Used 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport used to be a clever size. It slotted between subcompact and compact SUVs, offering a relatively decent amount of space at competitive prices. But that was in 2011, when the Outlander Sport debuted.

Things have moved on. Other subcompact SUVs have grown whenever their new generations arrived, leaving the Outlander Sport as more of an outlier. This is made worse by the scarcity of Mitsubishi dealers and the fact that the Outlander Sport’s resale values are pretty much at the bottom of the class.

We can’t recommend a 12-year-old vehicle when the competition is so good and just as affordable. Take a look at what else is on offer, because there are plenty of superb subcompact SUVs around. Some of them even have comparable warranties. However, if your stubborn heart is set on a new Outlander Sport SUV, the rest of the review is below.

It says sport in the name, but the Outlander Sport is not sporty. The word is really used to differentiate this small SUV from the larger Outlander, which has three rows of seating.

Now with all-wheel drive as standard, the 2023 Outlander Sport does at least bring some confidence when the roads turn treacherous. All-wheel drive also helps apply the power to dry tarmac. Well, what power there is.

A modest 148 horses come trotting out of the 2.0-liter engine in all but the GT model. Not the weakest in the subcompact SUV class, though not far off. It needs a heavy right foot to get things moving, which is when the noise builds. Engine noise, accompanied by a drone from the automatic transmission (of the continuously variable kind).

The GT enjoys 168 horsepower and its 2.4-liter engine isn’t so rowdy. It’s more pleasurable to drive, although the ride quality of both models is on the firm side. This can be entertaining on a solo jaunt down some back roads, not so much fun with the family on board.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of subcompact SUVs, including this Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Although the exterior has seen some updates, the interior design takes us back to when the “Fast & Furious” franchise was only on its fifth movie, and infotainment touchscreens were still small enough to fit in the center console.

Everyone else is using better-quality materials these days. But if expectations are low, disappointments will be few.

Up front, there’s the much-loved raised driving position as well as space for a couple of 6-footers. Someone of the same height won’t be that comfortable sitting behind them, however. Rear legroom of 36.3 inches isn’t bad, but the Kia Seltos offers 38 inches.

Cargo space goes from 21.7 to 49.5 cubic feet when the 60/40 split/folding rear seats are down flat. Again, the Kia Seltos does better with 26.6/62.8 cubic feet.

Rain-sensing windshield wipers
In rival vehicles, this feature is quite often an option or fitted to a higher trim. It’s standard in the Outlander Sport SUV.

LED exterior lighting
Low beams, high beams, taillights — and fog lights, where fitted — LED units contribute to the modern appearance of the 2023 Outlander Sport.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
It’s annoying that smartphone integration doesn’t make it into the 2023 Outlander Sport until the third trim level, LE, when rivals have it as standard. Maybe there’s a logic to Mitsubishi’s thinking, but we’d rather have this than rain-sensing wipers.

Rear parking sensors
These are optional across the 2023 Outlander Sport range. Even though this small SUV has a parking space-friendly size, a little extra help is always a good thing to have.

Leather seating surfaces
The GT model has these as standard. They add a little class to a somewhat workaday cabin.

2.4-liter engine
If Mitsubishi made this the standard engine, the Outlander Sport would have more to recommend it. Especially since its fuel economy is close to that of the 2.0-liter unit.

The engine in most versions of the 2023 Outlander Sport SUV is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making (yawn) 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

The exception is the 2.4 GT, which has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. It’s the better choice of the two, quieter as well. But that would mean splashing out on the priciest Outlander Sport variant — and for that kind of money, there are more appealing alternatives.

Regular gasoline works just fine in both engines. But the Outlander Sport’s fuel economy is nothing special. Newer rivals are thriftier.

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (S, ES, LE, SE)
148 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (GT)
168 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
167 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg

More Outlander Sport fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Exceptional Warranty Coverage

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain’s coverage is 10 years or 100,000 miles. There aren’t any better warranties, although Hyundai and Kia offer the same arrangements.