The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets a few refinements, including steering wheel audio controls across the lineup and a new touchscreen audio system with HD radio on SE models.
Edmunds says
Though it's an agreeable urban runabout, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is outclassed by other small crossovers that are either more practical or more fun to drive.
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The first word in the phrase "sport-utility vehicle" has always been something of a misnomer, as but a few SUVs offer driving characteristics that are remotely sporty, much less exciting. Accordingly, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the budget-priced 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a hard time living up to the performance its name seems to imply.
While the Outlander Sport shares its name with Mitsubishi's regular Outlander, the two models are only loosely related: The regular Outlander has been redesigned this year while the Sport, based on the old Outlander, carries on largely unchanged. To its credit, the Sport is still smaller and lighter, and it looks sporty enough with its muscular fender bulges and large 18-inch alloy wheels. Unfortunately, that's pretty much where the Outlander Sport's performance aspirations end.
Take the Mitsubishi's 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), for example, a combination that produces acceleration that can best be described as adequate. Likewise, the Outlander Sport's suspension, tuned to favor a smooth ride over sharp handling, is not going to fan the flames of anyone's racecar-driving dreams.
On the upside, the Outlander Sport returns pretty respectable fuel economy and is priced lower than some of its more popular competitors. But overall, it's hard to find a reason to choose this Mitsubishi over the segment's many more refined choices. If you're after a small crossover that actually has the performance to back up its sporty looks, we'd suggest checking out the Kia Sportage or perhaps the Nissan Juke. If spending a little more won't break the bank, chances are you'll be happier with category leaders like the 2014 Ford Escape or 2014 Mazda CX-5, which are roomier, more polished and quite a bit more enjoyable to drive.
Performance & mpg
Under the hood, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 148 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both ES and SE are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on front-drive ES models. Optional on the front-drive ES and standard on the AWD ES and all SE models is a CVT, which takes the place of a conventional automatic transmission. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included in SE models.
In Edmunds testing, a front-wheel-drive Outlander Sport with a manual transmission accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in a respectable 8.8 seconds.
Models equipped with that CVT earn EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city/31 mpg highway) with front-wheel-drive, which is higher than average for a compact crossover SUV. With the manual transmission and front-wheel drive, those numbers drop to 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city/30 mpg highway). All-wheel-drive versions with the CVT also earn 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city/29 mph highway).
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport include antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, hill start assist, side-impact airbags for front seat occupants, side curtain airbags that cover both rows and a driver-side knee airbag.
In government crash testing, the Outlander Sport received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and four stars for overall side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Outlander Sport scored "Good" (the highest possible rating) in the agency's moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, it earned a second-best "Acceptable" rating. The head restraints/seat design earned a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
In Edmunds brake testing, an AWD Outlander Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average distance for this segment.
Driving
When it comes down to it, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just doesn't feel very sporty. The 2.0-liter engine provides enough power for everyday errand running, but if you spend a lot of time in expressway traffic, you'll likely wish for quicker acceleration, especially in models with the CVT.
Even with sporty looking 18-inch wheels and tires, the Outlander Sport's handling around turns isn't especially sharp, and rival crossover SUVs feel both more athletic and more refined. The Mitsubishi's soft suspension tuning does make for a smooth ride, however, and that gives the Outlander some appeal on longer commutes and road trips.
Interior
Inside, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers an understated but attractive cabin and average-quality materials. Gauges and controls are refreshingly straightforward, including the standard voice-controlled Fuse system, which makes it possible to control some audio and navigation system functions without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Up front, average-sized occupants get comfortable seats with a good amount of head- and legroom. The standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it possible to fine-tune the driving position, but taller drivers may still feel a bit cramped. The rear seats aren't exactly spacious, but younger teens and smaller adults aren't likely to have any complaints.
Behind those 60/40-split rear seats are 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space; fold both sections down and the cargo hold expands to 49.5 cubic feet. To put those measurements in perspective, they're considerably less than what's offered in most other compact crossovers, but more than the pint-sized Nissan Juke.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact crossover SUV that is offered in two trim levels: base ES and top-of-the-line SE.
