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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  perfect after the "Mom Van" is no longer needed! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dir6 - October 27 - 10:59 am

  Great for the budget minded who no longer need a van, but have teens at home, and kids in college to pay for. I have owned this for a year- looks & performs like I just drove it off the lot. Phenomenal handling in torrential southern rain. Ice cold air. Very comfortable for long distance college runs, even for my husband and college football player. Kids argue over who is going to drive it- all phones ( iphone & android) hook up & function well with the FUSE system. No one is taking this to school- its mine :)

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  Better than expected - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Jackie - October 20 - 12:53 am

  I had to get rid of my 2009 lancer ralliart because it needed very expensive repairs. I literally cried. I loved that car. However, I am pregnant and needed something more practical anyways. My old car had two 10" subs in the back and no room for a stroller. I knew this car would not live up to that car since my old car had AWD and a turbo. I like driving fast. Ive been pleasantly surprised with the "get up and go" this car has. Not comparing it to my lancer of course. However, a few years ago I had a 2008 Ford Escape and that thing was so slow to go. I havent been using the paddle shifters, but I might give them a try. I also need to learn better how to really use the CVT transmission. Im used to a SST transmission. I enjoy the upgrades on this model, but Ill admit that some of them seem kind of random. I wouldve taken dual climate control over heated heats. I think the HID headlights are pretty nice though and I like the accent of the led lights that are always on. The panoramic glass roof is cool, but it doesnt open for fresh air. So thats another upgrade that I dont really understand. The headlights are adjustable up and down , bluetooth audio, rockford fosgate sound system that includes tweeters and a built in 10" sub in the back, mood lighting on the panoramic roof, rain sensing wipers, chrome accents inside, back up camera. The only thing I feel that I am missing is navigation (which I honestly wouldnt use much) and leather seats. Just putting the stroller in the back takes up a lot of cargo space. I kind of wish it was a little larger back there. I know my Escape had more room in the back. I plan on keeping this car for about 3 years and then getting my race car again. This time it will be a Subaru WRX STI since Mistubishi decided to end the Lancer Evolution. Kind of pissed about that! Whats the deal Mistubishi?!

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  Massively underrated - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Chad - August 16 - 9:51 am

  Purchased this for my wife. We had test driven a 2013 two years ago and were disappointed with its acceleration. Thankfully, the 2015 is no where near the same. Mitsubishi refined the CVT and added the 2.4 liter motor which made a huge difference in performance. We love the HID headlamps. Since we live in the country, deer are always a hazard. These headlights have a tremendously wide angle allowing the driver to see deer much better at night. Love it. Also, the breaks are very responsive. Cruise control is great. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is worth the money...incredible for a stock system. We like the physical size of the vehicle...not huge and not too small. Perfect for a small family and easy to drive. Visibility and seating position is excellent...unlike rav4. Rain sensing wipers are handy and work well. The four wheel drive system is much more advanced than most of the competition. You can actually lock the differential unlike Subaru and Honda. Toyota rav4 does lock, but you can only go 25 mph. The dealership was great. And these motors have a great reputation for reliability. Warranty is unmatched by any Japanese brand. Proudly built in the USA. We have been getting 27 mpg in 60/40 highway/city driving. Wife loves the heated seats, auto climate control, and panaramic roof. We paid 25k. Give this suv a shot if you are in the market...dont be brainwashed by paid reviewers/journalists. Update: car has been completely trouble free. Not a single issue (as it should be) in the 14k miles we have owned it. Still no rattles. Everyone still loves it. Update 4/25/17: still no problems with the car. Coming up on 18k miles of completely trouble free driving. Feels solid as a rock. Expect many more trouble free miles.

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  Thank GOD for the 10/100,000 warranty - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mike - July 4 - 3:14 pm

  One of the biggest reasons I bought Mitsibishi was the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. Well I had to use it at the 17,500 mile mark. A new transmission had to be installed! Tech at the dealership said he has had several he has had to replace and Mitsibishi knows they have a problem. So why not a recall? Will be looking to sell or trade come spring of 2018, mileage has fallen off since new tranny was installed, drivers side power window is acting funny. After 27 months of ownership and 18,500 miles on the SUV, I have come to the conculsion that the vehicle is under powered. It needs a 6 cylinder in it. My time as a Mitsibishi owner is about up.

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  Nice car! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By DFosness - May 29 - 2:00 am

  During my research I looked at quite a few different makes. I decided on the Outlander Sport because of the standard features. i was concerned about the 2.0 4 cylinder engine but it performed well over my expectations. I was passing everyone I came to on the freeway with no effort at all. The interior is more spacious then I expected. I have plenty of room at 6 feet and 350 pounds. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior but not everyone will. All and all, this is an extremely fine vehicle for the price. Thousands less then similar in class with far far fewer features.

