2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　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 zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What’s new

　　The base ES receives new cloth upholstery and standard automatic climate control. The ES is no longer available with the 2.4-liter engine.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The small crossover SUV segment has surged in popularity over the last few years, with most automakers producing at least one that earns good fuel economy, is easy to drive and comes with all of today's tech gadgets. Over time, though, these models have bigger, more extensively equipped with features and, consequently, more expensive. If you desire a small SUV but don't want to spend a lot, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport might seem like it's worthy of your consideration. After all, a well-equipped Outlander Sport costs as much as the base version of many competitors.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) 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 North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$148/mo  for Outlander Sport 2.0 ES

　　Outlander Sport 2.0 ES

　　2.0 ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $19,795 MSRP2.0 ES 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $20,995 MSRP2.0 ES 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $22,495 MSRP2.0 LE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $21,995 MSRP2.0 LE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $23,495 MSRP2.4 SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $22,695 MSRP2.4 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $24,195 MSRP2.4 SEL 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $24,195 MSRP2.4 SEL 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $25,695 MSRP2.4 GT 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $27,695 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　However, the Outlander Sport has many flaws that make it difficult to recommend. Cabin materials are harder and feel cheaper than what you'll find in other crossovers. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) brings out the worst of the underpowered and noisy engine, and the Outlander Sport's bumpy ride and uncomfortable seats will rattle passengers. This pint-sized Mitsubishi doesn't offer much utility, either, as the cargo area is more cramped than others in this segment. Overall, the Outlander Sport should only be considered by those who cannot afford to buy any of its pricier rivals.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

2.0 / 5

　　You might be enticed by the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's affordable price and list of standard features. Evaluate it in depth, though, and you'll realize that this small crossover is outmatched by its rivals in terms of comfort and overall refinement.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE  (2.0L 4-cyl.; CVT automatic).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has received some revisions, including a new infotainment system in 2016 and an upgrade to the 2.4-liter engine on the SE trim. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	2.0 / 5
Driving	2.0
Comfort	2.0
Interior	2.5
Utility	2.5

　　

Driving

2.0

　　The Outlander Sport feels weak regardless of engine choice, although the 2.4-liter engine is measurably quicker than the base 2.0-liter. Poor steering and handling combine to make one of the least confident vehicles we've ever driven. It feels unfinished.

　　

Acceleration

2.0

　　The base engine struggles to reach highway speeds and pass slower cars. Springing for models with the 2.4-liter bumps acceleration to just average for the class. The CVT is a notable letdown. Zero-to-60 mph times vary from 9.2 seconds with the 2.0-liter to 8.8 seconds with the upgraded engine.

　　

Braking

2.5

　　The brake pedal is soft, so you may have to press it a bit harder than expected to slow the Outlander Sport. Distances in simulated panic stops from 60 mph are reasonable for this class, ranging between 113 and 119 feet. We experienced extreme nosedive and side-to-side wiggle under heavy braking.

　　

Steering

1.0

　　You have to turn the wheel quite a bit before the Outlander Sport responds at all. That and the wheel's overly light effort make the driver feel disconnected from the road. There's almost zero driver feedback, certainly nothing to give the Outlander Sport any of the sportiness its name implies.

　　

Drivability

2.0

　　A lack of steering feel hampers the Outlander's general driving experience. The aggressive throttle response from a stop is maddening in everyday driving, especially considering the overall lack of power. The CVT is rarely calm, as if in a never-ending hunt to find the correct ratio.

　　

Off-road

2.5

　　Though it offers push-button 4WD, the Outlander Sport is a soft-roader at best. It lacks even basic off-road features such as hill descent control.

　　

Comfort

2.0

　　Numerous shortcomings keep the Outlander Sport from the comfort level achieved by most competitors. Drivers of average height will be forced closer to the dash because the steering wheel barely telescopes. Passengers of all sizes will bemoan the lack of seat padding and poor ride quality.

　　

Seat comfort

2.0

　　A lack of telescoping range for the steering wheel and minimal seat adjustments make the Outlander Sport a poor choice for anyone taller than 5-foot-9. The rear seat is low, with meager thigh support. There's barely adequate seat cushioning and a lack of elbow padding.

　　

Ride comfort

1.0

　　The Outlander Sport skips and shudders over small road imperfections, while larger ones produce residual jostling long after the bump has passed. There's really no justification for the rough ride. Few cars are this bad.

　　

Noise & vibration

2.0

　　Even under moderate acceleration, the CVT causes the 2.0-liter engine to work hard and drone incessantly. The 2.4-liter isn't as noisy, but it still drones. Engine noise quiets down a bit on the highway but is replaced by a significant amount of wind noise. All of this becomes tiresome quickly.

　　

Interior

2.5

　　The Outlander Sport's interior is composed of subpar materials that hold little visual interest. Compared to any SUV in the class, there's an unmistakable sense of disappointment throughout the cabin. The poor quality is only partially justified by the Outlander Sport's budget price.

　　

Utility

2.5

　　It seems like someone forgot to tell Mitsubishi that a critical component of SUVs is utility. The cargo area is small by segment standards, even with the rear seats folded down. Small item storage is just average. Conversely, LATCH hooks and anchors are easy to access.

　　

Which Outlander Sport does zzdcar recommend?

　　There are few reasons to purchase a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport rather than many of its distinguished rivals, but few can compete with the Sport's bargain price. With that in mind, we recommend going as cheap as possible while trying to make this crossover feel well-equipped for the price. The SE is one step above the base model and makes a compelling value statement with the upgraded engine, touchscreen infotainment system and heated seats. The SEL isn't much more and adds leather and other goodies. But a competing crossover should be strongly considered instead.

　　

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models

　　The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that can be seen as the little brother to the three-row Outlander. The entry-level ES is motivated by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 pound-feet) that is a bit slow but still average for the segment. The SE, SEL and GT offer increasing levels of luxury and tech features. They are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (168 hp, 167 lb-ft) that feels a little more potent. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the GT, which comes with an all-wheel-drive system that is optional on the other trims.

　　Standard ES features include the 2.0-liter engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a driver information display, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional.

　　The SE trim adds the 2.4-liter engine paired to the CVT, foglights, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, heated front seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

　　When you step up to the SEL you'll also get automatic headlights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment) and a sliding center armrest.

　　At the top of the range is the GT trim, which adds xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system.

　　Notable Outlander Sport options include remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a navigation system (with a 7-inch touchscreen and voice controls) and interior ambient lighting.

　　

2017 Outlander Sport Highlights

Trim: 2.0 ES2.0 LE2.4 SE2.4 SEL2.4 GT2.0 ES

　　

Base MSRP	$19,795
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$148/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles