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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $18,795 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3032 |
| City (MPG) | 24 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 31 |
| Horsepower | 148@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 145@4200 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 |
| Length (in.) | 169.1 |
| Width (in.) | 69.7 |
| Height (in.) | 64.2 |
Mitsubishi Motors has added an all-new model derived from its seven-seater crossover, the Outlander: The all-new Outlander Sport, a slightly smaller five-seater version of its big brother CUV stablemate.
The Outlander Sport features a completely redesigned body and a more fuel-efficient engine that is either paired to a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The all-new Outlander Sport is offered in two trims for the U.S. market: the 2WD ES that and the more upscale, technology equipped SE edition that is available with either 2WD or 4WD and includes the continuously variable gearbox as standard equipment.
Despite its recent introduction, Mitsubishi has already made a slew of changes to the crossover for its latest model year, ranging from improved sound insulation throughout, improved tuning for the CVT transmission to provide more linear acceleration, quicker throttle tip-in response and quicker simulated downshifts in shift mode.
Mitsubishi also added chrome accents to the Outlander Sport SE trim level, a drive setting dial and surrounds to the tachometer and speedometer gauges. The ES model gains new 16-inch wheel covers, while the SE gains a new 18-inch wheel design. the premium package on the SE will now also include a backup camera with a display screen within the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Athletic Styling
If the Outlander Sport has anything going for it, it is likely its strong styling thanks to its muscular sheetmetal. The Outlander Sport is visually a breed apart from the rest of its compact crossover competition.
The front fascia is inspired by the same jet fighter air intakes that adorn the company's high-performance sports sedan – the Lancer Evolution. But the lines of the Outlander Sport aren't all about the cosmetics, its smooth, flowing lines, tall beltline and rear spoiler all combine to give this new model one of the lowest coefficients of drag in its class.
Reengineered 2.0-liter Engine
For the Outlander Sport Mitsubishi updated its 4B11 engine with its aluminum block and cylinder head and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) continuously variable valve timing system. Other tweaks include resin coated pistons and smoother surface camshafts for reduced friction and improved fuel economy. A higher efficiency alternator and electric power steering were also added with fuel sipping in mind.
In the Outlander Sport, this improved version of the 4B11 produces 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 143 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Mitsubishi also says torque was optimized from 2,200 rpm nearly to redline.
Standard equipment on the SE model, and available on the Outlander Sport ES, the Sportronic (CVT) features design updates that not only help to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, but also improve driver feel when manually shifting via the magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
In normal driving on flat roads, the CVT's shift schedule has been set to provide a balance between fuel economy and dynamic performance. But should a driver encounter a windy road that just begs to be driven with greater zeal, the CVT switches to a more aggressive manual sports mode that mimics a six-speed gearbox and improves the responsiveness of the unit's pulley hydraulics.
The standard transmission on the Outlander Sport ES, Mitsubishi's smooth-shifting five-speed manual gearbox has been updated as well. Shift feel has been improved with the addition of triple synchros for both 1st and 2nd gears while 1st and final gear ratios have been changed for better performance and fuel economy.
Electronically controlled 4WD
Borrowed from the mid-size Outlander, the lightweight, electronically controlled 4WD system is an available option on the Outlander Sport SE and has seen further design improvements for its fitment to its smaller crossover cousin. The system's power transfer unit (PTU) makes use of a lower viscosity oil to lessen parasitic drag and contribute to fuel economy improvement, while torque distribution calibration has been improved for all road surface conditions (snow, sand, ice), leading to enhanced stability.
Less is more
With an overall length of 169.1 inches versus the Outlander's 183.7 inches, the all-new Outlander Sport is more than a foot shorter than its larger brethren while much closer in width (69.7 inches vs. 70.9 inches) and height (64.2 inches vs. 66.1 inches), respectively, while sharing an identical wheelbase of 105.1 inches.
A 2WD Outlander Sport ES with CVT tips the scales with a curb weight of 3,098 lbs -- a little more than 100 lb. heavier than the CVT-equipped Lancer GTS sedan.
Both the Outlander and Outlander Sport share the same suspension setup - a MacPherson strut layout in front with a trailing multi-link at the rear - but the new Outlander Sport has received some revisions to its design that provide a more optimal degree of ride comfort and stability that better suit the Sport's more compact dimensions.
Safety
The Outlander Sport makes use of a plethora of thoughtful engineering to not only minimize harm to all of the car's occupants (Mitsubishi expects the Outlander Sport to receive five-Star frontal and side impact scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) but also to pedestrians as well.
An advanced in-cabin safety system consisting of a front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) for both driver and front passenger also includes front side-impact air bags and air curtains, a driver knee air bag, driver's seat position and passenger weight sensors, active front seat headrests and three-point seat belts for all five seating positions (with front seat belt pretensioners) are included at no cost.
A dynamic safety feature when driving is a brake override system that, should both the accelerator and brake pedal be engaged simultaneously, the vehicle will slow to a stop.
The Outlander Sport also includes Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology in its body design. The RISE system dissipates energy in the event of a side or rear impact, helping to protect occupants by minimizing body distortion and the fuel system in a rear end collision.
Pedestrian protection technologies include a newly designed energy-absorbing front bumper to mitigate lower leg injury, plastic front fenders that flex with light contact and a redesigned hood.
Packed with content
Air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls and four speakers, digital signal processor, equalization control and speed compensated volume and FUSE HandsFree Link System with USB input jack are but a few of the standard convenience offerings.
Among the available luxury upgrades are remote engine start, Super High-Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlamps, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 compatible changer, panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting, exterior sport trim package, piano black center console and shift panel overlay, a 40GB HDD navigation system with music server and real-time traffic and a booming 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate nine-speaker audio system including a 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch control.
Key Competitors
As the Outlander Sport is focused more on fun on-road dynamics than tackling difficult off-road trails, its main rivals include sporty small 'utes like the Mazda CX-7, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. More mainstream offerings like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are also worth a look, however.
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- General
- Body Style: SUV
- Size: Midsize
- Market Segment: Standard
- Weight: 3032 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 169.1 in.
- Width: 69.7 in.
- Height: 64.2 in.
- Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
- Ground Clearance: 8.5 in.
- Front Track: 60.0 in.
- Rear Track: 60.0 in.
- Weight Distribution: 59/41
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 97.5 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 21.7 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 49.5 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 41.6 in.
- Head Room: 39.4 in.
- Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.
- Hip Room: 52.1 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 36.3 in.
- Head Room: 37.9 in.
- Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
- Hip Room: 51.6 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 2.0L I4
- Power: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 16" Steel
- Front Tires: P215/70R16
- Rear: 16" Steel
- Rear Tires: P215/70R16
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: TBD
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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