This Outlander shares a platform with the Nissan Rogue and benefits from the collaboration with an impressive touchscreen interface, a roomy interior and a comfortable ride quality. An uninspiring powertrain and a few noted tech gremlins are among the few downsides.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Comfortable ride and front seats
Generous cargo room
Generous warranty
Cons
Slow acceleration with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Voice controls aren't very helpful
What's new
New top-level Platinum Edition trim
Part of the fourth Outlander generation introduced for 2022
Overview
With a footprint nearly identical to the most popular and class-leading two-row SUVs, the Outlander adds a third row, making it one of the smallest SUVs to offer room for seven. Indeed, Toyota's RAV4, Honda's CR-V and Mazda's CX-5 all share the Outlander's 106-inch wheelbase, but none offer the utility of a wayback seat. Sure, you're not going to get full-size adults back there for any trip longer than around the block, but for bigger families with smaller kids, the Outlander might be the answer. It also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, adding to its value.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander ES 4dr SUV (2.5L 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 $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: Seating for seven and a solid warranty
The Outlander isn't for everyone, but it may be perfectly suited for you. If you're looking for room for seven passengers (two must be child-sized) and the peace of mind that comes with a long warranty, there aren't many other choices in this price range. In its upper trims the Outlander also offers a reasonably upscale interior with quilted leather seats and a usefully large (9-inch) touchscreen infotainment interface. From behind the wheel, the Outlander doesn't really impress but it's also not embarrassing when the going gets twisty. It doesn't change much for 2024, but it streamlines the trim lineup and adds a new flagship Platinum Edition. Read our Expert Rating for all the details.
Competitors to consider
If you're in need of three rows in your small SUV, there are only a few choices — the Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sorento. But if you can get away with five seats, the options are wide open in this segment. Some of our favorites include the Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
This Outlander shares a platform with the Nissan Rogue and benefits from the collaboration with an impressive touchscreen interface, a roomy interior and a comfortable ride quality. An uninspiring powertrain and a few noted tech gremlins are among the few downsides.
How does the Outlander drive? The Outlander's low point is its powertrain. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has decent power specs, but it's rather gutless in real-world driving. At the Edmunds test track, our all-wheel-drive test Outlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. That's pretty slow, and you'll notice it when trying to make a pass on the highway. A Honda CR-V, for comparison, covers 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds.
Otherwise, the Outlander is mild-mannered. The steering wheel has a decent amount of heft to it, and the body stays fairly composed when taking mountain curves at speed. It's not a sporty choice like the Mazda CX-5, but the Outlander will go around a corner without making your passengers queasy.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Outlander? The Outlander rides comfortably over a variety of road surfaces. The front seats are also nicely padded and can keep passengers comfy even on long road trips. We also like that the Outlander is one of the few vehicles in this class with available climate controls for rear passengers. The heated seats get quite toasty in the highest setting. Wind and road noise is unobtrusive, but you'll definitely notice the engine noise when you accelerate (which can be quite often, depending on your driving style or level of road incline).
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Outlander's interior is similar to the Nissan Rogue's. The driver's seat offers a good range of adjustment, so tall and short pilots alike should be able to find an ideal position. Oddly, the front passenger seat adjusts only fore and aft and in the seatback angle.
Getting in and out of the front seat is a cinch, but adults might have trouble entering the rear. The bench seat is mounted somewhat high, so you'll probably have to scrunch to avoid hitting your head on the way in. While the front and second rows are fairly spacious, the third row has only a minimal amount of legroom. It's effectively useless for anyone taller than a child.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $5,132 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,132 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the SEL Black Edition trim.
How’s the tech? The touchscreen interface is bright and has easy-to-learn menus. The Outlander's available integrated navigation system works pretty well, though its ability to search for points of interest isn't so great. The Bose premium audio system sounds pretty good and produces little distortion at higher volumes.
Most Outlander trims come with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay. That's great from a value perspective, but we'll note we had frequent glitches when trying to connect an iPhone during our testing. We're also not enamored with the infotainment system voice controls. They require following a rigid command structure and, in our testing, often failed to understand our commands.
The Outlander comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving aids. However, we found the operation of the traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane centering features to be poor. For example, the cruise control seemed very slow to slow the Outlander down on the highway, and our drivers worried that it might not work quick enough to avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? There's not much room behind the third row, so long road trips are definitely out of the picture for a family of six. Storage behind the second row is generous at 33.5 cubic feet. There's also plenty of space with the second and third rows folded. One of our drivers fit 20-plus bags of mulch this way.
