Flash Drive

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

March 19, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT AWC

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the handsome two-row version of the larger Outlander.

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

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $26,895

As Tested: $28,920

Performance:

Nimble off road

Pretty peppy 2.4-L engine

Engine a little noisy when pushed hard

Strong fuel economy—our best was 33.7-mpg highway

Lots of safety features including blind spot and lane departure

Front seat room and comfort are very good.

Good size maneuverability for city errands

Pleasant highway ride

Comfort:

Very good front legroom

Comfy, supportive front seats

Nicely contoured leather steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Good range tilt/telescopic column

Attractive suede upholstery with red stitching

Two temperature heated front seats

Average grade interior materials

Reasonable back seat room—adult knees just touch seatback

An excellent steering wheel and good controls face the driver, except for the hard to reach heated seat switches.

An adult can fit in middle position

Soft center armrest with cupholders

Noticeable wheel well intrusion for rear doors

Medium size floor hump

Ample headroom

Utility:

High opening rear liftgate

Low lift-over for flat cargo deck

Split seats fold almost flat

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an efficient ride both in the mountains and the city.

Large glovebox but no lock

Large visors but no sliding feature

Medium size door bins with bottle notch

Medium size, pretty deep console bin

Four grab handles

Side mirrors fold on lock/unlock

Rain sensing wipers

WOW Factors:

Attractive styling

Very comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance

Good safety features

Whines:

Awkward location of heated seat controls

The front 3/4 view illustrates the clean and moderately aggressive styling of the Outlander Sport GT.

No rear door bins

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one of the best looking compact SUVs and it does most things acceptably. Unfortunately, it competes in a crowded segment with strong alternatives like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Kia Soul, and Toyota C-HR. These subcompact crossovers have better projected resale values. The Outlander Sport does have a great warranty, so it could pay off with long-term ownership.