2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review
- Well equipped for the price
- Excellent warranty coverage
- The ride is rough over bumpy roads
- Many interior materials look and feel cheap
- Transmission is aggravatingly slow to respond
- Raucous drone while accelerating, especially with 2.0-liter engine
- Newly standard features, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning
- LE trim level replaces the SP trim
- Black Edition model no longer available
- Part of the first Outlander Sport generation introduced in 2011
If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're interested in the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. To that, we ask, "Why?" The Outlander Sport might seem like a bargain compared to other SUVs in its class, and its powertrain warranty rivals those from Hyundai and Kia. However, this is one of those cases where the adage "you get what you pay for" rings true.
In the decade since the Outlander Sport was introduced, other small SUVs in this class have made significant improvements through redesigns and refreshes, but this Mitsubishi seems mired in the past. In nearly every metric we use to evaluate vehicles, the Outlander Sport is handily outpaced by newer and better alternatives. To be blunt, Mitsubishi could do better and so can you.
We encourage you to check out not only the top SUVs in the class — including the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue — but also less illustrious picks from Hyundai, Jeep and Subaru before settling on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Our verdict | |
The Outlander Sport is not for those who want the latest technology or for those whose passion is driving. Instead, it's for getting passengers and cargo from point A to point B. Its climate and radio controls are easy to use, and having selectable all-wheel drive helps those who live in less temperate climates. | |
How does the Outlander Sport drive? | |
The "Sport" in Outlander Sport is a misnomer. The engine is underpowered, the continuously variable automatic transmission performs poorly, and handling and suspension tuning are unrefined. It's a pretty dreary vehicle to drive. Acceleration is jumpy from a stop but settles into a 8.5-second crawl to 60 mph. Under heavy braking, we noted both extreme nosedive and side-to-side wiggle, neither of which instills confidence. There's very little on-center steering feel, so you must constantly tend to the Outlander Sport's steering, and inputs are met with a delayed reaction from the SUV. Stiff shocks make the Outlander Sport skittish, especially around bumpy corners, yet do nothing to tame the large amounts of body roll. | |
How comfortable is the Outlander Sport? | |
The Outlander Sport lacks the ride comfort and suspension compliance of its competition. For a vehicle that has been on the market for as long as this Mitsu has, there's really no excuse for this. It's OK for around-town use, but long-distance drivers should look elsewhere. The ride is particularly egregious: harsh over bumps yet floaty over smoother undulations, giving you the worst of both worlds. The leather-upholstered seats in our test vehicle were hard and inflexible, and the cabin was noisy from traffic, road surfaces and the loud climate control fans. | |
How’s the interior? | |
If you're the right size, the Outlander Sport's ergonomics are appealing. This SUV is easy to operate, with clearly marked controls and an easy-to-read instrument panel. The large door openings allow easy access to the front seats. Rear passengers will have to duck a bit to maneuver into the seats. Overall, interior space is lacking, with less rear headroom than some competitors and an interior that feels tight from every seat. Compounding the lack of roominess, the driver's seating position is not particularly adjustable, forcing you into a sit-up-at-the-dinner-table posture. Visibility is also lacking, with large roof pillars and a small rear window that limits your view out of the back. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Don't come here if you're looking to get your connectivity or mobile technology fix. What the Outlander Sport provides is basic connectivity. One upshot of the simple infotainment system is that it's very easy to learn to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard on the base model, but the standard Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set up. Basic active safety features such as automatic emergency braking are not standard and only appear on the midrange SE trim or higher. There's no adaptive cruise control at any trim level. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Outlander Sport doesn't excel in any area but works acceptably for cargo duty. The 60/40-split rear bench seat can be folded without removing the headrests or sliding the seats forward, but the release button is difficult to access from the cargo area. Once folded, the load floor is flat and expansive, and the tall roofline makes loading easy. There's an average amount of small-item storage inside the Outlander Sport. The door pockets are large and can accommodate a medium-size water bottle, and the cubby under the center stack can hold a phone. There are two cupholders and a cubby situated in the center console. Car seats can be accommodated in the two outboard rear seating positions thanks to easily accessible lower hooks, while the upper hooks can only be accessed from the cargo area. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The Outlander Sport GT is rated to get 25 mpg in combined driving (23 city/28 highway). We saw an average of 22.7 mpg over the course of three fill-ups while driving on city, highway and mountain roads. While on the low side, this type of result is expected for an underpowered vehicle. | |
Is the Outlander Sport a good value? | |
For those who value cost above all else, the Outlander Sport offers the basics as a compact SUV. We could easily recommend any number of other models, but they would all cost more. Our test vehicle came in a few thousand dollars under direct competitors. But you may be willing to spend more to get better performance, additional connectivity features and safety assists that are simply not available on the Outlander Sport. The Outlander Sport's design is dated, but it feels sturdily assembled even if the quality of materials is subpar. On the plus side, Mitsubishi offers a very strong warranty and a roadside assistance program similar to those found on premium vehicles. That peace of mind certainly adds to the Outlander Sport's value proposition. | |
Wildcard | |
A jack-of-all-trades but a master of none, the Outlander Sport is purely a machine for transportation. Any sort of fun or enjoyment will come from the overactive imagination of the driver. As an easily approachable, no-nonsense car, the Outlander Sport appeals to those who prioritize a low price above any kind of driving satisfaction. It's not the most charismatic car you'll meet on the road, but thanks to its warranty and roadside assistance, it is dependable. | |
Which Outlander Sport does Edmunds recommend?
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a small SUV available in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and GT. All but the GT model are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 lb-ft of torque) that is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The GT receives a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (168 hp, 167 lb-ft) that powers all four wheels.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $20,995
- MPG & Fuel
- 24 City / 30 Hwy / 27 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 171.9 in. / Height: 64.8 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 3120 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 21.7 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Outlander Sport safety features:
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Warns the driver when it detects an imminent collision ahead and can automatically apply the brakes.
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Automatically switches between low and high beams based on oncoming traffic.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Monitors the vehicle's lane positioning. Can warn the driver if the vehicle starts to leave its lane unintentionally.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. the competition
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
2021 Honda CR-V
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has enjoyed class-leading status for a few years, and for good reason. It delivers quick acceleration yet is also fuel-efficient. It provides plenty of space for passengers and cargo, corners with confidence and has a comfortable ride. In essence, it's everything the Outlander Sport should be. The only bright spots for the Mitsubishi are its accessible price and generous warranty. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda CR-V.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the fun and sporty pick in the class, with sharp handling and an available turbocharged engine that delivers an entertaining punch. It's a far cry from the Outlander Sport's weak performance, and the same holds true for the Mazda's premium interior. The payoff for the sporty handling is a rather stiff ride, but we still like it more than the Outlander Sport's rough ride. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda CX-5.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue has been fully redesigned for 2021 and the improvements are significant. You get a lot for your money, it scores highly in overall comfort, and there's no shortage of cargo space. Like the other alternatives listed here, the Rogue's starting price is right up there with the Outlander Sport's top GT trim, but the improvements in comfort, quality and performance easily justify the cost.
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FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:
- Newly standard features, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning
- LE trim level replaces the SP trim
- Black Edition model no longer available
- Part of the first Outlander Sport generation introduced in 2011
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The least-expensive 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $20,995.
Other versions include:
- 2.0 ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,995
- 2.0 LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,545
- 2.0 LE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,995
- 2.4 GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,995
- 2.0 ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $24,545
- 2.0 SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $24,695
- 2.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,245
- 2.0 BE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,745
- 2.0 BE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,195
- 2.0 S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $20,995