The Outlander also has plenty of spots to stash your gear. You can use the small tray under the center stack if you aren't charging your phone, and the underarm bin is nicely sized. The rear door pockets are rather small and so are the cupholders. Accessing the rear cupholders requires folding down the entire middle seat, so hopefully your cargo is totally secured.
If you need to fit child seats, watch your fingers while attaching the tethers. They are hidden behind narrow slits behind the seat and are surrounded by sharpish plastic.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive Outlander gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway). We found these results to be achievable in real-world driving, though an observed 26.7 mpg average on our standardized test route was a little lower than we expected. Three-row competitors are a few mpg in arrears in all categories, though two-row SUVs are generally more efficient. You do pay for the Outlander's lower fuel consumption with lethargic acceleration. Rivals are more well balanced.
Value
8/10
Is the Outlander a good value? The Outlander's value depends entirely on whether you really need its third row. It might be useful on rare occasions, but it's not suitable for adults even on short trips. Almost every other two-row SUV is less expensive than the Outlander.
If you do need the third row, the Mitsubishi Outlander costs roughly the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Outlander is less expensive than the Kia Sorento, but the Sorento is preferable for several reasons, including a roomier third row. If you just want a decent car with great features at an affordable price, the Outlander will meet your expectations. Also noteworthy are the Outlander's upscale interior materials.
Mitsubishi's warranty plan is quite generous. Every Outlander comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance.
Wildcard
8/10
"Outlander" and "fun" used to be mutually exclusive. Now the words are just strange bedfellows. Acceleration is tepid, and much of the driving experience is boring, but the Outlander no longer stumbles or flops when confronted with a set of narrow turns. Its quick steering is also something of a surprise, helping the Outlander feel ... dare we say ... agile. The SUV further stands out with a comfortable ride and pleasant interior.
The Outlander benefits greatly from its Nissan Rogue-derived underpinnings. With a tidy interior, buttoned-down ride and impressive materials in its range-topping form, the Outlander no longer feels like an afterthought from Mitsubishi or an also-ran in the class.
Which Outlander does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SE trim Outlander hits the sweet spot in terms of cost and features. It gets a bigger infotainment screen than the ES trim and comes with heated front seats and a power-operated tailgate. It also adds front parking sensors and a surround-view camera, which isn't common in this segment.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mitsubishi Outlander models
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with seating for seven thanks to a small third-row seat. There are five trim levels: ES, SE, SE Black Edition, SEL and SEL Platinum Edition. All Outlanders use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All Outlander trims offer Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) as the optional all-wheel-drive system except the SEL Platinum, where it's standard.
ES
The entry-level Outlander ES comes standard with:
18-inch alloy wheels
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation
Dark-tinted rear privacy glass
Push-button ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth seats
40/20/40-split folding second-row seats
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Two front USB charging ports
Satellite radio with 90-day trial subscription
Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services
Several advanced driving aids are also standard. They include:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear cross-traffic warning with automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)
SE
The Outlander SE takes the SUV to the next level with all of the features of the ES plus:
20-inch wheels
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless phone charger
Keyless entry
Heated front seats
Power tailgate
Heated, power-folding mirrors
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Power-operated driver's seat
One front and one rear USB charging port
Wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto remains wired)
Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Outlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Mi-Pilot Assist system — partially automates some driving actions. Consists of:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Outlander and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Outlander back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
A Tech package is optional with the SE trim. It gives you:
Panoramic sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
12.3-inch digital instrument panel
10-speaker Bose audio system
SE Black Edition
The SE Black Edition has the SE equipment plus:
Distinct 20-inch black wheels
Blacked-out exterior trim
Full digital instrument panel display
SEL
The Outlander's top-trim spec builds on SE features with:
Upgraded exterior trim
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Roof rails
LED interior lighting
12.3-inch digital instrument panel
Three-zone climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver and passenger seats
Memory for the driver's settings
Heated front and rear seats
Manual rear seat window shades
A Touring package adds these features to the Outlander SEL:
Panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
10-speaker Bose audio system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services (a subscription-based service that provides support in emergencies and allows you to control certain vehicle functions from your phone. Includes a 24-month subscription.)
