Disclosure: I was loaned the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for 7 days for the purpose of review. Thoughts, opinions, and photos are mine so please understand that your opinion may differ. Purchase after doing your own research.
This is the first Mitsubishi we’ve driven and I’m really happy it was the Outlander Sport so we could get to know the Mitsubishi name. The Outlander Sport is anything but small like you’d expect from a crossover but there are some features (or lack there of) I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy about.
I hear “sport” and think the vehicle should have a pretty fast response time and pick up but the engine seemed occasionally sluggish with its 2.0L four-cylinder, and while it wasn’t a bad experience, I can’t say that it was particularly fun to drive.
Cargo space was, while perfectly adequate for most needs, not quite as spacious as my family needs. I think it’s a great crossover for a smaller family or one with older kids. The front seat warmers were nice to have since we were having a cold spell during the week I had the Outlander Sport, but the switches were pretty hidden.
I wasn’t too happy that the A/C controls were manual. I would think for the price they would be electronic and maybe even have Duel Temp Controls so each side could control the temperature they like.
The stereo system, which on the LE model is supposed to be really good, had a confusing user interface to handle switching between sources and finding stations on the built-in Sirius/XM satellite radio system. I also didn’t really care for the fact that the Power/Volume switch was on the passenger side. When I wasn’t using the settings on the steering wheel I would find myself trying to reach over for the switch on the driver side of the panel.
Outlander Sport SE that we drove had a sticker price of $28,570, but came with cool stuff like a 40 GB navigation system, rear view camera, panoramic sunroof and a 710-Watt, Rockford Fosgate audio system. My complaint is for that price I would like better features like leather seats (optional extra $950).
Now I know this sounds like a pretty negative post and on some levels yes, it can be taken that way, but we really did like the Outlander Sport in the long run. Of course, being picking there are things we would change but for what the vehicle is it was nice. I wouldn’t say it’s totally worth the price but it’s a good crossover for what they do give you.
Oh to be able to downsize from minivan land. Someday I’ll be able to and it will be heaven.
We test drove the Outlander and it was a nice car, it just didn’t have a whole lot of power though.
This looks super sporty. I love the rear camera!
What a sporty vehicle!
That’s not a bad price at all! 🙂
This is what my mom drives. She loves it. And I have always been surprised at just how roomy it is.
that looks like a nice car! it reminds me of our Santa Fe.
This is one cool car! And there’s so much space for the family! How’s the mileage like?
That’s funny how people interpret words differently when I hear “sport” in a name I just automatically think “smaller” not “faster” 🙂 Those back up cameras are great, I just got to drive a car recently for a number of days that had one, and I believe it will be a MUST have in the next vehicle I purchase.
The XM radio is a must when traveling. I just can’t stand to find a great station and have it go out an hour down the road. This vehicle looks awesome. I’ve never driven a Mitsubishi but I love the styling.
Love that it has built in XM radio. I love my Sirius!
While still too small for our family I really wouldn’t mind having it when we loose some of the older kids. It looks comfortable and lots of room for our long legs.
So many great features, looks like a great vehicle for a family.
The first thing I noticed when looking at the dash screen is that it also doesn’t have any buttons for changing channels on radio. My Hyundai Tucson limited allows you to use the wheel mounted controls, screen, or up and down arrow to switch between stations, auxiliary, cd, XM. I am able to touch them without taking my eyes of the road. I am not able to check navigation or enter directions while driving because it is all in screen…so that means if the way you change stations is on screen, they expect you to look at the screen and not the road. Seems dangerous.
The controls for the stations and volume are on the left side of the steering wheel. That 4 arrow pad – left and right is the station, up and down is volume and the center “mode” changes from FM, Sirius, AM, Pandora, ect. So no, you never have to take your eyes off the road 🙂
Oh and this system automatically disables entering anything into the navigation screen (address, POI) until you are fully stopped. Another great safety feature.
That’s a sporty little number and like everyone else, it’s really nice to see how the back-up cameras are becoming standard.
That looks like a really nice vehicle. I like how many newer models are including the backup camera.
I like all the gizmos, but I realy don’t need that in a car. Nice mileage.
i love the inside of this car! i had a mitsubishi eclipse that i really liked! i miss it!
I have a Montero Sport and I love her but she’s getting up there. We’ve considered an Outlander as an option when we decide to “upgrade.” I found this incredibly helpful – especially in regards to the storage space issues!
Seems like a great family vehicle, I love the touchscreen on the dash.
This vehicle looks so spacious and comfortable! Would love to take this on vacation this year!
I would have thought more of this vehicle as well and we are looking for something bigger for our family now that we are going to be a party of five! Thank you for this review! Now I know what to look forward too!