Model Tested: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 SEL AWC

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

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

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

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

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.
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