An available Premium package includes the Touring package equipment and adds premium leather seats and door inserts.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I think this car looks great inside and out but you get what you pay for. Immediately after purchase I had issues with the fuel pump and AWD, then came the struts and strut mounts and wheel bearings, within 6 months I also had a screen issue and AC issue and then just overall not starting and or stalling. It's been to the service department 22 times in 13 months. It's been to three … different service departments. The head tech of Mitsubishi came out. NOTHING has been fixed. Mitsubishi says "Known issue no known fix" as if that's a reasonable answer for someone with a brand new car to not have it working. Like oh ok so you know the ac doesn't work but can't fix it ? No worries. It's cool. I like to sweat. Absolutely not. I'm currently suing them in lemon law court. Absolutely run far away from this cheaply made pile of crap. Despite the good warranty you won't get it fixed because service centers hands are tied by the manufacturer not wanting to repair anything.
I hope a recall's coming for the 2022 Outlander
3 out of 5 stars
keepingmikebusy, 05/20/2021
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ES 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Yesterday we picked up our stylish new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ES at a dealership 180 miles from our home. It was a windy day and our almost three hour drive home became a hair-raising experience. When we left the dealership and got on the highway the front hood of the vehicle began lifting and flexing with the wind. My husband thought it wasn't properly latched and stopped to … remedy the situation but he found it was properly closed. We drove the entire trip home watching the hood violently undulate. (I kept thinking the hood was going to snap off). I called the dealership where our salesman tried to make light of it and said there are no recalls for it-- "yet". I'm sick about it because it seems to be a wonderful vehicle in all other areas--smooth shifting--comfortable seating--bright LED headamps---generous warranty--and it would be a great driving experience if we weren't totally distracted by a dancing front hood. I will now be wary about driving it on windy days (which would be almost every day here in Northern Arizona). Since Mitsubishi Motors took four years to come out with this totally redesigned model I don't understand how something like this could slip through their fingers.
Don't they test in wind tunnels?
Our only hope is for a quick recall.
don not buy not reliable
1 out of 5 stars
Miguel, 03/15/2023
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Special Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
outlander 2022 recalls & issues
Hood problem
wireless charger
screen going gray
seatbelt issue gets stuck
fuel pump
remote start does not work properly
is time consuming and very aggravating having to deal with this many issues + whatever the future brings on a new vehicle and ofcurse the dealer gives you the runaround trying to blame it on anything and not assuming responsibility they … already got their money so they dont care any more. on a positive note you can only make the MISTAKE of buying a Mitsubishi vehicle one time. not only will I not recommend buying this brand but I will express my opinion and experience with it.
Beautiful SUV but a mechanical nightmare!
3 out of 5 stars
Randy, 11/27/2022
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Special Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I purchased a brand-new Mitsubishi Montero in 1995 and drove this SUV for 10 years without a single mechanical issue, it ran strong and was a beast in bad weather. So, when Mitsubishi came out with the Outlander, I was ecstatic that Mitsubishi was coming back on the scene with this well-designed SUV that reminded me of a Land Rover. With this in mind, I decided to go for it and purchased … the diamond black SEL, S-AWC Launch edition. When I test drove one, I did notice the hood flutter and informed the salesman, in which, I was told, that it would need a minor adjustment, which made no sense to me on a brand-new vehicle that took 5 years to launch and tested for quality control throughout the engineering process to assess the quality and performance of the vehicle. The idea behind testing these cars is to allow manufacturers to work out all the kinks and potential problems before going into full production. Therefore, I purchased the SUV in December 2021, I did experience the hood fluttering, but having a mechanical background, I looked under the hood to see what adjustments these engineers failed to make and saw that there are 2 black rubber hood stoppers on the left and right side on the bottom, where the hood indentation makes contact with them when the hood is closed. I screwed the rubber pieces all the way out, and reinserted them, twisting them one full turn until the arrow faces in the direction of the engine. Then I took 2 felt pads, the pads you put under chair legs to keep them from scratching the floor and placed the sticky side down on the rubber stoppers. Closed the hood and went for a ride and the hood stopped the vibration and fluttering. However, on really windy days there is very little fluttering enough for me to feel comfortable driving and not worrying about the hood dislodging. If the hood doesn't close securely, adjust the rubber stoppers so the hood can close. Now, the next issue, I went for a drive and got half a mile from my home and the Outlander without warning just shut off. I pulled to the side and tried to start it to the point of the battery losing voltage. I had towed back to my home where I have the testing equipment and diagnostic tools to see why this SUV with 8000 miles just died on me. With the help of my son who is a professional mechanic, we determined it was the fuel pump shorted out based on the computer code. The next day I towed it to the dealer, wrote down all the symptoms that appeared after it shut off and thinking this would be a simple fix taking a few days, but that turned into 3 months without this vehicle, and it was the fuel pump, which was on back order and the fuel gauge. I had to get forceful with the dealer and made them get a Mitsubishi rep involved just to get a rental. After finding out that the robots that installed the fuel pumps didn't do it correctly and didn't get the wiring right which shorted the pump is what caused what could have been a serious accident if this occurred on the highway in traffic putting me and my family in harm's way. Therefore, I precede to take legal action against Mitsubishi, and now have a pending lawsuit against them. I used the Lemon law of my state and if the dealer is giving you the run around, you can file a complaint with the State Attorney General, they could be fined, and have their franchise license revoked, or you file a complaint against the dealer's surety bond with DMV Business regulation section or the licensing board. Mitsubishi is jeopardizing the lives of thousands of their customers allowing this mechanical issue to go unsolved until a hood rips off while driving or being rear ended when the fuel pump fails in traffic. I'm very disappointed in such a promising SUV, buyer beware!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, so we've included reviews for other years of the Outlander since its last redesign.
