2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 4-door SUV

Competition for the Mitsu Outlanader Sport includes Subaru Crosstrek XV, Nissan Juke, Jeep Compass,and Kia Sportage; all very popular models, making it a harder choice to make. The Toyota RAV4, Ford Focus and Elantra GT are probably more akin to the Outlander; a small wagon-type SUV.

Optional equipment on our test Outlander SE included Navigation System 7-inch touch screen, high def., 3D mapping/mapcare, 2 annual map updates, Real time, traffic; Leather seating surfaces, 710W Rockford Fosgate sound system (9 speakers, 10-in. subwoofer punch-control, DTS, neural surround premidia-wide surround and Dolby volume; auto dimming rearview mirror; power driver seat; Panoramic glass roof with LED illumination; and Black roof rails ($4,900).

The best features on the Mitsu Outlander were the panoramic roof with LED lighting and the Rockford Fosgate sound system. The SE trim level is top-of-the-line so of course, it carries a heftier pricetag. This writer still thinks with a total vehicle price hovering under $30,000 is a lot for this vehicle. Trim levels include the 2.4 ES, 2.4 GT, ES and SE.

While not a bad little SUV with some positive attributes (Nimble, spacious), the Outlander also lacks much of what its competitors offer in this market. We would balk at the MSRP for starters-not wanting to pay out this kind of cash for a simple, non-responsive small sport-ute.

The interior is drab, dated, yet somewhat spacious. Attempting to conquer the highway on ramp needs to be done with a prayer as Mitsubishi’s 4-cylinder engine is sluggish and not very refined. The Outlander takes several minutes to get up to speed.

If one is going to opt for the Outlander, he/she would be wise to choose the 2.4 ES and 2.4 GT engine with 168 horsepower. Or, one might opt for the manual transmission,

We don’t like slamming the Outlander. It’s not a bad vehicle, really. Just inadequate and not very special. Although, we understand being ‘special’ in today’s automotive marketplace is near impossible. What hasn’t been thought of, executed and put out there for consumption?

Generally, Mitsubishi has offered engines that are adequate and long-lasting (think: 3000 GT in the 90s). We suspect the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter will be somewhat trouble-free. It just doesn’t seem enough: Give it a little more horsepower.
The new squarish-designed front bumper is distinctive , and the Outlander sports a new rear bumper design, along with blocked-out body trim.

The Outlander is also available in all-wheel-drive which makes it more competitive. Consumers will find that features are generous–with steering-wheel audio controls, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, and a 140-watt sound system all standard. LED running lamps have been added for 2015. But “value” lies more in the entry-level Outlander.