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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  Dont be fooled by "expert" reviews! GREAT CAR! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Bravin Hughart - May 16 - 1:21 am

  Are you kidding? Buy it! We mulled around for two weeks trying to decide between the Honda CRV, Subaru XT and the Outlander Sport. The Mitsubishi had the best warranty by a long shot (not the warranty was much of a concern with Honda or Subaru). It boiled down to bang for your buck. We got a LOADED SE Outlander with the glass roof for around the starting price of the other two. We bought the Mitsubishi thinking we just got more bells and whistles but a cheapo car. Well, we were wrong. We just wrapped up a 2000 mile road trip and we were stunned. Economy: This car averaged 31 MPG over the full distance. (Keep in mind this is the 4X4) The insurance rate was lower than the other two SUVs we were considering. Comfort: I have a very bad back and that is the most comfortable I have been in a car since I drove a Lincoln. It rides, handles and stops very well. Power: Many people comment the power is lacking in this car. My wife and I feel it is just right. It is not slow by any means. 70 -80 mph with no issues through the mountains. Acceleration is actually impressive. MPG is the concern for us and this car finds that balance between power and MPG. The CVT transmission is a little weird at first but you soon get used to the shift or no shift depending on where your foot is on the accelerator. I have fun working with the transmission keeping the MPG maxed out. Design: The interior is not Lexus quality but it is as good if not better than Honda, Toyota or Subaru. We LOVE the Rockford Fosgate stereo system with the touch screen and deep bass. The illuminated glass roof is a treat at night. The exterior is aggressive and sporty. It turns heads. We had several people ask us what kind of car this was and they liked it. Value: We feel we could not have done better with any other car. The Mitsubishi dealers seem happy to have our business instead of considering it a chore to sell us a car (Honda, Subaru). We bought this car for work commuter duty. We have already decided it will be much more than that.

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  WOW! 2015 Outlander Sport GT one year later - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By BTWells - May 10 - 2:00 pm

  I bought the 2015 Outlander Sport GT back in April 2015 so have owned it for more than a year. Wow! What a nice vehicle. I got a gray one with the Touring package, Rockford Fosgate sound system, panoramic roof, cargo package, and exterior side moldings. The GT version also comes with the 2.4 liter engine. For me it drives beautifully. Nice pickup and acceleration with the improved engine. The black leather interior and matching black carpet make the interior fell rich and comfortable. The navigation system/audio system is LOADED with features and looks and sounds great. At the push of a button the ceiling retreats and panoramic roof with its LED backlighting appears-- very impressive! Best Features: The sound system is too cool and if you like bottom-end bass you will learn to rock out! Night driving with the panoramic roof open and the stereo loud will make you want to take more night drives! It was easy to pair my IPhone to the system and having the system controls on the steering wheel is convenient . The leather heated seats are very comfy and the dashboard layout was nicely thought out. There is also ample leg room for rear passengers. The gas mileage is also good--my best is 33 MPG and it averages 26-28 MPG on my 19 mile commute to work. Could be better features: I am not yet sold on the voice activation of the phone or navigation system. Maybe it needs to learn my voice and after one year of trying you would have thought it would have my voice down pat? And, Mitsubishi should rethink the "book" it gives as owners manuals. I find the manuals to be confusing and contain too much info and printed in typeface much too small for my eyes. And, after a year of driving, the shocks could be better. And lastly, the rear cargo area is small but certainly ample for most shopping expeditions as long as you dont buy any really larger size items. That being said, I really like the GT!

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  Solid Basic Transportation with Benefits - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kflan2phx - May 8 - 6:04 am

  Bought this crossover in lieu of a Ford Focus looking for a cheap commuter car that could haul what I wanted to inside, including 8 ft 2x4s. Drove it for a year in Ohio weather, then headed across country to Arizona. ** Have loaded it significantly and it continues to handle well. ** Tires have lasted well, no alignment issues. Engine and transmission are smooth (not boisterous) and run out of steam around 65 - could really used a sixth gear. Generally use PHX highways around 70mph. No maintenance issues - oil changes is all Ive done other than one visit for a recall adjustment by the dealer that was free and painless. ** I bought the package shelf and cargo area liner at discounts via Mitsubishi and the original dealer, they are worth getting. Did not get protection for the door sills or hatch sill, should have done that, quite a few touchups needed. Seats are comfortable. AC works in AZ. No snow traction issues in Ohio. ** Technology rating is low due to not much here, but what is works - bluetooth, etc.

