2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Performance

In previous Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reviews, we derided the underpowered engines and that hasn't changed. Unlike the competition, which has slowly moved on to small-capacity turbocharged engines that provide good low-down torque and a more refined driving experience, the Mitsubishi has been chained to a set of naturally aspirated boat anchors that detract from an otherwise solid package. All models, barring the GT, share a smaller capacity four-cylinder 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that huffs and puffs its way around town, and, while it might offer sufficient pull around the city, it loses steam on the highway and shrinks in at the sight of a long incline when fully loaded. GT models get a bump up in capacity to 2.4-liters which helps the low-down torque and overall refinement, but we'd much rather see a smaller turbocharged engine under the hood. The GT's engine manages an unremarkable 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque and, based on independent testing, needs around eight seconds to go from 0-60 mph. All models come equipped with AWD as standard.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is offered with two naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines and a single continuously variable transmission. All trims but the top GT share a 2.0-liter MIVEC double-overhead camshaft inline-four-cylinder engine, which produces a paltry 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. This engine needs to be pushed hard to get any real reaction, and with peak torque only arriving at around 4,200 rpm, this unit feels unrefined and thrashy. Only the top of the line GT gets the larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This power plant produces a more respectable 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, but also needs to be strung out to get the best performance. The CVT gearbox pulls the Outlander Sport along without much fuss but can get confused at lower speeds. The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape both offer more horsepower and a ton more low-down torque; driving either will make you think twice about getting behind the wheel of the Outlander Sport on a permanent basis.

The high-revving naturally-aspirated engines powering the Outlander Sport need a good stomping to get anywhere, and in turn, have to consume more fuel, so it comes as no surprise that the Sport is thirstier than most of its competitors. The EPA gives an estimated fuel consumption rating of 23/29/26 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD 2.0-liter powered cars. The GT, with its larger capacity engine, will return 23/28/25 mpg.

By comparison, the AWD Honda HR-V can manage up to 27 mpg combined and the Mazda CX-30 AWD is even better at 29 mpg.

With a fuel capacity of 15.8 gallons, the maximum range is 395 miles for the GT and 411 miles for the rest.