good price. I bought with some trepidation, considering the expert reviews I read, but noted that most consumer reviews were pretty good. Maybe the experts expect too much from a vehicle because they can compare the vehicle to many more expensive ones. I have only had the vehicle for a few weeks, but Im fairly happy with it. It is not a sports car, but handles adequately for an SUV. Acceleration is decent, and the engine doesnt seem any noisier than on the Rogue I traded in. Interior is a little less upscale than on some competitors, but is practical and comfortable. The ride is a little stiff, but the vehicle has 18" 55 series tires, so that is somewhat expected. Exterior is rather attractive, and Im getting better than advertised MPG. So far, Im satisfied After 6 months, everything is pretty much the same. Im still satisfied. I get about 25+ MPG locally, and around 30 on the highway. The ride could be a little better on rough pavement, but is not terrible. 18 months now. Nothing to add. Still satisfied

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  Dont Listen to the "Experts" - Great Little SUV - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By scjenk - January 20 - 10:44 am

  Dont listen to the "experts" because they will steer you wrong on this car. We love this vehicle! Great features, mileage (averaging over 28 MPG per tank, best 31), price, comfort and size capped off by a great warranty. Its not the fastest SUV out there, but it isnt any slower than most of the other vehicles in its class and if you use the paddle shifters it ups the fun quotient. I had 4 adults and 4 huge suitcases in it the other day and it didnt struggle at all. Consumer Reports rates this the "Most Reliable" small SUV. The hands free system in this car works much better than the SYNC in my F150 and is easier to use. My only complaint is that Mitsubishi cheaped out on the carpet.

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  Traded in a POS Compass - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Taylon - January 14 - 8:55 pm

  Traded in the pathetic Compass for an Outlander Sport. The 2.4 in the Outlander and the refined CVT make the Compass look like, well, a Compass. I was very skeptical after reading other reviews, but really liked the styling. After test driving the Outlander Sport, I was sold. This is a very nice vehicle with an attractive warranty. The Compass has the same motor size and a CVT transmission, but there is a huge difference in the two. The Outlander Sport rides nice, has sufficient power with the 2.4 and is at least unique. Not one person in my county has the same vehicle. The dealership was outstanding as well. Go buy an Outlander Sport!

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  Premie Senior Dream - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Pat Collins - December 4 - 4:36 am

  The warranty and safety ratings are fantastic. Ive been driving this car for a year and love this car. The acceleration and cruise control are awesome. A friend of mine who is 85 years old went on the trip and told me she thought it was one of the most comfortable car rides she had been on in her lifetime. I find a feature not addressed by many of the 5 star ratings was the seat and steering wheel adjustments. You can pump the seat higher and dont have an awkward look out your front window. The steering wheel adjustment allows additional comfort. Now if I could stop my Husky/Malamute from shedding, I would have the perfect car! I highly recommend this SUV!

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  Ive put the miles on my 2012 Outlander Sport 4x4! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Carrie Hoeisng - November 7 - 5:23 am

  I bought my 2012 Outlander Sport brand new and now, 3 years later, have 85,000 miles on it. Yes, I love to travel. I loved traveling in my Ford Expedition much better but this little Outlander Sport is much more affordable to drive! The front seats fit larger folks, no problem. With the front seats fully back the leg room in the back seats is a little tight. And this is a 4 passenger vehicle, not 5, unless it is 3 small kids in the back seat without car seats! The total weight limit of passengers and cargo is 875 lbs so keep that in mind if you are larger. I have taken this car into the mountains on snow and ice and it did well for a smaller vehicle. It has decent acceleration for a small car. On my longer road trips I get around 30 mpg. Short driving around town knocks that down to about 23. I have never used the paddle shifters, cruise control, remote start, or blue tooth (I have a dumb phone) but can tell you that the seat warmers are a godsend on cold mornings! At about 60,000 miles the car developed a squeal (at over 25 mph) that changing the s-belt did not cure. The noise has changed to more of a chirpy noise now. My Mitsu mechanic thinks it is the belt pulley. Guess this is a known problem with the 2011 model but they are not covering it under warranty for the 2012. That upsets me a bit as I feel that because I am a high mileage user I am being penalized. By the time this may come out as a recall issue I will already be out of miles on my 100,000 mile drive train warranty. This is my 2nd Mitsubishi product. I also owed a 1991 Mirage that I drove 8 years and put 250,000 miles on it. It was a great little car and I am hoping that my 2012 Outlander Sport does as good over the long haul.