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  For the price nothing competes - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By real person - March 29 - 3:23 pm

  Ive been looking for a small cuv and used honda and toyotas are overpriced. Both are great vehicles but you can purchase a brand new outlander sport for what dealers want for the other vehicles used so they are basically taking your trade in for free. The outlander sport has a great warranty and rides really nice for a small cuv. The cvt trans is definitely different than what Im used to but you can also manually shift it. The 4wd system is really advanced because you can run it in fwd (front wheel drive), auto four wheel drive or lock 4wd when the weather is bad. It stays in 4wd lock until 25 mph the automatically switches back to auto 4wd. I previously had a subaru and really didnt like the fact that it didnt have a similar option. Fuel economy looks to be below average compared to similar vehicles but I opted for the bigger engine so I knew that. Some folks may argue that they dont have as good a resale but you are paying at least 3 to 4 grand less from the start, so the way i look at is how can it be worth more in the end. I keep a vehicle at least 10 years. I really dont think you can believe the expert reviews completely. Better off looking at the consumer reviews. Update 1 Year and 15,000 miles. Put in a k&n air filter getting consistent 29 to 30 mpg. Rear tires seem to wear more than the frontship but will easily see over 20k with them which is good for a factory tire. No real issues except seat cover coming loose. I just put it back in the track with a stick on adhesive. Could not see bringing it back to dealer for that. Do alot of winter driving and they lIke to use rocks as anti skid. This stuff easily nicks the lower edge right in front of rear door wheel wells. Notice 2017 come with a sort of moulding or flare. Mud flaps are probably a good option. Not regrets with the 2.4. Plenty of power and does 70 to 80 straight down the highway every day. Again for the price nothing competes! Update almost 23k latter. Averaging just shy of 30mpg combined driving. Just changed out the stock tires. Could of run them a little longer but were getting a little skittish in heavy rain. All in all good vehicle. Real only complaint is a little bumpy with the short wheelbase. For the price nothing compares.

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  Know how to use it - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Brett - February 20 - 9:43 pm

  We picked up a 2015 outlander sport se 4wd. It is awesome. The backseat has more room for me at 62" than our Jeep Grand Cherokee. People who think this vehicle has pokey acceleration were not taught how to use the CVT transmission properly. Its just like a snowmobile or automatic 4wheeler. It has a "powerband" in the 3-5000 rpm range. If you keep the Rpms in this range its pretty dang snappy, even while moving at about 45. It has a great ride, its quiet, it looks great, I dont know what more I can say. LED driving lights, fog lights, paddle shifters, auto climate control, touch screen stereo, backup camera, heated seats, adjustable headlights, I mean. What more can you ask for an suv that costs $21K?!? Oh yeah. 30mpgs and 4wheel drive! Its ridiculous. Knock it all you want, but Ill take a $300/month payment for a brand new suv all day. Try it with any other brand with those options. Good luck!

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  1,000 Mile Review - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By has5kids - January 17 - 11:39 am

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2013 Mitsu Outlander Sport in Mercury Grey. We test drove two ES models, one was FWD with the standard transmission and the other was AWD with the CVT. My wife actually was excited to have the standard transmission as an option, but in the end, she elected to forego the fun and added driver control offered by the stick in favor or the AWD w/ the very cool paddle shifting. We have nearly 1,000 miles on the vehicle in just over a week and have noted many highlights and only a few lows. The styling is aggressive and cool... almost menacing from the front. The interior materials are great and original. The AWD actually works and is useful.

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  Love our new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport GT - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MKR - November 10 - 4:31 pm

  We love the size and colors available. It has a lot of pep with the 2.4 engine. Good style for what the newer SUVs are today. The ride is very comfortable. Dealer was good and we got a deal that we were happy with. We added the rain guards over the windows as they are great when it is raining. Easy to understand most of the controls and the dealer went through the controls inside before we left the lot. They set-up my Bluetooth phone. We are very happy and this will last us many years. We are retired and dont do much traveling and we have a second SUV. I agree that you need to test drive this to make a decision. Dont sell this SUV short.

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  The All Wheel Drive Is What its All About - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Helen Meade - September 25 - 9:26 am

  This car is not sexy. It doesnt zip along in the city. This particular used model has practically no bells and whistles in the interior. But it drives steady-as-you-go. Its big enough for large teenagers in the back, as well as small amount of cargo. Mileage is as good as my smaller HHR. It has good number of airbags. Most importantly, it was the only vehicle in my price range that came with All Wheel Drive. Where I live theres snow, ice, and hills. My previous front wheel drive vehicles have always been a little dicy in the winter. I havent driven this one in the snow yet - just bought in in May 2017, but I have high hopes.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Drew Day - September 17 - 7:31 am

  Literally the only complaint I have is the finish quality of the interior. Too heavy on the hard plastics (we opted for more of a base model trim.) Everything else is par excellence! The CVT is silky smooth. The 2.4L engine offers plenty of pep. The ride is sublime, very quiet cabin. Solidly put together. Comfortable seating position. Nimble handling. Took it for a spin at elevation on a rainy, then slushy, then icy road - 4WD auto and 4WD LOCK are a must have - offers incredible traction. Confident around the corners and a great feel. Wish for a smidge more room in the back for our big dog, but we are exceedingly happy with our purchase. The dealer was eager to please. Subaru has more brand recognition, but we believe we purchased the better crossover for the money.

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  2015 Navigation system SUCKS - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By konatim - July 17 - 9:58 am

  The navigation system on the 2015 model uses voice controls for phone and navigation. However, I only recently discovered after buying my car and not being able to use voice controls to enter a destination address that for everything this super duper deluxe navigation system does it doesnt do the one very important function of a navigation system. Which is being able to speak the address you want to go to and have the car actually get you there. You have to manually enter an address unlike the many other cars out there with voice navigation. in my opinion this is one of the worst navigation systems i have ever seen. My little portable Garmin is better and actually works!