The 2024 Outlander Sport is not for those who want the latest technology or for those whose passion is driving. Instead, it's for inexpensively getting passengers and cargo from point A to point B.Read full review
Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport is a small SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a low cost of entry, and solid warranty coverage. But there are other not-trivial considerations: Not only has the Outlander Sport remained essentially the same for 13 model years (sure, there have been face-lifts), but its base 2.0-liter engine hasn't seen a power bump in all those years either. That means that buying a new Outlander Sport today, with a few appearance and tech exceptions, is essentially like buying an Outlander Sport in 2011. There is a more powerful optional engine choice but it, too, is unremarkable. Meanwhile, the rest of the SUV market has made huge strides in efficiency, design and tech.
Mitsubishi isn't blind to the sea of newer and nicer SUVs competing with its aging Outlander Sport and it has taken a number of steps to make it more appealing. In addition to the generous five-year basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it's added five years of roadside assistance and two years/30,000 miles of included service. In other words, there are reasons, powerful ones, to give the Outlander Sport a look. If what you're after is basic, low-cost transportation that comes with hassle-free peace of mind, the Outlander might be the right choice.
Competitors to consider
SUVs in the Outlander Sport's class encompass a wide spectrum of specialities and capabilities. We tend to favor those that do everything well. The Mazda CX-50 and CX-5, the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage all come to mind. Subaru's soft-roading Forester approximates the Outlander Sport in size and mission too.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.1
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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. 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.
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
View interior photos
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.
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.
How’s the fuel economy? The Outlander Sport SEL, which is what we tested, is rated by the EPA to get 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. 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 driver 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.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport trim level differences
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is available in six trim levels: S, ES, LE, Trail Edition, SE and SEL. All but the SEL are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 lb-ft of torque). The SEL receives a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (168 hp, 167 lb-ft). Both engines come paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive is standard on all models.
Which Outlander Sport trim does Edmunds recommend?
Since all-wheel drive is standard on every Outlander Sport, your only significant powertrain choice requires that you spring for the top-level SEL trim. But we don't think it's worth it. Our value pick is the midlevel LE trim, which gets you heated seats and Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone integration as well as a larger 8-inch infotainment screen.
The sentiment for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is mixed. Owners appreciate its comfortable drive, roomy interior, good fuel efficiency, and stylish appearance. Some issues include outdated features, sluggish acceleration, and unreliable technology. Many praise its reliability and value, but a few owners report specific and severe issues with newer models.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
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 … Outlander!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, so we've included review for other years of the Outlander Sport since its last redesign.
Our experts’ favorite Outlander Sport safety features:
Forward collision mitigation
Warns you when it detects an imminent collision ahead and can automatically apply the brakes.
Automatic high-beam headlights
Automatically switches between low and high beams based on oncoming traffic.
Lane departure warning
Alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
16.9%
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
Acceptable
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
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Outlander Sport both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Outlander Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outlander Sport has 21.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Learn more
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outlander Sport. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outlander Sport's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Outlander Sport and gave it a 6.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Outlander Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Outlander Sport is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The least-expensive 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,695.
Other versions include:
2.0 S 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,695
2.0 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,695
2.0 ES 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,695
2.0 ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,695
2.0 LE 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,395
2.0 LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,395
2.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,695
2.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,695
2.0 RALLIART 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,245
2.0 RALLIART 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,245
2.0 TRAIL EDITION 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,345
2.0 TRAIL EDITION 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,345
2.4 SEL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.4L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,495
2.4 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,495
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the next question is, which Outlander Sport model is right for you? Outlander Sport variants include 2.0 S 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0 ES 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/24 (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and 2.0 ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Outlander Sport models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more