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  Wonderful car and fantastic value - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jim_photog - October 10 - 2:55 pm

  I have a very basic Outlander Sport. Just the type of car I like. This is a wonderful car with gas mileage in line with the numbers (27 - 30 mpg for my daily driving). I love Mitsubishi for their reliability. This car has great acceleration (not sure what Edmunds did not like). I drive in rush hour in Chicago with significant traffice going at 70 - 75 mph. The Sport has no problems merging, accelerating to pass, handling, etc. I have had to respond quickly due to some silly drivers and this Sport responds great.

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  More Than Good Enough - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By John - July 29 - 10:53 pm

  We have been watching the Outlander Sport for several years. We finally bought a 2016 Outlander Sport ES to replace our 2005 Mazda Tribute i. The Outlander Sport is a much nicer vehicle and we paid less for it than we paid for the Tribute in 2005. Why would we buy a vehicle that rates an a rare Edmunds "D" rating? Lets count the reasons: 1. Safety - The Outlander Sport has Good IIHS crash ratings except for an Acceptable Front Small Overlap rating. The old Mazda received a Poor side crash rating. Many newer vehicles do not pass the Front Small Overlap test. 2. Reliability - 2015 CR states that the Outlander Sport has excellent reliability. Models built from 2012-2015 were made in Illinios. 2016 models sold in this country are made in Japan once again. 3. Features - Comes standard with everything. You wont need to upgrade or get an option package for Cruise Control which seems to be very common for vehicles in this price range. Love the usb port, heated side mirrors, rear center arm rest with cup holders, easy fold split rear seat and the Hill Start Assist feature; again all standard. 4. Performance - According to Edmunds 0-60 in 8.8 seconds(2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Road Test), 60-0 in 119 feet. Reported best gas mileage to be 29-32 without trying too hard. Comfortable seats and yes it does have a telescoping, leather wrapped steering wheel standard. It rides better than the Mazda did and it is quieter too. You can hear the engine during hard acceleration but it quiets down while cruising. We dont have any issues with how it handles. Perhaps it is not Sporty but even CR gave it a good (1/2 red dot) Routine Handling rating. It has the nicest interior of any vehicle we have ever owned. Maybe it is true that the rate at which vehicles have been improving is staggering but so has their price. The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 must be fantastic vehicles if they are really that much better than the Outlander Sport. The problem is that for the price we actually paid for the Outlander Sport, they are not competing against each other. In fact for the price we paid there are very few new vehicles to consider and the Outlander Sport beats them easily. If you are looking for a vehicle capable of handling four tall adults and their stuff there are very few choices in this price range. If you are the type of person who replaces their vehicle as often as their iPhone then the Outlander Sport is probable not for you. But if you are like many Americans who agonize over every dollar spent you need to at least consider the Outlander Sport. Compare it to the one you are currently driving not to one that will put you in debt forever.

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  Great Vehicle - Tons of Technology Features - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By nyame - June 15 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased the vehicle about 3 months ago and I have logged just over 3,300 miles on it. It has a galore of technology features, comparable to any of the luxury vehicles out there, at a much affordable price. It looks great from the exterior and drives very smooth. The mpg rating for this vehicle is 24/31/27 but I am now averaging a combined mpg of 32, better than the official rating of 27. I calculate my mpg by dividing the total mileage travelled for a fill up by the amount of gas needed to bring the gas tank back to another fill up and I have done this 3 times. Of course, my city driving is only 20%, back-roads is 60% and highways is 20%.

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  Hidden Gem - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Rob - May 22 - 4:03 pm

  This 2016 Outlander sport SE 2.4 AWD is the best kept secret. As others have said it is underrated for sure, it is quiet, good MPG, CVT transmission is far better than the DCT (duel clutch transmission) many makers are putting in their models. So called expert reviews are really lopsided on this vehicle, Before you buy one of the EXPERT best rated models, go with the consumer ratings and give this hidden gem a try, I did and I am more than satisfied I made the right choice.