Used 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
I'm glad I didn't trust Edmunds review
shipleyclan, Houston, TX, 07/20/2012
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
It's 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. It's not a race car, but … it's got eager power and makes a comfortable ride. The value for the price is excellent. Sure it's 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.
Best value compact SUV
zagno83, Dallas, TX, 10/29/2012
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
We just picked up an SE model with a lot of accessories including leather, it is a 2012 model in pearl white.
After a bout 2 weeks of testing cars and reading reviews, this is IMO the best value out there, i always liked MITSU. product and this car has a great design and a host of cool features for a very good price and fuel economy.
Dont trust the so called "expert" reviews, they are … too severe with it, but if u read the consumers reviews they are very good. When i first test drove the car it felt slow, sluggish and noisy, well it is a lil bit, however after a long second test drive i realize that it takes time to learn this CVT transmission.
Overall best value out there!!!!
Ah, its ok.
James, Pittsburgh, PA, 02/08/2019
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
After driving this vehicle for 90,000 miles, I can say the best thing about this SUV is the styling; it makes the vehicle look like a much nicer vehicle than it really is. The only other good thing about this vehicle is the mechanical reliability. The rest of the vehicle is pretty mediocre. The engine and transmission are honest; no mechanical issues, they just work as they should, … but they aren't going to have any fun along the way. Oil changes are extremely easy due to the ground clearance, and simple engineering. Gas mileage is nothing special. I've never achieved more than 22mpg in suburban driving, and I could get 28mpg on the highway if I just drove the speed limit. The handling is okay unless I'm driving on the highway, then it is awful. I don't know if its the 'sports tuned suspension' or the 18 inch wheels, but it always seemed like I was fighting with the SUV on the highway to keep it under control. I had the alignment checked, and the vehicle looked over a couple of times, but was always told that it was just the way the vehicle drove. In contrast to the mechanical components, the rest of the vehicle wasn't built to last. This vehicle has more dings and dents than any other vehicle I have ever driven. The only positive thing is, after six years there is no rust and I live in the salt belt. The interior plastics of this vehicle are covered with light scratches. It seems that any time I was brushing up against the door, I was scratching it. It's the most fragile vehicle I have ever had. Oh, and about every six months I would find some kind of plastic or metal panel from the under carriage of the vehicle in my driveway. I don't abuse the vehicle, everything just seems to want to fall off.The controls in the vehicle are pretty easy and very basic. My vehicle had automatic windshield wipers and automatic climate control, but they really weren't labeled to stand out. The radio has a LOAD button, giving me the impression the vehicle had a CD changer, but alas it did not. It does have a super complicated and complex Bluetooth voice command system that was probably ahead of its time when it was released, but it does not like my voice, and always messes up. Ex; "Call Mom." = "Okay, calling 911". The adjustable HID headlights are amazing to use, however every other car that comes past me flicks their high beams thinking I have my high beams on, so they get annoying. The big wheels look nice, but the tire size is weird, and tires are expensive. That's actually the reason I traded the vehicle in; I didn't want to invest $1K on tires for a vehicle that had a rapidly depreciating value. All in all, it's an honest vehicle that I won't miss.
10 years later and this car stellar
TexasGirl, Austin, TX, 08/29/2023
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I'm writing this in 2023. I have a 2012 sport edition and I have to say that this is one of the best cars I've ever had. I've had literally no issues with the car or breakdowns of any kind. A few minor issues (sometimes the internal electronic signals go haywire but the dealership can reset them) but with regular minimal maintenance this car has been a workhorse for over 10 years … (driving all over in Texas and not in a garage). It's reliable and was the best purchase I've ever made car wise.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Smooth and quiet ride
- Pro:standard voice-activated electronics interface
- Pro:affordable price.
- Con:Indifferent engine power
- Con:far from sporty handling
- Con:limited cargo capacity.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in Ohio is:
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