Used 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Intended to compete in the smallest end of the compact SUV market, against the likes of the Nissan Juke and Mini Countryman, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport brings style and a fun-to-own image. It drives nice and easy, is small enough to be maneuverable around town, will haul 5-passengers and a reasonable amount of random stuff, gets really good gas mileage, and has a low price. Mitsubishi says it’s the company’s best-selling model, and with good reason – it’s a completely agreeable little SUV.

Getting around in the 2014 Outlander Sport is unobtrusively easy. The driving position is comfortable and, thanks to the somewhat high profile, the driver has a great view of the road and traffic. Parking and dealing with tight traffic couldn’t be easier, as the excellent visibility and the tidy size make it a snap to zip in and out of snug parking spots or work through crowded streets. Choose the 5-speed manual transmission (available only on the base ES trim level with 2-wheel drive) and you’ll find it light, easy and precise. The continuously-variable automatic transmission includes handy paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for manual control. While the Outlander Sport is not intended for enthusiastic attacks on winding roads or for serious off-roading, the All Wheel Control function of the all-wheel-drive versions allows an “auto” mode for enhanced grip in general and “lock” for dealing with slippery conditions.

The 2014 Outlander Sport’s interior is easy on the eyes and easy to use. Front seats are reasonably comfortable, while the rear is snug for three adults but just fine for two. Behind the rear seat the cargo capacity is not great, at just over 20 cubic feet, but fold down the rear seats and the capacity more than doubles. There is leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, and leather seating is available with the SE Touring Package as an option. The Outlander Sport’s interior doesn’t claim to be luxurious, but it is useful and comfortable.

The 2014 Outlander Sport’s exterior gives prospective buyers lots of reasons to sign the dotted line. Up front, the nose is remindful of Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution performance line, while along the sides are deep creases and sculpturing that bring a lot of interest and neatly tie into the door handles. Big wheels and tires fill up the wheel wells, and the rear end is nicely tied off with wraparound taillights and a spoiler over the rear window. An optionally-available roof rack can be used to carry larger items that won’t fit inside.

ROCKFORD FOSGATE AUDIO SYSTEM
You’ll literally feel the music with this 9-speaker, 710-watt sound system that includes a powerful subwoofer. And with a built-in 6-disc CD changer, SiriusXM receiver and available 40-gig hard drive with music server, you’ll never be lacking for tunes.

GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY
It may seem obvious, but it deserves mention: The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with a full complement of safety features, exceptional selection of audio systems and other electronic aids, commendable fuel economy, a low price and easy driving and operation, represents a lot of transportation value for the money.

Even a base 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES packs a good amount of comfort, safety and convenience features. Among them are leather wrapping the shift knob and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, LED taillights, 18-inch wheels, air conditioning with pollen filter, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio buttons, a 4-speaker/140-watt AM/FM/CD system, and Fuse voice-control system. SE models add automatic on/off high-intensity headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and six speakers instead of four along with a touch-screen audio display. Mitsubishi vehicles also come with a new-car warranty that includes 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Many options for the 2014 Outlander Sport are grouped into packages, including a Premium Package (SE trim), Premium Package with Panoramic Glass Roof (SE trim), Touring Package (SE trim), Exterior Package, Interior Package (with CVT only), and other packages for LED Illumination, LED Daytime Running Lights, Rear Park Assist Sensor, Cargo, All-Weather and Navigation. Stand-alone options include an alloy fuel door, roof rack crossbars, body side moldings, all-weather floormats, fog lights, wheel locks, and mudguards.

Just one engine is available for Outlander Sport models, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that runs on regular unleaded gasoline and is rated at 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a CVT automatic transmission or, for the base version of the vehicle, a 5-speed manual. While the powertrain is certainly willing, it would be unreasonable to expect large doses of performance. The Outlander Sport uses a “brake energy regeneration” system to reduce fuel usage and CO2 emissions, which works by capturing kinetic energy during deceleration and then intensively recharging the battery with that energy. The battery can then reduce its reliance on the engine’s alternator, which helps conserve fuel. The result is a powertrain that is entirely adequate for the vehicle’s uses and also delivers quite commendable fuel economy.

2.0-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg (manual), 24/31 mpg (automatic), 24/29 mpg (automatic, all-wheel drive)