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  Great value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By 0ffroader - May 24 - 3:16 am

  Ive been looking for a CUV for around two years to replace my 15 year old sedan. I was leaning towards an Escape Hybrid, but while researching fuel efficient CUVs, I ran into a USNEWS article that described this as the best CUV for the money. Im glad I test drove one. All profesional reviews blast the "performance" of this, but unless youre into sports cars and like driving really fast and making quick getaways from traffic lights, it doesnt matter. I dont plan speeding tickets into my budget either and usually drive around the limit with my small kid in the back. This car is perfect for a small family. The rear isnt too roomy, but is adequate.

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  Excelent - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Zoran Stojkovski - April 17 - 7:23 am

  Good car

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  Love my Mitsubishi!!! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Paul - March 7 - 9:04 pm

  Ive had the Outlander Sport for 1 month now, and the vehicle is awesome!! I have the GT with the 2.4 liter engine (FWD not 4WD), upgraded stereo with subwoofer, navigation system, huge skylight and hid headlights. The hid headlights are incredible. The main light comes from a projector lens, but theres also a port for reflected light to shoot out the sides of the housing. Driving at night, especially in dark areas without streetlights, is where these headlights really perform. I just drove on a 3-lane expressway at night, where streetlights were not on for a segment of the road. I drove in the middle lane, and the headlights lit up the center lane AND the lanes to the left and right. In another dark road I saw a fox on the road ahead of me (the headlights startled it) and I was able to follow the scruffy creature as it ran off the side of the road. Another night I saw a cat on the side of the road that turned around and moved further away from the road. The cvt transmission really lowers the engines rpms when not pressing hard on the accelerator. Cruising at 40 mph, the engine is at a quiet 1400 rpms; cruising at 60 mph the engine is just below 2000 rpms, 70 mph results in 2100 rpms (and the engine is still smooth and quiet). The upgraded stereo sounds fantastic. The navigation system screen rotates out to allow cds to be inserted into the stereo. Cellphone connects up to the car via bluetooth (done by car dealer the day I got the Mitsu). I thought my old mp3 player without bluetooth technology wouldnt connect to the car, but it does. There is a usb port in the compartment between the driver and front passenger seats. I hooked up the old mp3 player to that usb port (via the cord that came with the mp3 player) and the artists and albums populated on the Mitsus touch screen, allowing me to choose what music to play. I havent had this car long enough to comment on long-term reliability but so far it has been fun to drive.

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  Love it! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By meggiemay - January 2 - 11:25 am

  I purchased a 2012 Outlander Sport with 12,000 miles on it a little over a month ago, upgrading from a 06 Cobalt Coupe. All I can say is that I absolutely love this car and have no regrets making the purchase. I read every possible review on the vehicle I could find before making the purchase, so I thought it would be helpful to post my thoughts on the car. Overall I feel like a got a affordable yet reliable SUV with all the features of a more "luxury" brand.

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  Made in Illinois POS - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Danno - December 8 - 9:57 am

  Pros: decent on gas. Small. Cons: Small. Unreliable: In less than 3000 miles, this vehicle developed a transmission shudder (CVT), the airbag and seat belt warnings came on, and finally the tire pressure warnings came on. Comfort: Its horridly uncomfortable for an average American. Suspension bottoms out when the vehicle is loaded, and It doesnt have anywhere near the ground clearance needed. Obviously not designed for anything off road - not recommended at all. The Outlander might be an upsize for small-statured folks in the country of origin, but if youre over 6 or 250 lbs, fuggettaboutit. Convenience: The sunvisors dont extend. Theres no aux audio input for an mp3 player. The A/C is weak and cant cope with 105 degree days. Bluetooth does pair up with your phone quickly and phone calls work good. Performance: Nonexistent from idle to 3500 rpm. The throttle needs gouged to spin the motor to redline. Highway passes made easily but the car sounds like its coming apart when flogged. Transmission shifts are atrocious and a pronounced driveline shudder appeared in the first month. Safety: given the cramped quarters in the foot area, in the event of a frontal crash, youd be pinned in the car with two broken legs. Given that the airbag lights came on in the first three months of use, the car seems like a death trap waiting to spring. Reliability: nonexistent. The car accumulated more issues every month. Dealers are only located in metropolitan areas, for us a 150 mile drive. Overall: We turned this POS back into GSA and pray they dont ever, ever issue this model to anyone else.