Like the Outlander, the Kia Sorento offers three rows of seating in a relatively compact SUV package. The Sorento's third row is bigger and more comfortable than the Outlander's, probably thanks to the additional 4 inches between its wheel centers. And the Kia is available with all-wheel drive and a warranty that matches the Outlander's, all for a starting price that's a few grand below the Mitsubishi. This is a good place to start shopping if you're in need of a smallish three-row SUV.
Honda has an incredible knack for creating a sense of space in its vehicles that exceeds their size category. Pushed-back pillars, large windows, and a low shoulder line all add to the CR-V's roominess inside. Beyond that, it's simply an excellent compact SUV offering acceleration and fuel economy that beat the Outlander's. Honda's pretty proud of all that goodness, though, so you'll pay more for a CR-V than you will for an Outlander when they're similarly equipped.
Though it does have mild off-road intentions, Mazda's CX-50 manages to feel like a sports car compared to most compact SUVs, including the Outlander. This newest Mazda is bigger inside and out than the Outlander and offers an interior that — we'll just say it — exceeds some luxury vehicles in finish and design and puts the Mitsubishi's to shame. It's among our favorite compact SUVs because it offers a driving experience that's worth what you pay.
When the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander debuted in 2021, it breathed fresh life into the brand's stale lineup of hatchbacks and crossover SUVs. Now pushing on into its third model year, we don't expect any major changes to this three-row compact crossover SUV for 2024.
Thanks to its platform sharing with the Nissan Rogue, the Outlander provides a modern SUV experience. Its exterior design is more playful than the Nissan's with sharper edges and unique lighting elements. Inside, the Outlander has seating for seven and a decent list of available luxury features. We appreciate the diamond-stitched leather on the SEL Premium trim, along with other luxuries like heated and ventilated front seats. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 181 horsepower for all trim levels, and the Outlander achieves a respectable EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined. Without any turbocharging, the engine can feel a bit sluggish at times, and it's down on power compared to some of its main rivals. Fortunately, Mitsubishi does offer all-wheel drive on some trim levels to make the SUV more off-road-ready if needed.
The Outlander has a long list of stiff competition, including the aforementioned Rogue. Kia has a fantastic three-row option with the Sorento, and the Toyota Highlander also stacks up nicely. The Outlander is also available as a plug-in hybrid, which we review separately.
Edmunds says
Mitsubishi can easily be overlooked in today's vast automotive landscape, but the Outlander is worthy of your consideration. Its daring design and interior functionality make it the best product from the company in a long time.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Outlander both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Outlander gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 89 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outlander has 10.9 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. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander:
New top-level Platinum Edition trim
Part of the fourth Outlander generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Outlander is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outlander. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outlander's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Outlander and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Outlander gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 89 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Outlander is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The least-expensive 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander ES 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,395.
Other versions include:
ES 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,395
ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $30,195
SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $31,445
Black Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $32,645
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,245
Black Edition 4dr SUV w/Panoramic Roof (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,445
Black Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $34,445
SEL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $34,945
Black Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/Panoramic Roof (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $35,245
RALLIART 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $36,445
SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $36,745
SEL Black Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,445
SEL Black Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $39,245
Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $40,845
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Outlander?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander, the next question is, which Outlander model is right for you? Outlander variants include ES 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT), ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Black Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Outlander models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more