2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

The many faults of the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport make it tough to recommend to savvy shoppers.
2 star edmunds overall rating
author
by Cameron Rogers
Edmunds Editor

The small crossover SUV segment has surged in popularity over the last few years, with most automakers producing at least one that earns good fuel economy, is easy to drive and comes with all of today's tech gadgets. Over time, though, these models have bigger, more extensively equipped with features and, consequently, more expensive. If you desire a small SUV but don't want to spend a lot, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport might seem like it's worthy of your consideration. After all, a well-equipped Outlander Sport costs as much as the base version of many competitors.

However, the Outlander Sport has many flaws that make it difficult to recommend. Cabin materials are harder and feel cheaper than what you'll find in other crossovers. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) brings out the worst of the underpowered and noisy engine, and the Outlander Sport's bumpy ride and uncomfortable seats will rattle passengers. This pint-sized Mitsubishi doesn't offer much utility, either, as the cargo area is more cramped than others in this segment. Overall, the Outlander Sport should only be considered by those who cannot afford to buy any of its pricier rivals.

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what's new

The base ES receives new cloth upholstery and standard automatic climate control. The ES is no longer available with the 2.4-liter engine.

we recommend

There are few reasons to purchase a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport rather than many of its distinguished rivals, but few can compete with the Sport's bargain price. With that in mind, we recommend going as cheap as possible while trying to make this crossover feel well-equipped for the price. The SE is one step above the base model and makes a compelling value statement with the upgraded engine, touchscreen infotainment system and heated seats. The SEL isn't much more and adds leather and other goodies. But a competing crossover should be strongly considered instead.
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trim levels & features

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that can be seen as the little brother to the three-row Outlander. The entry-level ES is motivated by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 pound-feet) that is a bit slow but still average for the segment. The SE, SEL and GT offer increasing levels of luxury and tech features. They are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (168 hp, 167 lb-ft) that feels a little more potent. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the GT, which comes with an all-wheel-drive system that is optional on the other trims.

Standard ES features include the 2.0-liter engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a driver information display, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional.

The SE trim adds the 2.4-liter engine paired to the CVT, foglights, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, heated front seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

When you step up to the SEL you'll also get automatic headlights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment) and a sliding center armrest.

At the top of the range is the GT trim, which adds xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system.

Notable Outlander Sport options include remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a navigation system (with a 7-inch touchscreen and voice controls) and interior ambient lighting.

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trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE  (2.0L 4-cyl.; CVT automatic).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has received some revisions, including a new infotainment system in 2016 and an upgrade to the 2.4-liter engine on the SE trim. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall2.0 / 5.0

Driving

2.0 / 5.0

Acceleration2.0 / 5.0
Braking2.5 / 5.0
Steering1.0 / 5.0
Drivability2.0 / 5.0

Comfort

2.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort2.0 / 5.0
Ride comfort1.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration2.0 / 5.0

Interior

2.5 / 5.0

Getting in/getting out3.5 / 5.0
Roominess2.0 / 5.0
Visibility3.0 / 5.0
Quality2.0 / 5.0

Utility

2.5 / 5.0

Cargo space1.0 / 5.0

Driving

edmunds rating
The Outlander Sport feels weak regardless of engine choice, although the 2.4-liter engine is measurably quicker than the base 2.0-liter. Poor steering and handling combine to make one of the least confident vehicles we've ever driven. It feels unfinished.

Acceleration

edmunds rating
The base engine struggles to reach highway speeds and pass slower cars. Springing for models with the 2.4-liter bumps acceleration to just average for the class. The CVT is a notable letdown. Zero-to-60 mph times vary from 9.2 seconds with the 2.0-liter to 8.8 seconds with the upgraded engine.

Braking

edmunds rating
The brake pedal is soft, so you may have to press it a bit harder than expected to slow the Outlander Sport. Distances in simulated panic stops from 60 mph are reasonable for this class, ranging between 113 and 119 feet. We experienced extreme nosedive and side-to-side wiggle under heavy braking.

Steering

edmunds rating
You have to turn the wheel quite a bit before the Outlander Sport responds at all. That and the wheel's overly light effort make the driver feel disconnected from the road. There's almost zero driver feedback, certainly nothing to give the Outlander Sport any of the sportiness its name implies.

Drivability

edmunds rating
A lack of steering feel hampers the Outlander's general driving experience. The aggressive throttle response from a stop is maddening in everyday driving, especially considering the overall lack of power. The CVT is rarely calm, as if in a never-ending hunt to find the correct ratio.

Off-road

edmunds rating
Though it offers push-button 4WD, the Outlander Sport is a soft-roader at best. It lacks even basic off-road features such as hill descent control.

Comfort

edmunds rating
Numerous shortcomings keep the Outlander Sport from the comfort level achieved by most competitors. Drivers of average height will be forced closer to the dash because the steering wheel barely telescopes. Passengers of all sizes will bemoan the lack of seat padding and poor ride quality.

Seat comfort

edmunds rating
A lack of telescoping range for the steering wheel and minimal seat adjustments make the Outlander Sport a poor choice for anyone taller than 5-foot-9. The rear seat is low, with meager thigh support. There's barely adequate seat cushioning and a lack of elbow padding.

Ride comfort

edmunds rating
The Outlander Sport skips and shudders over small road imperfections, while larger ones produce residual jostling long after the bump has passed. There's really no justification for the rough ride. Few cars are this bad.

Noise & vibration

edmunds rating
Even under moderate acceleration, the CVT causes the 2.0-liter engine to work hard and drone incessantly. The 2.4-liter isn't as noisy, but it still drones. Engine noise quiets down a bit on the highway but is replaced by a significant amount of wind noise. All of this becomes tiresome quickly.

Interior

edmunds rating
The Outlander Sport's interior is composed of subpar materials that hold little visual interest. Compared to any SUV in the class, there's an unmistakable sense of disappointment throughout the cabin. The poor quality is only partially justified by the Outlander Sport's budget price.

Utility

edmunds rating
It seems like someone forgot to tell Mitsubishi that a critical component of SUVs is utility. The cargo area is small by segment standards, even with the rear seats folded down. Small item storage is just average. Conversely, LATCH hooks and anchors are easy to access.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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