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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  The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2015 - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Rambo - July 18 - 8:31 am

  This vehicle is not worth purchasing you will pay upper 20,000.00 for this vehicle and when you try to resale or trade in you will not get even half of your money back you will loose pretty much every penny you put into the vehicle plus purchase price no matter how well you take care of the vehicle. If you have 1 strut replaced by the dealership they will charge you around 1200.00 and a strut you can purchase online for less than 200.00 and install yourself it is very easily done and only takes about 45 minutes to do. The Dealership is always trying to push you into letting them service the vehicle which is ok if you need them to but they tell you it is like 20 bucks but when you go to pick it up it is over 100.00.....what!!!!! This vehicle is very unsafe for your wife or daughter to be driving in, if you care for them do not put them in one of these vehicles, do not believe me buy one drive it yourself for 2 yrs you will understand then, I know I was foolish enough to purchase one.

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  NEW OUTLANDER SPORT 2.4 Litre - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By crofoot50 - June 2 - 4:55 am

  just picked up my brand-new 2015 outlander GT sport with the 2.4 L engine and the paddle shifters . the power this vehicle has for an all-wheel-drive model is amazing I cant tell you enough how great this car is to drive need to stop down and try it out what a difference from the original vehicles they have been complaining about with the small underpowered 2.0 motor . I just got it and cannot stop smiling get to your dealer and road test one with the paddle shifters. The only complaint I have is the real window visibility in the rearview mirror is kind of hard to see very small rear hatch window.

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  Mitsubishi - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - May 31 - 6:45 pm

  Ok this will be brief and to the point. 1. 2006 Eclipse 2. 2006 Spyder 3. 2009 Spyder 4. 2011Spyder 5. 2011 Lancer 6. 2011 Outlander Sport ES 7. 2013 Outlander Sport SE No issues what so ever

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dailydriver7 - April 25 - 1:38 am

  Very pleased with this SUV after having it a couple of months now. I hear people complain about how their Bluetooth or other features do not work right on their cars, but mine does and everything else works well too. No problems at all. In 80%highway at 70 mph/20%city driving, I was averaging about 28 mpg, but once I passed the 2,000 mile break in period it has jumped to about 31 mpg (could also be the switch over from the winter gas at the stations too). This is actual mileage, where I do the math after filling up at the gas station. The trip meter seems to understate mileage a little bit. This SUV also has sharp looks and is well built. Its my first Mitsubishi and I am impressed.

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  Great Economical Choice!!! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By happydriver82 - February 4 - 3:15 pm

  Great overall car for your buck! Before purchasing I read reviews that the performance was on the slow side however its not ment to be a rocket. Realistically it is a 4cyl and still gets more then enough power to take off and if you need more you can use the manual mode to get that more reponsive take off and for passing. But thats how you are getting the most out of your gas tank. Even the standard features such as the bluetooth, paddles on steering for manual, USB are not normally in base models and Mitsubishi is giving it away! Over all great gas milage, smooth ride, roomy, which I wasnt expecting, and sporty exterior. Great Price!

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  Chick car - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kukusa - January 28 - 12:04 am

  My wife and I purchased a fully loaded RVR (as they call it here in Canada) in the summer of 2012. It was mostly me rather than my wife who was sold on this cars styling. However, in less than a year, we decided to traded it in for a european station wagon and it turned out to be our best car purchasing decision. Having said that, our biggest complain was actually the ride height. The Mitsubishi is in fact a well put together package at a bargain price. We had drove the new Escape, MX-5 and Forester prior to the Mitsubishi but we didnt like any of them even they are more expensive. We didnt pick the wrong crossover, we simply picked the wrong car segment.

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  Fun to Drive!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sunnyray - January 22 - 3:35 am

  I absolutely love this car! Ive had 2 Hondas & a Jeep and by far I like this much better! You get all the little extras etc. heated seats, blue tooth, keyless entry and start for much less than Honda. It looks so great and smart to drive! Make sure you get the larger wheels and 4wd for all the difference in the world! We just had a major snow storm and this cuv handled better than any suv Ive ever driven! Thanks to Mitsb for an affordable and awesome cuv! handled better than any suv Ive ever had (my last one was a jeep) I love my new small crossover and it is a blast to drive! You will love it too!

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  Dont expect to much - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By gfish556 - November 25 - 1:04 pm

  Does not get great MPG! I only get 16 MPG running around town. Traded in a large 6.0 yukon that got 13 MPG thinking this would do better. Noisy and cheap, They put 18" tires hoping to give it a better ride but sill rides rough. Its a compact car trying to be a crossover SUV. But for a cheap 4x4 its worth the money. It does has a great warranty. The SE is way better inside than the ES, But the ES is cheaper to. Dont expect to wow! anyone with this car. Nothing great about it? Except you cant by a cheaper 4x4 for the price. And no towing at all! No class 2 hitch for bikes are allowed, voids the warranty. So forget about taking bikes and kids someplace.

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  Great Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By fazzster - November 19 - 10:20 pm

  My number one priority for this class is the availability of a manual transmission. Which narrows it down to CX5, Tiguan, 500L and Forester. I already have a brilliant 500L so i dont need 2. I drive 30k miles per year so the VW (having owned a few in the past) are not the most reliable for the long run. The Forester is a solid buy but pricey and boring to drive. CX5 is overall more polished and "funner" to drive. Bottom line, my Mitsu has a warranty that makes sense for a high mileage driver and $18k out the door is a very good deal. It drives very smooth and handles quite well for the class. I see 29-32mpg with out even trying and have achieved 34-35mpg on some short stints.

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  Nice, HighTech SUV for a great price - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By southbaydriver - October 28 - 12:49 am

  I got a loaded SE AWD. The car is great. It does take a little while to get used to the way the CVT behaves. Once I got over that, I really like the car. Comfortable, quiet and the interior is very elegant in a minimalistic way. The sound system (Rockford Fosgate) is the best Ive seen. The bluetooh integration with my phone is great. Not only it handles phone calls but it also plays the music from my smartphone automatically. I just get in the car and it remembers all of the settings. I am very happy with the car