2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a well-priced but compromised crossover in a competitive segment, and even its newly standard all-wheel drivetrain can't elevate it from the bottom tier of its class. It doesn't offer buyers any good options when it comes to engines, with the base 2.0-liter being particularly gutless with only making 148 horsepower. Its road manners aren't that great either, and the interior is nothing to write home about. But a good deal of practicality and a low price tag helps it appeal to first-time buyers, though it has trouble competing with more refined competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. Sadly, the lack of significant changes means that the Outlander Sport's time in the USA may be coming to an end.

The price of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one of its few redeeming qualities. The entry-level S will cost you just $22,995, while the ES goes for $24,995. The LE sells for $25,945 and the SE for $27,245. At the top end of the range is the GT, which asks for a hefty $28,045. The Ralliart is a bit of an odd duck, costing slightly less at $27,795. These are the MSRP prices for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and do not include tax, registration, or the rather high $1,445 destination charge.

With the standard 148-hp engine, the Outlander Sport does not make a positive first impression as it's frustratingly slow. The 2.4-liter engine is better but you need to spend over $28k on the GT to get it, and even then, the Outlander Sport isn't as quick as some rivals.

Unfortunately, the rest of the driving experience doesn't make up for the lack of sporty engines. While we don't expect small crossovers to deliver sporty handling, the Outlander Sport lacks useful steering feel, while body roll is also quite pronounced. In short, nothing about it encourages you to press on. In terms of comfort, the suspension feels hard when trying to stave off the effects of bumpy surfaces, and it doesn't fully settle even on smooth roads. Around town, the Mitsubishi provides fuss-free progress, but there is simply nothing it does particularly well. It doesn't help that the noise levels in the cabin are pretty high, too.

If you have a hankering for an old-school SUV, albeit a small one, then the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may appeal to you, because it certainly doesn't feel modern. It lacks any sense of refinement, and the powertrains on offer are outclassed by competitors. Even budget cars can easily pass this little high-rider on the highway. The fact that fuel economy is poor, too, doesn't help things. Inside, the low-quality budget materials that help keep the price down are constant reminders of the vehicle's inferiority. It simply doesn't warrant not going for something like a Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30, which honestly cost around the same amount. On the plus side, the Outlander Sport has good reliability ratings and a great warranty so should be a safe bet for long-term ownership. Even so, in our review, we found the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to be well past its sell-by date, and the automaker is in desperate need of something more competitive in this segment.

Neither engine on offer is particularly good, and since you have to opt for the most expensive GT trim just to get your hands on the 2.4-liter, you would completely defeat the point of purchasing a cheap crossover. The LE is as high as we are willing to go in terms of spending extra money since it adds some nice touches, such as better upholstery, heated front seats, and an upgraded infotainment suite with smartphone integration.