Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review _ Consumer Reports

The Outlander Sport: A Practical but Unpleasant Package

The Outlander Sport is a truncated hatchback version of the Outlander, which we previously tested and found to be pretty good. However, despite its name, the Outlander Sport does not live up to expectations when it comes to sporty handling. The steering is vague and doesn't provide much feedback, which can lead to body roll that builds quickly on curvy back roads. This lack of handling is a significant disappointment, especially since the Outlander is one of the best-handling small Chevys available.

Furthermore, don't expect great acceleration from the 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The car feels sluggish, and while the continuously variable transmission (CVT) works hard to get the most out of it, it returns decent fuel economy that's okay for a four-wheel drive car but not what you'd typically expect from this type of vehicle. The CVT does exacerbate engine noise, holding the revs high in an attempt to get as much power out of the small engine as possible, which creates a significant amount of engine noise. This will likely be annoying on road trips.

Another aspect that will bug some drivers is the ride quality. The Outlander Sport has a stiff and choppy ride, which is not what most cars are smooth on the highway but not so much in this vehicle. The car's design seems to have prioritized comfort over handling, resulting in an unpleasant driving experience. Additionally, visibility can be a concern due to thick windshield pillars at the base and a small rear window that obstructs some of the view through head restraints.

However, it's worth noting that the Outlander Sport is still a practical package. Getting into the front seat is easy, thanks to big doors and seats that are comfortable to slide into. Once inside, there's plenty of room all around, with a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel that most drivers can find a good position on. The front seats are well-padded but may become uncomfortable on long trips for some drivers.

The controls in the Outlander Sport are generally simple and easy to use, although radio controls are mounted up high, and big knobs are available for climate control adjustments. One thing to note is that seat heater controls can be difficult to find and are hidden down by the buckle of the seatbelt. The dashboard itself is padded but falls short of being luxurious.

Getting into the backseat isn't quite as easy as getting into the front, thanks to a smaller door opening. However, headroom and legroom are still decent in this area. Unfortunately, there's less foot room than drivers might prefer, which can be due to the location of the mounts for the front seats. One positive aspect is that the Outlander Sport has a well-shaped cargo area, despite being smaller compared to its larger counterpart, the Outlander.

Another significant drawback to owning an Outlander Sport is its price. To get all-wheel drive, you need to opt for a loaded version with features like heated seats and xenon headlights. This makes the car more expensive than its larger sibling, not to mention competing models in the market that offer better performance and handling at similar prices.

Overall, while the Outlander Sport has its practical benefits, it's ultimately a package that prioritizes functionality over driving pleasure.