Overview:
This is the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC (all wheel control). The stylish Outlander Sport is a capable competitor in the crowded compact crossover segment.
- Compact crossover with seating for five
- Adds a new transmission and electric power steering for 2015
- IIHS Top Safety Pick award winner
Compact crossovers are abundant these days because they are profitable to the manufacturers. The Outlander Sport’s looks go up against the most popular of the bunch, including the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. One area it does very well in comparison is base price, starting at just over $3,000 less than the CR-V.
Included in standard stuff is a new FUSE hands-free link system that offers enhanced voice-activated commands for the Bluetooth and audio systems. I don’t find this is usually a very useful feature. Unless one week isn’t enough time to learn my voice inflections, I don’t find any that are anything but frustration. A question for you is, “do you have a differing experience with voice activated commands? As a side note, my iPhone just gets better and better every version of the software operating system. I have not turned on Siri lately because that was lousy and I got frustrated. When I find the voice recognition in autos gets to a point that it is useful I will report. In the meantime I’d like to hear your opinion on the subject. joe@atthewheel.com.
General Information: It is assembled in Normal, Illinois, USA; Parts – US/Canadian 29%, Japan 49%; Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Small SUV’s. Cars from Mitsubishi: iMiEV, Lancer, Mirage, Outlander and Outlander Sport.
Handling & Performance:
These crossovers are built lower to the ground than the earlier SUV’s and thus handle very well. It is a good size for a 5 seating SUV. That means easier parking and maneuvering generally.
Styling:
Generic, if you will, because all SUVs are close relatives. The designs have all fallen into that similar SUV look. CAD (computer aided design) tools are being used by all manufacturers to optimize fuel economy and high mileage reliable cars.
That being said, I especially like the unique front fascia grill work. Plus the 18” alloy wheels are a nice upgrade over most of the competition.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
At the lower end of the cost curve in this segment and at the upper end in delivering features and quality of ride.
Conveniences and comfort:
At the upper end of this class in segment.
Consumer Recommendations:
You should be able to get a great end of model year sale price. Don’t be shy. The 2016s are out and the 2015s will be offered at discount prices. Consider also that the improvements we expect each new model year aren’t significant enough from one year to the next. Remember also these are NEW cars. Save a bunch and consider a 2015 model year.
Recognized Competition:
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport $20-25,000, Toyota RAV4 $26,000, Honda CRV $28,000, Kia Forte5 $20,000, Buick Encore $26,000, Jeep Renegade $22,000.
Good News:
Priced well in class, good compliment of standard features, good quality.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 4-cylinder 166 hp engine, electric power steering, all wheel control, sporttrinic padle shifters, auto headlights, fog lights, LED front and rear, side fender turn signals, roof carrier plug in , heated mirrors, intermittent wipers, rear window intermittent wiper / washer with defroster, rain sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, 18” alloy wheels, color LCD multi information display, dual visor vanity mirrors with illumination, rear dome light , rear cargo light, ECO driver light for CVT transmission, drive mode selector for 2 and 4 wheel drive, 5-passenger seating, fabric trimmed seating, heated driver & front passenger seats, 8-way driver & 4-way passenger manual adjustable seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seatback, climate control, rear heater floor ducts, tilt & telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote hooed and fuel door release levers6.1” touch panel display audio system, AM/FM/CD/MP3audio system with 6 speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, FUSE Hands free link system with Bluetooth, USB port and steering wheel controls, rearview camera system, steering wheel audio controls, FAST key passive entry system with panic feathure, one touch start/stop engine switch, cruise control, power windows and locks, 2- 12 volt accessory outlets, center console box with armrest, cargo tie-down utility hooks, hill start assist, power ABS brake system with brakeforce distribution, stabiltiy control, traction control, tire pressure monitor, front and rear side curtain airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, dual front airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors and upper tethers, child safety rear door locks, anti-theft security alarm system and engine immobilizer.
Gas Stats:
$2.97 Gal avg. December 19, 2015
for more information.
24 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,195.