The Mitsubishi Outlander greeted 2015 with a new optional 2.4-liter engine and an updated CVT (continuously variable transmission).
It seems as if there is a crossover for every taste, some are practical, others are sporty. The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport on the other hand is the looker in the crossover family. It’s got some muscle in the fenders and bling in the wheels. You won’t tear up the road but you’ll look good driving around town.
The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact crossover SUV that is offered in four trim levels: ES, 2.4 ES, SE and 2.4 GT, (this review will focus on the SE trim with the 2.0-liter engine).
The SE adds automatic xenon headlights, foglights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, keyless ignition, automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, paddle shifters, a sliding armrest between the front seats, a rearview camera, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and HD radio to the standard equipment of: 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, Mitsubishi’s Fuse voice-activated electronics interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.
An inline 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine delivers 148 horses and 145 pound-feet of torque. Mileage estimates are 24/city, 30/highway and 27/combined mpg.
With a simple but well-organized interior, the Outlander Sport provides the latest in technology including a voice-controlled Fuse system allowing the driver to control the audio and nav. functions hands-free.
Front seat passengers will find the seating comfortable and roomy. Rear seat passengers may feel a bit cramped if they are the taller among us, but most will find it comfortable enough. 21.7 cubic feet makes up the rear storage space but put the back seats down and it grows to 49.5 cubic feet.
Driving around town in the Outlander is a satisfying experience while freeway driving is a bit more challenging. Acceleration isn’t that dramatic due to the slow-shifting of the CVT and the engine will let you know with an excess of noise.
Sporty looks aside, the handling of the Outlander Sport is not always all-that. Steering is less than sharp and the suspension is soft.
If a looker is what you are interested in, then the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE will fit the bill.
