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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  Stay away from CVT transmission - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Kelvin - November 28 - 8:07 pm

  Bought brand new 2015 outlander sports …. Did all manufacturer maintenance from day one and transmission dead in just 8 years and have to spent another $8000 to replace … will not purchase another Mitsubishi anymore .. very disappointing !

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  New Outlander Sport GT - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By btwells - December 7 - 9:43 pm

  I bought the new 2015 Outlander Sport GT. 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!

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  Im glad I didnt trust Edmunds review - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By shipleyclan - November 10 - 4:01 am

  Its unbelievable to me that Edmunds "professional" editors give this excellent car an average rating. The Outlander Sport, which is different from the bigger Outlander CUV, boasts top safety ratings from the insurance institute and the government, very agreeable handling and acceleration, eyecatching styling, and high build quality. The drivetrain is smooth. Its not a race car, but its got eager power and makes a comfortable ride. The value for the price is excellent. Sure its no BMW or Volvo but buck for buck this is an unbeatable car for every day driving fun. I really love this car, every bit of it.

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  sleek, aggressive looking, option packed 2015 2.4L - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Robert F Dumlao - September 14 - 1:43 pm

  I have owned about a dozen cars over the years, including two of the original SUVs, a 1975 International Scout II and a 1980 Ford Bronco. I dont plan to go off road, but the 4WD is handy in Illinois winters, it handles well in wet/icy conditions. The exterior dimensions are well balanced. Not too long, width adequate and height is just right. The exterior styling is stunning from any angle, and the overall look of the vehicle is well proportioned. I didnt need a larger vehicle, I dont do any major hauling, but with roof rails, it can easily handle larger items such as dining tables or bedroom sets. The Sport performs as good as any mid level sedan or CUV, the 2.4L has very good acceleration and torque, so highway merging is not a problem. Ride comfort is no different either, but as smooth and quiet as can be expected at this price. Interior materials remain basic, dashboard layout is functional, although a bit bland looking. Where the Sport rocks is the Rockford Fosgate navigation system and 710 watt system with a 10" built in subwoofer, which sounds awesome at lower volumes, and still keeps rocking at highway speeds without blowing my ears out. This trim level has all the expected options, power everything, heated leather, moon roof with mood lighting, etc. Before I purchased, I read many of the reviews, Many were less than complimentary. I can say as an owner for 18 mos that those reviews are unfounded. The Sport not expected to compete with upper end vehicles. Check out this Mitsubishi and see for yourself.

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  Not too bad. actually pretty good - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By MOHAMMAD MOHAMMAD - August 14 - 11:20 pm

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  Great little wagon/suv, great value ! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By details - July 29 - 12:24 pm

  Ive had my Outlander sport ES with CVT for just over 2 months. I think its a pretty nice little car/suv/wagon, whatever you want to call it. I really like the way it looks. The power seems more than adequate, it rides smooth and quiet, hardly any tire or wind noise, handles great, gets good mileage. At 1400 plus miles my MPG has ranged from 24.3 right after I took delivery to 27.4 on my last fill up in mixed driving, probably 35/65 City/Hwy. If you look at all the various road tests, the base model with the 5 speed gets very good 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, but most of the road tests are done with the loaded SE model with AWD which weighs more and isnt as fast. My 2WD ES with CVT is quite peppy especially in the manual mode using either the paddles or the shift lever. Ive taken my car up to the mountains twice since I got it and the ability to shift it manually in the 6 power ranges of the CVT transmission made going up the hills and back down a lot of fun. In the reviews they keep comparing the Outlander Sport to the Kia Sportage which is slightly larger and heavier, I think a better comparison would be with the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe which is very close in size and weight. When I purchased my Outlander Sport in early April I got a super deal, they took $1675 off the sticker price, they gave me over low book for my trade-in, an 06 Kia Sportage, and they financed the balance for 4 years at 0% interest rate. Theres a lot of other nice features, the electronics, storage space, dash display, great warranty, etc. I,m very happy with the deal I got and the car.

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  I own two outlander sports loaded - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By raynor - July 23 - 7:51 am

  I want to let you know that I and my wife own an outlander sport. mine is a 2013 pearl white, and my wifes car is a 2012 and neither of us will trade them we love them that much

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  Dissapointed - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By eyerun - June 16 - 5:12 pm

  After my first long road trip in this car I was dissapointed in the comfort of the seats. They are extremely hard. Also the black interior appears to get dusty quickly. Fule economy was not at all what was promised even though I drove it so that the eco light was on as much as possible and I got about 20/25hwy. My dealership experience was also very poor.

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  Something to think about. - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - June 14 - 8:08 pm

  Ive had 4 other Mitsubishi autos and Ive never had a problem with one of them... I now own Outlander Sport ES. Ive waited 2 months to write this review so that what I say here will not be just enthusiasm that I just purchased a new car So far the crossover SUV has not let me down once for a lot of reasons... 1.16 inch tires will be, in the future, less expensive to replace. 2.I personally feel the basic package for the SUV is a very intelligent way to look at things, less technical devices, less possible issues in the future. 3.The CVT transmission is very smooth and is not loud at all and very advanced including the MPG’s are very economical.

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  Proffessionals are wrong! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By G. R. E - April 19 - 8:43 am

  Could not disagree more with the Edmunds review. Did they even drive the car or base it on past models? For the money this is the best vehicle available in its class. This is our fourth Mitsubishi and if this one is as reliable as the others, and I see no reason why not, we will be happy campers! No, it does not accelerate like a Corvette, but that is not what it was made to do. I am pleasantly surprised with how our 2.4 gets up and goes. Was hesitant about the CVT also but not only no problems but it is fun. A top of the line CUV with all wheel drive for a little over twenty grand that has a ten year warranty? Show me a comparison! I am willing to bet 99.9% of the naysayers have never driven one!!