2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

Name: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review
Brand: Mitsubishi
Price: 12250 USD

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 BE 4dr SUV Exterior

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+201

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.

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Well equipped for the price
Excellent warranty coverage

Cons

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

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$142/mo

$162/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Below Average

6.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

5/10

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.

Comfort

5/10

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.

Interior

6/10

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.

Technology

6.5/10

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.

Storage

6.5/10

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.

Fuel Economy

6/10

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.

Value

8/10

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

6/10

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?

It's pretty rare that we'd recommend a top-of-the-line trim in a lineup, but considering that the Outlander Sport GT only costs $4,000 more than the base ES model and comes with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, it's a no-brainer. This is especially true when you consider that even this model is underpowered for the class, making the supporting models dreadfully slow.

2021 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.

ES
The ES base model is fairly light on features. The highlights include:

LED headlights
18-inch alloy wheels
Heated mirrors
Automatic wipers
Auto-dimming mirror
Height-adjustable driver's seat
60/40-split folding rear seats
Automatic climate control
7-inch touchscreen
Four-speaker audio system
Single USB port
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Automatic high beams

LE
Stepping up to the LE trim adds:

Leather-wrapped steering wheel
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite radio
Heated front seats
Additional USB port

SE
The SE trim adds a handful of convenience and technology features such as:

Chrome exterior trim
Power-folding mirrors
Keyless entry and ignition
Six-speaker audio system
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

GT
The range-topping GT model adds the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, plus:

Roof rails
Imitation leather upholstery

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above 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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport from 2008-2022.}

$541/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.72x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

17.3%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

5 (67%)

4 (13%)

3 (10%)

2 (3%)

1 (7%)

4.3

30 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Very Happy Customer!

Glenn Whitney, 01/31/2021

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

This is a great little SUV that's very stylish and the ride is as smooth as any other SUV I've driven! I have the 2021 Outlander SE and everyone who has seen this brilliant red beauty loves the looks of it! I'm not sure why the so-called experts don't approve, but if you ask those who own one what they think the overwhelming majority will tell you that they are very pleased with the …

It even has a spare tire!

Zac Minneapolis, 11/24/2020

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 BE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

After an exhaustive search, I selected a 2020 Outlander Sport Black Edition 2.0 as the best vehicle to meet my needs. My search was guided by these non-negotiables: A spare tire A premium stereo with a subwoofer Minimal or no center console Comfortable driver seat No sharp edges on driver’s door or center console One might think these features are easy to find but they are most … definitely not! I am replacing a 2015 Honda FIt EX which I discovered has the most god-awful uncomfortable driver seat on the planet. The seat is numbingly cruel on long drives. Additionally, the hard plastic edges on the console and driver’s interior door panel conspire to create discomfort. It’s basically an iron maiden on wheels. Swearing off Hondas, my research for all my non-negotiables was frustrated. The Toyota RAV4 came closest, but the premium JBL stereo was repeatedly slagged by users as cheap and underpowered. I was inspired to check out Mitsubishi because my spouse’s 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is reliable and has an impressive Rockford Fosgate stereo. I discovered the full size Outlander had a very modest center console and enough space for my legs. Unfortunately, the newer models forgo a spare tire; a deal breaker. Moving down to the Outlander Sport, I found everything on my list in the Black Edition 2.0. I decided to purchase a 2020 since it appears the 2021 model year will no longer offer the Rockford Fosgate stereo in any trim level. Count me among the other consumer reviewers who are baffled at the hate grenades lobbed into Mitsubishi’s foxhole. The Edmunds reviewer throws about bludgeoning descriptors such as underpowered, unrefined, aggravating, rough, cheap, jumpy, skittish, harsh, floaty, noisy, lacking, and subpar. The reviewer intimates that if you somehow still decide to purchase the Outlander Sport after this over-the-top beatdown you cannot possibly have fun driving it unless you have an overactive imagination and your discernment for driving is overruled by your pricing requirements. The reviewer’s assessment is loaded with unwarranted hyperbole. Speaking as one who finds many cars over-engineered, I find the Outlander Sport to be refreshingly intuitive and reliable. I do concur with the Edumunds reviewer on the following: The Outlander Sport offers the basics as a compact SUV: Well-equipped for the price Excellent warranty coverage Appealing ergonomics Easy to operate, with clearly marked controls and an easy-to-read instrument panel Large door openings to the front seats Easy to learn connectivity that is simple to set up Acceptable cargo utility, the load floor is flat and expansive, and the tall roofline makes loading easy Dated but sturdy No-nonsense Dependable If you discern these latter descriptors sound like what you would imagine a great SUV to be, do yourself a favor and check out the Outlander Sport. You can use the money you’ll save purchasing the Outlander Sport doing something fun other than driving. 1st year update: 21,000 miles. Best miles per gallon: 29. All good with the glaring exception of the failure of the multi-functional display. I lost about 50% of the pixels at 18,000 miles. Dealership removed and replaced it and I've had no other issues. 2nd year update: 36,000 miles. I've noticed the multi-functional display can be hard to read during the day. The catalytic converter was sawed off while parked overnight at a Holiday Inn Express in Chicago. $4,000 dollars to fix and much time wasted. I found out a Mitsubishi dealer can weld a shield over the converter to prevent theft. I recommend you have one installed before you drive off the lot. I still recommend the car

Awesome quality and value. Still going strong.

Dave in South Carolina, 06/29/2019

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

Our fifth Mitsubishi in six years. Over 200k miles of perfect, worry free driving. Fantastic quality rivals any other brand. Can't beat the value either. Performance and handling are good. Fit and finish excellent. Yes, there are other brands that feature higher performance, but be ready to pony up another $6-$8k above a Mitsubishi.....I recommend Mitsubishi to anyone who will lend an …

Best bang for your buck

Isaiah, 09/21/2019

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

If you're looking for the fastest SUV, this isnt it. If you're looking for the most comfortable SUV this isnt it. But if you want the best quality for your money this is absolutely it. Once you get used to driving a cvt equipped car the Outlander sport will be a dream. It handles well, gets great gas mileage (I average 35 with a good mix of highway and city) and has enough passing power …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Outlander Sport since its last redesign.

See all 30 reviews of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

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2021 Outlander Sport Highlights

Trim:

2.0 S

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$142/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Outlander Sport models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Outlander Sport does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Very Happy Customer!

It even has a spare tire!

Awesome quality and value. Still going strong.

Best bang for your buck

2021 Outlander Sport Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}