Flash Drive

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Model Tested: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 SEL AWC

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV that’s handsomely styled.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/27-mpg highway/24-mpg combined

Base Price: $25,695

As Tested: $26,590

Performance:

Strong, smooth engine

Good acceleration

Strong fuel economy—our best was

The Outlander Sport lift gate opens very high for easy access.

30.5-mpg highway

Comfortable highway ride

Nimble off-road

Console control button for 4WD

Comfort:

Wide range of steering column adjustments

Medium thick, contoured leather and wood wheel

Cheap, flocked headliner

Two temperatures heated front seats

Comfortable seats, but no lumbar adjustment

Rear seat room is surprisingly ample for a compact SUV.

Very good headroom

Near stretch-out driver legroom

Less legroom for front passenger

Passenger shoe space under dash a little tight

Good adult room in backseat including middle position

Excellent shoe room under front seats

Low to medium height floor hump

Utility:

Split, folding rear seats have slight slope

Liftgate opens high to clear tall owners

Flat cargo deck, ample space

Modest cargo area lift-over (about 2-inches)

Inexpensive carpet in cargo area

Oversized stereo speaker in right side of cargo area

Retractable/opening side mirrors

Good sound system with four satellite radio bands

Controls are efficient. The sound system is very good.

Medium size front door bins

Large, non-locking glovebox

Small, but deep, two-part console bin

No rear door bins

One large seatback pouch

WOW Factors:

Cute styling

Compact, nimble size

Competitively priced

Whines:

Cheap headliner

The 2017 Outlander Sport cargo deck is flat with a slight upward slant over the folded seats.

Interior lighting not very bright

Rear doors don’t open a full 90-degrees

No rear door bins

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a very competent compact crossover SUV that’s equally at home in city driving, highways, or rugged dirt roads. It’s fun to drive and has good interior room. The Outlander Sport is aggressively priced, but it doesn’t take much inspection to see where corners were cut. If upscale interior materials aren’t important, the Outlander Sport could be for you.

The 2017 Outlander Sport is available with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter engine. The latter is the one to get.