why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 59 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.9

As one of the larger vehicles in its segment, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander strikes a satisfying balance between compact and mid-size SUVs. The Outlander differentiates itself from the competition with an array of optional tech features along with aggressive styling, generous cargo space and available (if snug) seating for seven. Its mechanicals allow the Outlander to fulfill the promise of its bold exterior design: a sport-tuned suspension system, lightweight aluminum roof and available all-wheel drive (AWD) with three driver-selectable modes help deliver a sporting, dynamic driving experience unusual among small SUVs.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a compact SUV with one of the most spacious cargo areas in the category, an optional third-row seat and arguably the best AWD system this side of the luxury segment, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander may be the one.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Outlander returns adequate fuel-economy figures, the Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox and the Mazda CX-5 do better. Furthermore, the Outlander's taut suspension may be unsettling for drivers expecting a more relaxed, accommodating ride.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.9
Driving Dynamics

6.5
Comfort & Convenience

5.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

5.9
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#15

out of 24

MPG

#17

out of 24

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The Mitsubishi Outlander is in its final year of production before a major redesign so changes for 2013 are limited to feature offerings. Heated outside mirrors and front seats, Sirius/XM satellite radio, automatic climate control, the FUSE voice-operated command system and a rear-seat DVD player become available, depending on trim.

Driving the Outlander

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander's excellent steering and brake feel, sport-tuned suspension and supportive front seats deliver a balance of comfort and confidence that will suit many driving...

styles. And though many of its competitors like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape can absorb road imperfections with greater poise, the Outlander's lively handling characteristics are worth the small trade-off in ride quality. While the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is right-sized for basic daily driving tasks, most buyers will prefer the available 230-horsepower V6 for heavy loads and spirited driving. Outlander GT models offer a unique piece of fuel-saving technology called Idle Neutral Logic that automatically shifts the transmission into neutral when the vehicle arrives at a complete stop.

Favorite Features

FUSE VOICE RECOGNITION
Similar to Ford's voice-activated Sync system, Mitsubishi's FUSE allows voice control of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones for hands-free calling capability as well as streaming audio. The system also manages voice commands for iPods, including Genre, Artist, Album or Playlist.

FLAP-FOLD LIFTGATE
An SUV with good cargo space and fold-flat seating is great for accommodating cumbersome objects, but a protruding rear bumper can complicate the loading. Every 2013 Outlander features a unique tailgate-style rear bumper that folds level with the cargo floor, making it easier to slide bulky objects in and out.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Details

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Inside the Mitsubishi Outlander is a clean layout with clear, functional controls and plentiful storage space. With the rear seats folded, the Outlander provides nearly 73 cubic feet of cargo space. The versatile interior offers a variety of configurations for occupants and their gear, thanks to a 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat that slides fore and aft and (on SE and GT trims) a small yet handy stowable third-row seat. The Outlander's principal shortcoming is the stark, hard-plastic surfaces in the ES and SE models. They could charitably be called Spartan or functional but they just look low-budget.

Exterior

The 2013 Outlander looks bigger than it is, with a stronger presence than most vehicles in this category. Credit its "jet fighter"-inspired trapezoidal grille and bulging fender arches. LED taillights and available xenon headlights (standard on GT trims) help communicate a level of refinement while GT models step up the Outlander's athletic demeanor with a pair of chrome exhaust tips and a black-out front-bumper insert that makes the big grille look bigger still. The wheel lineup ranges from the ES's 16-inch steel wheels to the 18-inch 7-spoke alloys found on SE and GT models.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in three trims: ES, SE and GT. Standard across the board is rear privacy glass, LED taillights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat and auto-off headlights. SE models add magnesium paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, a Fast Key entry and starting system – the key fob never needs to leave your pocket or bag – and a fold-flat third-row seat. The range-topping GT models add a 230-horsepower V6 engine, xenon headlights and automatic climate control. Safety features include six airbags and active front head restraints.

