Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2021 Review

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're interested in the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. To that, we ask, "Why?" The Outlander Sport might seem like a bargain compared to other SUVs in its class, and its powertrain warranty rivals those from Hyundai and Kia. However, this is one of those cases where the adage "you get what you pay for" rings true.

In the decade since the Outlander Sport was introduced, other small SUVs in this class have made significant improvements through redesigns and refreshes, but this Mitsubishi seems mired in the past. In nearly every metric we use to evaluate vehicles, the Outlander Sport is handily outpaced by newer and better alternatives. To be blunt, Mitsubishi could do better and so can you.

We encourage you to check out not only the top SUVs in the class — including the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue — but also less illustrious picks from Hyundai, Jeep and Subaru before settling on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Which Outlander Sport does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a small SUV available in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and GT. All but the GT model are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 lb-ft of torque) that is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The GT receives a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (168 hp, 167 lb-ft) that powers all four wheels.

ES The ES base model is fairly light on features. The highlights include:

• LED headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Automatic wipers
• Auto-dimming mirror
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Automatic climate control
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Four-speaker audio system
• Single USB port
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Automatic high beams

LE Stepping up to the LE trim adds:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite radio
• Heated front seats
• Additional USB port

SE The SE trim adds a handful of convenience and technology features such as:

• Chrome exterior trim
• Power-folding mirrors
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Six-speaker audio system
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

GT The range-topping GT model adds the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, plus:

• Roof rails
• Imitation leather upholstery