Flash Drive

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Model Tested: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 SEL AWC

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWC is a handsomely styled compact sport utility.

Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 168 horsepower, 167 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city/28-mpg highway/25-mpg combined

Base Price: $25,895

As Tested: $29,110

Performance:

Strong fuel economy—our best was 30.0-mpg highway

Automatically defaults to Eco mode, but

The hatchback on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport opens high enough for tall people and easy overall access.

you can’t purposely select Eco

Pleasant highway ride

4WD control button on center console

Hill Start Assist

Lane departure warning, but no blind spot warning

18-inch alloy wheels

Good size for city driving and daily commuting

Nimble size for off-roading or snow driving

Comfort:

Comfy front seats

8-way power adjustable driver’s seat

Front seat room, comfort, and amenities are all very good on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Good front row legroom; not quite stretch-out

Two-temp heated front seats (hot is quite hot)

Thick, contoured, leather-wrapped steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Panoramic glass roof greatly brightens interior

Snug (knees touch seatback) rear seat with fronts all back

Ample headroom

Medium height floor tunnel hump

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 7-inch smartphone link display.

Semi-soft headrests

Utility:

5-passenger seating

Medium size glovebox, but non-locking

Medium front door bins with bottle notches

Deep, OK size console bin

Rain sensing wipers

36 presets on stereo

Flat cargo deck

High opening tailgate

Split folding rear seats have slight slope

Single seatback storage pouch

No rear door bins or bottle notches

Two cupholders in fold-down armrest

Nice Rockford Fosgate stereo system

7-inch Smartphone link display

WOW Factors:

Panoramic glass roof

Great fuel economy, especially for a non-hybrid

The SEL trim level on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport includes a leather wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats.

Economically priced

Folding outside mirrors on approach/departure

Standard rain sensing wipers

Excellent warranty

Whines:

Flimsy cargo deck

Cheap cargo deck carpeting

No rear door storage bins or bottle notches

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an attractive, value-packed compact SUV with an excellent warranty. The optional 2.4-liter I-4 engine is capable of 30-mpg fuel economy. The Outlander Sport is spacious inside and compact outside.