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2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

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Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranks highly among subcompact SUVs, demonstrating its reliability and off-road capabilities. It is positioned at 3rd out of 20 for the most reliable subcompact SUVs, indicating its durability and dependability. Additionally, it ranks 4th out of 20 for the best off-road subcompact SUVs, showcasing its performance in challenging terrains. When compared to other Japanese subcompact SUVs, it holds a respectable 4th position out of 8. These rankings suggest that the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a strong contender in its category, offering a reliable and capable option for those seeking a subcompact SUV.

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Overview (Final Score: D+)

The subcompact crossover segment has been booming the past few years as more and more buyers drift away from sedans and hatchbacks. Automakers have been gearing up with introducing new and updated models. Mitsubishi is no exception as they have updated their contender, the Outlander Sport, for 2018 with a small number of changes. But can it stand up to likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and others?

What We Love About the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:


  • Excellent AWD system

  • Easy to use infotainment system

  • Spacious cargo area


 

What We Don't Love About the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:


  • Interior materials look and feel cheap

  • Fuel economy is toward the bottom of the class

  • Powertrain is very underwhelming


 

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Exterior View (8/10)

Mitsubishi has given the Outlander Sport a number of small exterior updates for 2018. Up front is a new mesh grille insert that takes the pace of the horizontal grille slats and chrome trim pieces. There are also new LED daytime running lights and bumpers and 18-inch wheels are standard on all models. The overall looks lean toward aggressive, which helps the Outlander Sport stand out in a very crowded class.

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Interior Comfort, Quality and Ease of Use (5/10)

The Outlander Sport's interior hasn't changed since the current model was introduced back in 2011, and it shows. The design is uninspired, with endless acres of black plastic and little bright-work. Material quality is very disappointing when put against competitors, with cheap and brittle feeling plastics used throughout. There are some soft-touch materials on the dash, but it doesn't match up with what you can find in the likes of a Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3. On the plus side, interior ergonomics are quite good, with controls in easy reach.

Finding a comfortable position in the Sport isn't too hard with the number of adjustments on offer and tilt-telescoping steering wheel. (My 5'8 frame was able to find a perfect driving position in no time.) Support is about average, with a decent amount of seat padding. What was slightly worrying was the driver's seat slightly rocking whenever we accelerate or braked. From talking with a few other people who have driven different 2018 Outlander Sports, this is a common issue. Hopefully Mitsubishi figures out the issue and provides a fix. Rear seat space is about average for a subcompact crossover with a decent amount of headroom. Taller passengers will find legroom to be slightly cramped.

The Outlander Sport's cargo area is impressive for the class. With the rear seats up, the vehicle offers 21.7 cubic feet of space. Fold the seats and space expands to 49.5 cubic feet. Other positive points for the Outlander Sport's cargo area include a low leftover height and completely flat floor when the rear seats are folded.

Technology (8/10)

For 2018, Mitsubishi has introduced a new 7-inch infotainment system for all Outlander Sports. Higher trims like our SEL tester feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is very easy to use with a very simple interface, crisp graphics and snappy performance. We found Apple CarPlay intergration to be quite seamless. Just plug in your phone and system will pop up the CarPlay interface within a few seconds. The only downside to the infotainment system is the screen becoming easily glared in sunlight.

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Fuel Economy (6/10)

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SEL AWD is rated at 22 City/27 Highway/24 Combined, putting it toward the bottom of the class. Our average for the week landed around 23.2 mpg in mostly city driving.

Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (7/10)

Consumer Reports predicts the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will be above average in terms of reliability, while J.D. Power predicts an average rating. The Outlander Sport falters in initial quality. While the 2018 model hasn't been rated yet, J.D. Power has rated previous models with a slightly below average rating.

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Safety (8/10)

The 2018 Outlander Sport comes standard with a full set of airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution, hill start assist, backup camera and tire pressure monitoring. Automatic high beams, forward collision warning and lane departure warning are only on the optional Touring Package for the SEL. We wish Mitsubishi had also equipped the Outlander Sport with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Outlander Sport an overall rating of four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Outlander Sport their highest rating of Good in most tests. In the new Moderate Overlap Front crash test, the model earned the second-highest rating of Acceptable.

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Performance (6/10)

The Outlander Sport ES and LE use a 2.0L four-cylinder producing 148 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. SE and SEL models get a larger 2.4L four-cylinder with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is only available of the ES with front-wheel drive. Other models make do with a continuously variable transmission. There is a choice of front-wheel or Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system that allows a driver to choose from three different settings: front-wheel drive, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock. The difference between the two 4WD settings is 4WD Auto will only send power to the rear wheels if the system detects any slip. 4WD Lock means power flows to all wheels.

Our test Outlander Sport came with the 2.4 and AWC. The 2.4 engine is the one to get, as it can get the vehicle up to speed much quicker than the 2.0 when leaving a stop. Merging onto a freeway or making a pass becomes slightly tricky as the engine begins to run out of steam at higher speeds. The CVT is somewhat slow to respond to throttle inputs and soundsĀ a bit unrefined when accelerating.

The Outlander Sport redeems itself partially with the AWC system. On the day the vehicle was dropped off, the Metro Detroit area was experiencing a massive snow storm where the forecast called for between 4 to 10 inches. Putting the vehicle into 4WD lock, the Outlander Sport was able to go through unplowed roads with no issue. We think that if you threw on a set of snow tires, you would have a real fighter in winter storm conditions.

Ride quality is quite good for a subcompact crossover as the Outlander Sport's suspension is able to iron out most bumps. Handling is a bit of a mixed bag. Driven normally, the Outlander Sport feels composed around a corner. Drive it somewhat aggressively and the Outlander Sport shows a fair amount of body roll. Steering doesn't inspire a lot of confidence with a rubbery feel and a noticeable dead zone when the wheel is centered. A fair amount of road and wind noise comes inside the cabin.

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Pricing and Value (6/10)

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport begins at $20,395 for the base ES FWD. Our SEL AWC tester begins at $25,895. With a few options and destination, our as-tested price came to $29,310. Considering what you get, this isn't good value for the money. It should be noted that Mitsubishi dealers are willing to deal by dropping few thousand dollars off the price. For most buyers, the pick out of the Outlander Sport range is the SE as you'll get most everything you need such as the 2.4 engine, fog lights, heated front seats, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

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Total Score and Competitive Comparison (54/80, 68%)

The Honda HR-V is considered by many to be the subcompact crossover class leader. It offers a large amount of space for passengers and cargo, decent driving dynamics and an excellent reliability record. Like the Outlander Sport, the HR-V's powertrain struggles when trying to get to highway speeds. The Mazda CX-3 may not have as much cargo space as the Outlander Sport, but it does boast a sharp exterior design and impressive handling.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may have a clever all-wheel drive system, sharp exterior styling, an impressive 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a low price. But everywhere else, the Outlander Sport trails competitors in key areas such as interior quality, performance and overall refinement.

We can see why someone would buy an Outlander Sport because of the low price, but that doesn't make it a good value. We'd recommend checking out every other subcompact crossover before setting your sights on an Outlander Sport.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trims

Trim Engine Drive Train MSRP
ES 4dr Crossover 5M 4 Cylinder FWD 20395
ES 4dr Crossover CVT 4 Cylinder FWD 21595
LE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder FWD 22595
2.4 SE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder FWD 22995
2.4 SEL 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder FWD 24495
AWD ES 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 23095
AWD LE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 24095
AWD 2.4 SE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 24495
AWD 2.4 SEL 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 25995

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