Standard features for the entry-level ES include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activated electronics interface and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack and a USB/iPod interface.
The SE adds automatic xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, keyless entry/ignition, automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, a sliding armrest between the front seats, a second-row armrest with center pass-through, a rearview camera, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and HD radio.
Most options are grouped into packages. The Navigation package includes a 7-inch touchscreen display and a navigation system. For the SE, the Premium package bundles a power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. A Premium package with Panoramic Roof builds on the contents of the previous package with, yes, a panoramic sunroof plus roof rack rails and adjustable LED mood lighting. The SE's Touring package includes all of the above, plus leather upholstery and the touchscreen navigation system. Some of these features are also available separately as accessories.
Owners consistently like the Outlander Sport as a compact crossover that stays easy to live with day after day, especially when the mission is commuting, school runs, and hauling a few people or a modest load without spending much. The cabin’s straightforward controls and Fuse interface get regular praise because they keep phone pairing, audio functions, and other basics easy to reach during stop-and-go driving or on longer highway stretches. Many owners also value the ride quality, which stays calm on rough pavement and dirt roads, and the AWD models earn repeat approval in snow, heavy rain, and other foul-weather conditions. Several owners mention that the seats and driving position work well for both shorter drivers and taller adults, and that helps the Outlander Sport feel comfortable on long trips rather than just around town. Cargo flexibility is another strength, with owners calling out the folded rear seat area, roof-rack usefulness, and the ability to handle bulky items that would overwhelm a sedan. Fuel economy draws a mixed but still positive response from people who focus on mixed driving, back roads, or long-distance commuting, where the vehicle can deliver numbers that make ownership easier to justify. Reliability stories are a major part of the appeal, with many owners reporting little more than routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake work over years of use. The manual transmission and paddle-shifted CVT versions also win fans who want a little more involvement from a small SUV without giving up the Outlander Sport’s low running costs.
Common Issues
Owners consistently point to the Outlander Sport’s powertrain and interior packaging as the main sources of frustration. The 2.0-liter engine feels short on reserve when merging, passing, or climbing at highway speed, and that complaint comes up even more often in CVT-equipped models. Several owners say the CVT takes time to get used to, and its behavior can make the vehicle feel slower and less responsive during harder acceleration. Fuel economy is another sore spot for some drivers, especially those logging steady interstate miles who report figures well below the published estimates. Cargo room also draws criticism because the rear area fills up quickly once passengers, luggage, or work gear are added. Inside, some owners describe the materials as plain or cheap, with hard surfaces that make the cabin feel less polished than rivals. A few drivers also mention that the engine gets noticeably louder as revs climb, which becomes more obvious during brisk acceleration. Service convenience can be an issue too, since Mitsubishi dealers are sparse in some areas and that can make repairs or routine visits harder to manage.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
Day-to-day owners tend to see the Outlander Sport as a dependable, easygoing small crossover that makes the most sense when value, AWD availability, and low-maintenance use matter more than quick acceleration. Many long-term owners report years of ownership with little beyond oil changes, tire rotations, and occasional brake work, which lines up with the vehicle’s appeal as a straightforward daily driver. In snow, rain, and on rough roads, the AWD system and compliant suspension give it the kind of stability that makes bad weather errands and long commutes less stressful. The seating position and cabin layout also make it easy to settle in for repeated trips, whether that means a short work drive or a long haul with family, luggage, or a roof rack in play. At the same time, drivers who spend a lot of time at higher speeds keep coming back to the same limitation: the 2.0-liter engine and CVT can feel strained when traffic opens up or the car is loaded down. Fuel economy satisfaction depends heavily on how and where the vehicle is driven, with some owners pleased by their numbers and others frustrated by results that fall short of the window sticker. Even with those tradeoffs, a lot of owners come away feeling they got a practical, good-looking SUV that does its job without much drama, which is probably why so many of them keep putting miles on it and planning to.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #19 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#19 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$541/yr
vs. $465/yr for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
0.72x/yr
vs. 1x/yr for Average Compact SUV
Severity
17.3%
vs. 11.5% for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
6 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
21V144000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-21-001
Number of vehicles affected:
15347
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Defect Consequence:
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 will be notified on March 26, 2021.