Optional Equipment

All Outlander trims offer an available 40GB hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, and Mitsubishi's FUSE voice recognition system. SE and GT models offer a technically sophisticated AWD system, a rearview camera, a power tilt/slide moonroof, and a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with a 10-inch subwoofer. The GT's exclusive Touring Package includes leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander offers the choice of a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (ES and SE trims), or a more powerful 230-horsepower V6 (GT). The 4-cylinder engine drives through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the V6 is fitted to a manually selectable 6-speed automatic accompanied by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The base ES trim comes in 2-wheel drive (2WD) only while both SE and GT trims can be had with either 2WD or AWD. Regardless of powertrain, the Outlander runs well and has a spirited, sporty feel, though fuel efficiency is only about average for the category. The 3.0 V6 in the Outlander GT has a Neutral Idle Control feature, which automatically shifts into neutral at stops to conserve a little fuel.

2.4-liter inline-4
168 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
167 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg (2WD), 22/27 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter V6
230 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
215 lb-ft of torque @ 3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (2WD), 19/25 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The base 2WD SE 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,520 and climbs past $38,000 for a fully loaded GT trim with AWD. That price range is close to such class rivals as the Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. To see what other buyers are paying for Mitsubishi Outlanders in your area, check KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price. If strong resale value is an important consideration in your next vehicle, we project the majority of the Outlander's competitors will maintain superior 5-year residual values.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 205 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

Solid car

By grocerygetter (IA) on Monday, June 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Power and accelleration, styling, features, MPG"

Cons: "Some questionably chinsy materials"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my outlander for almost 4 years now and have been very happy with it. First of all I got an awesome price so it's held its value well. It also has nice perks for a low priced SUV. Good stereo, lots of power and accelleration, decent gas milage, pretty nice looking interior. It also has tons of cargo room. I've carried 3 bikes inside of it, 2 kayaks on top before with enough gear for 2 people. Inside can fit a 4x4 sheet of plywood too awesome. I also really like the fold down tailgate for seating, and the subwoofer/lighter adapters in the back for tailgate type settings. The only concern I have is the plastic door insides look cheap to some and of the build quality on certain parts of the the rear seats is a little weird. Overall this car seems to me to be ahead of it's time and I plan on driving it for many more years."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This is a great crossover

By PK (NY) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good value, Fun to drive"

Cons: "Why does navigation cost 2k+"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"A true do it all vehicle. I own a GT with v6 and AWD. Awesome power, 27.8 mpg highway. Kickin' Rockford-Fosgate stereo. Can't believe how well this handles. No body roll, no wallowing in the corners, yet very comfy ride. Normally, I wouldn't buy an automatic trans., but the paddle shifters are fantastic. Lots of room inside for the size of the vehicle. Even put two adults in the third row for a 50 mile ride with no complaints. Would buy this again."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This really is the Best vehicle I ever owned

By Ken (NV) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have almost 90,000 miles on this Outlander and all I have done is change the oil and bring it in for a couple of regularly scheduled service appointments, some of which Mitsubishi did for free. The 3.0 engine is a great engine and never lacking for power, really nice pick-up. That fold down bottom part of the tailgate is a great idea and I have used it more than I thought I would. I would recommend Mitsubishi to anyone, anytime."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love this car!

By miss marie (CO) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great in all weather, excellent mileage,"

Cons: "inside carpet thin and came loose, turns wide"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I traded in a Subaru Forester for the Outlander and have not regretted one day. The outlander is versatile, with its third row seating, shift on the fly 4WD and the cargo area is much roomer. The gas mileage is great, especially for someone with a mobile business like mine. My assistant loved mine so much, she had to buy one of her own."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Awesome, you'll not be disappointed!!

By Moose (NJ) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "all"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love driving this car. I bought if for my wife but I drive it every opportunity I get. Great handling and the acceleration is that of a V6. The CVT Transmission takes a little getting used to but now I prefer it. And it gets great gas mileage. Great bank for the buck!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse