Now in its third generation and more than 20 years old, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the compact version of the larger and older Outlander. Specifically, it’s 14 inches shorter, 2 inches lower about 700 pounds lighter than its sibling.
The current generation debuted in 2010 and for 2012 there are only minor changes: the available of a rearview camera for the base SE trim, additional sound insulation for models with a continuously variable transmission and a recalibration of the transmission to improve response and acceleration.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the SE with all-wheel drive; the Outlander Sport is also available in two-wheel drive, and both models have automatic transmissions.
- Standard features: 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
- SE upgrades: 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers and automatic climate control.
- Packages: $2,000 for navigation and $2,050 for Premium.
- City driving: In town, for its size, the Mitsubishi was nimble, had an efficient turning radius and offered solid braking.
- Space: Despite its smaller size, the junior Outlander had good interior space and comfortable seating for front and rear seat occupants.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Available in two trims, I test drove the SE all-wheel drive model, but the Outlander Sport is also available in two-wheel drive. Both models have automatic transmissions.
Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, Mitsubishi‘s Fuse voice-activated electronics interface and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an a USB/iPod interface.
Upgrades for the SE include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a sliding armrest between the front seats, a second-row armrest with center pass-through, upgraded upholstery and a six-speaker stereo.
The navigation package ($2,000) includes a navigation system, a rearview camera and an RCA-style audio/video jack. The Premium package ($2,050) includes a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, rearview camera (with display integrated into the rearview mirror) and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.
Driving Impressions
During my week with the Outlander Sport, I drove mixed city and highway miles. In town, for its size, the Mitsubishi was nimble, had an efficient turning radius and offered solid braking.
Despite its smaller size, the junior Outlander had good interior space and comfortable seating for front and rear seat occupants. The Outlander Sport’s exterior design has leanings toward Mitsubishi’s sporting lineup and its handsome appears is not to dissimilar from the appearance of BMW‘s utility vehicles.
Yet, the positives of the car can’t completely overcome its one drawback. With its sharp appearance, strong interior and welcome options, the Outlander Sport still needs a power makeover. On several extended slight inclines, my tester could only chug along. Likewise, during lane changes or entering higher speed freeway situations, the Mitsubishi wasn’t particularly an outlander or a sport.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
Extended glass roof a keen feature that makes interior appear more spacious.
Crisp, easy to use navigation system.
Handsomely styled exterior.
Refreshing exterior paint color, Diamond white pearl.
Good interior space, front and back.
Dislikes
Needs more horsepower and better acceleration.
Option packages expensive.
What Others Say
“The Outlander Sport is a comfortable, livable vehicle with a versatile interior. It counters merely OK interior appointments and a sub par drive train with sporty handling and versatility that belies its tidy exterior size.” Consumer Guide.
“For the price and the segment, it packs all the baubles you’d expect, plus something that sets Mitsubishi apart – its all-wheel drive system.” Autoblog.
“Overall, this is a nice effort by Mitsubishi. It looks great, drives decently, and is generally well done. But I would prefer a better power train.” AutoWeek.
What The Wife Says
“It just seems like it’s struggling to often.”
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Verdict
“Despite keen features like the extended glass roof and great gas mileage for the SUV segment, the Outlander needs more acceleration to infiltrate the stronghold of its top-rated competitors.”
Facts & Figures: 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (review's figure) | $21,995 |
| As-Tested Price (review's figure) | $26,855 |
| Trim Tested | SE, all-wheel drive |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower (review's figure) | 148 hp |
| Transmission | Continuously variable (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph (review's figure) | 8.6 seconds |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy (SE) |
| Navigation Package | $2,000 |
| Premium Package | $2,050 |
| Fuel Economy (review's figure) | 25 city / 31 highway mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, all-wheel drive) | 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
I would say this is a very good airport car. Good for picking up friends at the airport or leaving it there while you fly away somewhere.