Quick! Name a mini crossover that is fun, cheap, sporty and reliable!?
Did you get any? My immediate answer to those criteria would be the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
This chuck-able little crossover is just about the coolest way to enter the stylish AWD SUV segment on a compact-car budget.
The tradeoffs are less than ever this year for the 2015 model, which adds miles-per-gallon stats to its roster via a new automatic transmission. The exterior is now offered in this shiny metallic blue paint, which goes well with the SE model’s new LED daytime running lights in the lower corners.
Inside, there are new finishes to spruce up the dashboard as well as thicker front glass and better sound insulation to keep things calm inside at highway speeds. As ever, the huge Mitsubishi Rockford Fosgate audio upgrade brings a thumping subwoofer to really jam out with your blam out.
These are some bright LEDs! And they will ensure that the 2015 Outlander Sport stays top-of-mind for car buyers who want the view and usefulness of a four-wheel-drive SUV, but the city maneuverability and bulletproof reliability of a Japanese compact.
The new Outlander Sport is likely to be in stores this summertime — July is our estimate for landing this cool and useful mini truck.
2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT – ES (without LEDs…)
2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT – SE (with LEDs…!)
Official details are below from Mitsubishi.
2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT AT-A-GLANCE
What’s New for 2015
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Next-generation continuously-variable transmission (equivalent to a 7-speed transmission)
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Better response and performance from a standing start with upgraded CVT
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Improved fuel economy at an estimated 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined (2WD models) and 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 mpg combined (4WD models)*
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New Carbon audio panel trim; thicker front door window glass & new rear quarter panel sound insulation material for less noise intrusion; next-generation Electric Power Steering (all models)
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New high-gloss piano black with silver accent audio trim panel; stylish-looking LED running lights; relocated heated front seat switch for easier accessibility (SE model)
For the 2015 model year, Mitsubishi Motors’ perennial best-seller – the eye-catching Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover – receives some key aesthetic and engineering improvements to help maintain its reign as the company’s #1-selling model.
The very capable MIVEC variable valve-timing-equipped 148 horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter-based 4-cylinder drivetrain also receives numerous design enhancements to further boost its performance.
What’s more, rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a “Top Safety Pick” the previous three model years, the Outlander Sport is also one of the safest compact crossover/SUV models.
Available in either 2WD or 4WD – Mitsubishi Motors’ acclaimed driver-selectable, electronically-controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) four-wheel drive system – and with a solid-shifting 5-speed manual (ES 2WD model) or the sophisticated CVT transmission, every 2015 Outlander Sport model comes equipped with a plethora of important safety features and technologies: seven (7) air bags; Active Stability Control (ASC) with Hill Start Assist (HSA); Traction Control Logic (TCL); a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
An additional layer of occupant protection is afforded by Mitsubishi Motors’ advanced Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) patented safety body construction system that absorbs energy to help provide protection to the vehicle’s occupants.
Every 2015 Outlander Sport includes one of the best protection plans in the entire auto industry: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance.
Key Specifications
Wheelbase: |
105.1 in. |
Length: |
169.1 in. |
Height: |
64.2 in. |
Width: |
69.7 in. |
Engine: |
DOHC MIVEC 2.0-liter inline-4 |
Horsepower: |
148 @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque: |
145 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm |
Transmission: |
5-speed manual or Sportronic® continuously-variable transmission (CVT) |
Dynamics: |
Anti-Lock Brake System w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
Wheels: |
18 x 7-in. aluminum alloy |
Maximum Tires: |
225/55R18 all-season radials |
Fuel Economy: |
25 mpg city/32 mpg highway* (ES and SE 2WD with CVT)24 mpg city/30 mpg highway* (ES 2WD with 5-speed manual)24 mpg city/30 mpg highway* (ES and SE with AWD) |
Major Standard Features:
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Air conditioning with pollen filter
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
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Chrome grille surround
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18-in. alloy wheels
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Soft-touch instrument panel trim
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4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
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Roof carrier plug-in accommodation
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Hill Start Assist (HSA)
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Active Stability Control (ASC)
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Heated outside mirrors
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Advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver’s seat position sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors
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Electric Power Steering (EPS)
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60/40 split folding and reclining high-back rear seats with armrest and cup holder
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Remote keyless entry with panic feature
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Center room lamp
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Rear intermittent wiper
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High-contrast gauge meters with full-color LCD Multi-Information Display
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FUSE Hands-Free Link System® w/USB port
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Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
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6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
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Power door locks and side view mirrors
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Power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down
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Steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise control
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Two 12-volt power outlets
SE adds over ES:
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Super-wide beam High-Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlights,
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6 speaker 6.1-in. touchscreen display audio system
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SIRIUSXM® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription
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HD Radio®
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Rearview camera
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FAST-key passive entry system
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One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch
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Large center console with sliding armrest
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Heated front seats
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Rain-sensing wipers
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Auto on/off headlight control
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Fog lights with LED running lights
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Chrome exterior beltline molding
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Automatic climate control
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Exhaust outlet with chrome tip
Outlander Sport Options:
Deluxe Package (SE) adds: Leather seating surfaces; power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Premium Package (SE) adds: Panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting; black roof rails; 710-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium sound system with 9 speakers including 10-in. dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch Control®, DTS® Neural Surround, PremiDIA-WIDE® surround, and Dolby® Volume; auto dimming rearview mirror; power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Touring Package (SE) adds: MMCS Navigation system with 7-in. high definition touch panel, voice command, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information and real-time traffic; leather seating surfaces; panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting; black roof rails; 710-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium sound system with 9 speakers including 10-in. dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch Control®, DTS® Neural Surround, PremiDIA-WIDE® surround, and Dolby® Volume; auto dimming rearview mirror; power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Exterior Package adds: Large rear spoiler; front and rear undercover; alloy fuel door.
Interior Package adds (CVT only): Piano black gear shift panel overlay; aluminum-alloy & leather combination shift knob.
LED Illumination Package adds: Front floor illumination (Blue LED); tailgate light (Blue LED); LED Interior lights.
Protection Package adds: Bright tailgate protector; rear bumper plate; color-keyed body side moldings; scuff plate covers.
Wind Deflector Package adds: Hood protector; side wind deflectors.
Park Assist Sensor Package adds: Front and rear park assist sensors (color-key).
Cargo Package adds: Reversible cargo mat; cargo net; tonneau cover.
All Weather Package adds: Remote engine start; all-weather floor mats (4).
Navigation Package adds: MMCS Navigation system with 7-in. high definition touch panel, voice command, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information, real-time traffic and Mapcare®.
Black Wheel Arch Moldings
Alloy Fuel Door
Roof Rack Crossbars
Body Side Moldings (color-keyed)
All-weather Floor mats (4)
Fog Lights
LED Daytime Running Lights with corner extensions
Rear Park Assist Sensors (color-keyed)
Wheel Locks
Mudguards
*Preliminary estimated fuel economy numbers pending final determination by the EPA.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.