2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

When it debuted in 2011, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was an exciting and enticing entry in the nascent world of subcompact SUVs. A lot has changed in those 13 years, but not the Outlander Sport. Though it’s had some updates over the years, this is still the same basic model. Now, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport swims in a sea of far better, far fresher, and far more innovative rivals, including the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona. Even with its impressive warranty and standard all-wheel drive, it’s hard to recommend this Mitsubishi when there are so many better choices for the price. But if you have your heart set on an Outlander Sport, read on.

For 2024, all new Mitsubishi models come with two years of complimentary maintenance. A Trail Edition joins the lineup and the GT trim is now named the SEL.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts a few hundred dollars below far better competitors like the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona (both $24,100), and Kia Seltos ($24,390). It’s also less than the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek (both $24,995), which, like the Outlander Sport, have all-wheel drive standard. The Toyota Corolla Cross, at under $24K, is nearly in line with the Outlander Sport and a better choice. All of these rivals offer more advanced safety and driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control that are not even available in the Outlander Sport. Before buying a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying. While the allure of a lower price might be tempting now, that cost advantage doesn’t necessarily hold up in the long run, primarily when it’s time to sell. That’s because the Outlander Sport has one of the lowest resale values in the segment.

Yes, it has the word “sport” in its name, but the Outlander Sport isn’t really sporty. That name is used to differentiate it from the larger, 3-row Mitsubishi Outlander. We do like that the Outlander Sport now has all-wheel drive as standard. This is a benefit if you live where roads can get slippery due to foul weather. But the only adjective we can think of after our tests with this Mitsubishi is “mediocre.” All but the top trim have to make do with a paltry 148-horsepower engine connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Compare that with the Mazda CX-30’s standard 191 horsepower and snappy 6-speed automatic. You’ll need a heavy right foot to get the Outlander Sport up to speed on freeways and for passing duties.

The story is a little better in the SEL trim, which used to be called the GT. And by a little better, we mean 20 more horsepower, which is what the SEL’s larger engine musters. Again, this isn’t groundbreaking, but it isn’t woeful. With either engine, we’ve found ride quality on the firm side. That’s fine for solo jaunts on back roads and not so great with a small family aboard.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is rated at 26 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. This is no longer competitive. The Mazda CX-30, which also has AWD standard and far more power than the Mitsu, earns 29 mpg. The Subaru Crosstrek, with AWD and slightly more power, also achieves 29 mpg combined. Then there’s the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, also with AWD, that earns 42 mpg. You can find more information about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s fuel economy on the EPA’s website.

Although it’s not exactly as it was when the Outlander Sport debuted 13 years ago, things haven’t changed drastically for its 5-passenger interior. Its rivals have better materials, fresher style, more technology, and more space. The Outlander Sport just isn’t competitive anymore. Heck, you don’t even get push-button start until you reach the SE trim, which starts at $27,695.

At least all models come with a 7-inch touchscreen display. But even here, it’s lacking. You know how almost every other new vehicle these days includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard? Well, not the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. You don’t get those two common phone interfaces until you reach the LE trim, at $26,395.

At least there’s room in front for a pair of 6-footers. But those of the same height won’t be all that comfortable sitting in back. Rear legroom of 36.3 inches is adequate, but the Seltos has 38. Now let’s compare cargo room. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 21.7 cubic feet behind the seats and 49.5 with them lowered. The Seltos has 26.6 and 62.8, respectively.

We thought the Outlander Sport looked handsome when it debuted so long ago, and at least we can say it’s aged pretty well. It’s a diminutive little pup that, at 171.9 inches long, is now shorter than some rivals as the segment has grown literally and figuratively. The Toyota Corolla Cross, for instance, is 176.1 inches. With the new Trail Edition, the Outlander Sport gets black hood graphics, black side and fender moldings, and mud flaps.

All-wheel drive
All 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models come with all-wheel drive – or, as Mitsubishi calls it, All-Wheel Control.

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 — are LED units that contribute to the contemporary appearance of the 2024 Outlander Sport.

Rear parking sensors
These are optional across the 2024 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 SEL 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 smaller and less powerful 2.0-liter unit.

The engine in most versions of the 2024 Outlander Sport SUV is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making a pretty meager 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The exception is the 2.4 SEL, 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, and 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. Both engines are connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all models have all-wheel drive as standard.

Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2024 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. For 2024, all new Mitsubishi vehicles also include two years/30,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned the top score of “Good” in four of five crashworthiness categories and “Acceptable” in the fifth from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earns four stars out of five in testing by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).