2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Video Road Test and Review

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a four door five passenger crossover that adds a sporty feel to a segment typically reserved for more mundane people movers.  The Outlander Sport is powered by a 2.0 Liter MIVEC four cylinder that produces 148 HP and 145 lb-ft of torque being sent to either the front or all four wheels via a five speed manual or a fuel sipping CVT that is good for an estimated 25 MPG in the city and as much as 31 MPG on the highway.  Mitsubishi offers the Outlander Sport in three trim levels: ES, SE and SE with AWC.

The entry level Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES is available with either a five speed manual or continuously variable transmission and rides on a set of 16 inch steel wheels (alloys for the CVT) and is equipped with a chrome grill surround, framed by a pair of halogen projector headlights with LED lit tail lamps out back, as well as color matching door handles and power side mirrors.  Mitsubishi’s engineers even saw fit to include electronic power steering as a way to get a few more MPGs as well as seven airbags for safety.  On the inside the $18,795 ES comes with a color multi information display, chrome door pulls, a tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with magnesium paddle shifters for the CVT version as well as very convenient features like remote keyless entry, 60/40 split rear seat and the diamond star brand’s FUSE Hands free Link System with USB port that allows users to access their telephone and mobile media devices wirelessly by voice.

The next step up in the Outlander Sport lineup is the SE, available exclusively in front wheel drive with a CVT gearbox.  The Outlander Sport SE comes equipped with a set of super wide range HID headlamps while riding on a set of 18 inch aluminum alloys with a chrome exhaust tip out back.  On the inside, the Outlander Sport SE gets premium fabric upholstery as well as a few convenient features like Mitsubishi’s FAST key passive entry system, one touch start/stop engine switch, automatic climate control and rain sensing windshield wipers.  The $21,995 SE also comes with a six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; while a nine 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 40 GB HDD Navigation system complete with rear view camera, music server and real time traffic is available as an upgrade, as well as the optional panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting.

The top of the line Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWC gets its name from the Japanese automaker’s all wheel control four wheel drive system, and aside from the extra bits of drive train underneath, the SE AWC is recognizable by its halogen fog lamps with chrome bezels and heated front seats inside, starting at $23,295.

A list of cars similar to the Outlander Sport include the 2012 Kia Sportage, 2012 Hyundai Tuscon and 2013 Ford Escape.

See more details about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.