Recall Number:
20V279000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-20-003
Number of vehicles affected:
141200
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Defect Consequence:
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Recall Number:
18V103000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-18-004
Manufactured from:
2012-07-20 to 2015-11-25
Number of vehicles affected:
158651
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Defect Consequence:
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
Recall Number:
18V070000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-18-002
Manufactured from:
2016-01-11 to 2016-07-08
Number of vehicles affected:
170354
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Defect Consequence:
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.
Recall Number:
16V792000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-16-010
Manufactured from:
2012-07-20 to 2015-01-05
Number of vehicles affected:
94534
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Defect Consequence:
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
Recall Number:
14V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-14-011
Manufactured from:
2012-07-20 to 2014-07-23
Number of vehicles affected:
54779
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.
Defect Consequence:
A loosened and weakened fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a vehicle crash, leaving the seat occupant insufficiently restrained and increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt lap end attachment fastener, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-714-372-6000. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-011.
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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 don't 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.
1,000 Mile Review
4.88 out of 5 stars
has5kids, 01/13/2013
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2013 Mitsu Outlander Sport in Mercury Grey. We test drove two ES models, one was FWD with the standard transmission and the other was AWD with the CVT. My wife actually was excited to have the standard transmission as an option, but in the end, she elected to forego the fun and added driver control offered by the stick in favor or the AWD w/ … the very cool paddle shifting.
We have nearly 1,000 miles on the vehicle in just over a week and have noted many highlights and only a few lows. The styling is aggressive and cool... almost menacing from the front. The interior materials are great and original. The AWD actually works and is useful.
So far, great car!
4.75 out of 5 stars
lejean, 07/01/2014
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I bought my 2013 pearl white Outlander Sport in November, 2013.
I have over 32,000 miles on it so far, not a bit of trouble. I usually read professional reviews before I buy anything but this time I didn't. My Ford Taurus was costing a fortune in repairs. I wanted good mileage and all the bells and whistles. I looked at Honda and various other cars, despite the higher prices, could not … find the extras I wanted. The Outlander Sport fits the bill and more. After reading professional reviews, I was embarrassed for buying a so-called "loser". However, talking with other owners and my own experience, I'm so glad I didn't read before I bought. Mitsubishi needs to put out the word. Real bargain!
Best SUV Value for the Money
5 out of 5 stars
Paul S., 01/15/2018
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I bought a used 2014 Outlander Sport ES from a private seller and could not be happier with the SUV. I wanted a 30 MPG SUV that was reliable had less than 50K miles for under $10K and the Outlander Sport is the only SUV that checked all those boxes. Many reviews will downgrade the Outlander Sport because the 2.0L engine is under powered they say, but while this SUV won't win any 0 to … 60 races it's has more than enough power for me and will accelerate adequately in all driving conditions. If you drive like Mario Andretti and are an aggressive driver you should look elsewhere and expect to pay more both at the dealer and at the pump. However, if you drive like a normal person you will love this SUV. It has a great ride and while this is my first vehicle with a CVT, I'm very impressed with the smoothness of the transmission. Every other SUV in the Outlander's class will cost you a minimum of $2500 more to purchase used and will not be any more reliable or pleasant to drive. My only complaint is that the 2013-2016 Outlanders only come with a black interior which is murder in the south when your car sits outside in the summer time. Aside from that I'm a very happy first-time Mitsubishi owner.
Update 2/4/2023 - My Outlander Sport now has over 110,000 miles on it and it's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I've not had to do anything besides change oil, replace tires and put gas in it. It's overdue for a 100K miles service so I'll have that done soon, but this baby has been reliable as the sunrise and sunset.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Outlander Sport since its last redesign.