more about this model Mildly updated after a more thorough redesign last year, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander continues as a moderately priced choice for consumers looking for a small SUV with three rows of seats. And even though that third row is really only suitable for small children, the extra capacity could be a deciding factor for large families shopping on a budget. In addition, the Outlander also is available with a V6 engine, something many of its competitors lack. But even with those advantages, in some areas the Mitsubishi lags behind its competitors in the red-hot compact SUV market.
The 2016 refresh included revamped exterior styling, an upgraded interior, some chassis tweaks and updated electronics. Changes for this year include a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a standard rearview camera. Optional equipment now includes auto high-beam headlights, a suite of advanced safety technology, a 360-degree camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. In addition, all-wheel drive is now available on the base ES model.
The interior is definitely the Outlander's strongest selling point. In addition to seven-passenger seating, buyers will like the quality materials, clean design, available driver-assist features and decent cargo capacity. One sticking point may be the infotainment system's user interface, which is not as easy to use as that of most of the Outlander's competitors.
The standard powerplant for the ES, SE and SEL trim levels is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and comes linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The GT model comes with a standard 3.0-liter V6 that puts out 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT is equipped with standard all-wheel drive, a feature that is optional on the first three trim levels.
On the road, the Outlander handles well enough for a vehicle in its class, but most drivers will probably find engine performance to be subpar compared to the competition. Neither engine is particularly lively, and the four-cylinder version is both underpowered and noisy. As a vehicle for city commuting, the Outlander could work fine, but there are likely better choices for highway travel or serious off-road use.
Fuel economy is another area where the Outlander is a little below average for its class. The base two-wheel-drive model with the four-cylinder engine is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway). The GT trim, with all-wheel drive and the V6 engine, is rated at 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway).
The base ES model comes fairly well equipped with such features as heated side mirrors, alloy wheels and dual-zone automatic climate control. But only the higher trims offer such features as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium sound system. And only the top-of-the-line GT gets the V6 engine. Whatever your needs, let Edmunds help you find the right 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander for you.
Is the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Outlander featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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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.
How do people like the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Outlander 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Outlander.
Vehicle
ES 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
Review
Update (8/8/17): I've driven this car over 10,000 miles now, performed multiple oil changes which are comparatively easy, taken her on a 3,000 mile road trip through the mountains and down the coast of California, and loaded plenty of cargo she probably wasn't designed to haul (brick, wood, etc.). She's handled it all like a champ with a few exceptions. First, the trip panels over the roof mounted seat belt and other miscellaneous interior trim pieces are easy to knock out of place and rather difficult to fit back in. Second, if you store anything in the hidden storage compartment, you have no access to it unless you're not hauling cargo. Third, with the 60% middle seat folded flat, the cargo storage area between the front seats only opens part way. These are all tiny complaints but good to know, nonetheless. New things I've found that I love are as follows: With the back seat cushions folded up (step 1 in folding them flat) but leaving the seat-back in place, the indents are a perfect place to transport a propane tank and you can even strap it in with the belt. It's almost like Mitsubishi wanted it that way, it's fantastic. I transport 2 tanks at a time to the propane store with no worries about getting the upholstery dirty or the tanks damaging bits in the back while rolling around. Second thing is that if you move the front passenger seat all the way forward, remove the head rest, and recline the seat all the way back, then fold the 2nd row seat-back down (skip step 1, folding the cushion up), it creates a 2 foot by 8 foot area to transport 8 foot long lumber. It still won't haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood but it'll handle 2x8 strips and any 8 foot lumber I can fit in there and that's fine with me. Original Review (2/7/2017): I knew going to the dealership what the pros and cons were of this vehicle but I desperately needed to replace my 15 year old daily driver with something better. I weighed the options and considering that this is the 3rd car in our driveway and didn't need many bells or whistles, so I chose the ES model for its overall value. I truly enjoy driving this car everyday and it does exactly what it's supposed to do, get me from point A to point B with zero issues or worries. She's a very nice looking SUV, has plenty of room for cargo, drives perfectly sound and true, isn't to loud, handles the elevation changes like a champ, and is very comfortable including in/egress. The trip computer is nice but sometimes a little goofy as is the radio but it's nice that it has a 6.1" touchscreen with bluetooth standard, not many cars include that in the lowest trim level. I got a great deal on the car with the help of a pre-approval from my finance company and I've gone from filling the tank once a week with premium fuel to filling it once every two weeks with mid-grade fuel. I'm very aware that many people will have complaints about little things but as I said initially, the total value and amenities provided by my Outlander are exactly what I was looking for in a tidy and attractive package. Ownership level: 2+ months; purchased in November 2016; review written 2/7/2017
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
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Is the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander safe?
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Available Mitsubishi Outlander 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: SE, ES, SEL, GT, LS, XLS
Exterior Colors: Labrador Black, Diamond White, Mercury Gray, Diamond White Pearl, Cool Silver, Cosmic Blue, Quartz Brown, Mercury Gray Metallic, Rally Red, Cool Silver Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic, Labrador Black Metallic, Labrador Black Mica, Cosmic Blue Mica, Graphite Gray Pearl, Alloy Silver Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, Labrador Black Pearl, Quartz Brown Metallic, Rally Red Metallic, Copper Metallic, Lofty Green Pearl, Copper, Deep Blue Metallic, Munich Silver Metallic, Phoenix Red
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black leather, Beige leather, Beige cloth, Black premium cloth, Black leatherette/cloth, Black leather/cloth, Beige premium cloth, Charcoal, Charcoal cloth, Black 3rd Row premium cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Alarm, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Tire Pressure Warning, Third-row seating, USB Inputs, Bluetooth, Auto Climate Control, Back-up camera, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Heated seats, AWD/4WD, Keyless Entry/Start, Aux Audio Inputs, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Leather Seats, Power Driver Seat, Sunroof/Moonroof, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Upgraded Stereo, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Parking sensors, Towing Hitch, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Remote Start, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, 360-degree camera, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
