2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

header-image
Rating7.2

Ranked #4 in 

Fullsize SUV
Write Review
$23,495 - $31,695
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 7, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Three-row SUV at an affordable price

Sluggish acceleration with the base engine

A rearview camera along with a 6.1-inch touchscreen now comes standard

Respectable fuel economy

Less standard features

A surround-view camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now available

Well-insulated cabin

Ride comfort is not that great

Great safety ratings

Specs & Features

$24,995

price

166 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

162 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

torque

1 CVT w/od

transmission

2.4L 4cyl 4WD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander is available for sale with a starting price of $23,495 while the smaller Outlander Sport costs as low as $19,795. It comes in the form of four trims- ES, SE, SEL, and GT. The Outlander gets two engine options- a 166-hp four-cylinder engine and a 224-hp V6 engine, the latter only available on the GT trim. The base engine is known for its fuel economy while the V6 engine for its quick acceleration. This year, the Outlander gets few updates in technological features.

A 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a rearview camera are now standard features while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a surround-view camera are made available. The Outlander'cabin is a home for 7 people, a rarity in its segment. Moreover, it has earned top safety ratings in its class and offers many key advanced safety features too. Although there are many cars in its segment, the Outlander locks its horns with the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4, and the Nissan Rogue

Buying Advice

The SEL trim is the best go-to option if you are purchasing the Mitsubishi Outlander. It doesn't add many features compared to the lower trim levels but gives the option of upgrading to the GT trim's features such as LED lights with auto on/off function, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and several driver assistance features. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Mitsubishi’s 7-passenger Outlander offers a solid choice with well-appointed cabin boasting features not often found in this price range- Cargurus

The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the out shadowed SUVs in its class as it is not as modern as its rivals. It stands out from the competition by offering an optional V6 engine and standard three rows. It has a spacious interior but the fit and finish are not that great. The driving dynamics are somewhat good but due to less standard features, it doesn't have strong sales. 

The true cost to own the Outlander is on par with other rivals in its class. It costs close to $7,200 every year. Apparently, most of that is due to its high maintenance and repair costs. The average cost per mile is $0.48, which is slightly more than its rivals. In terms of reliability, the Outlander scored 80 points out of 100, which is a good score but its rivals have much better scores. 

Features
7.0/10

The Outlander's value signals are mixed, as the SE and SEL are reasonably priced- The Car Connection

The Mitsubishi Outlander is sold in four trims namely ES, SE, SEL, and GT. Pricing starts from $23,495 and it goes all the way just over $31,600. Except for the GT trim, FWD and AWD configuration are available on all trims. The Outlander doesn't offer many standard features as its rivals but there are some decent ones loaded in this 7-seater. 

Some of them include cloth and leather upholstery, power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, etc. A 6-inch touchscreen is now standard on the base ES trim. But, if you want Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a larger 7-inch screen is standard from the SE model onwards. There are a few optional packages available to upgrade some features. 

Trim ES SE SEL GT
MSRP (FWD) $23,495 $24,495 $25,495  N/A
MSRP (AWD) $24,995 $26,495 $27,495 $31,695
Key Features Rearview camera Adds/ Upgrades to ES trim  Adds/ Upgrades to SE trim Adds/ Upgrades to SEL trim
  Leather-wrapped steering wheel Two USB ports Auto-on/off headlights LED headlights & fog lights
  Dual-zone automatic climate control 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Fog lights with chrome accents Power liftgate
  6.1-inch touchscreen display Heated front seats Rain-sensing wipers 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system
  HD radio SiriusXM 8-way power driver's seat Sunroof
  18-inch alloy wheels Push-button start Leather upholstery Blind Spot Monitor
  Manually-adjustable front seats     Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

We Recommend

The SEL trim is the best go-to option if you are purchasing the Mitsubishi Outlander. It doesn't add many features compared to the lower trim levels but gives the option of upgrading to the GT trim's features such as LED lights with auto on/off function, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and several driver assistance features. 

 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The CVT squeezes every drop of power from the 2.4-liter engine while returning impressive fuel economy- Kelly Blue Book

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a fuel sipper. The four-cylinder models manage to return decent MPG figures. According to the EPA, the fuel ratings include 25 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on a highway, and 27 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD system drops down the mileage by 1 MPG. The V6 engine has below-average ratings with 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on a highway, and 23 MPG combined. 

The four-cylinder models get a 16.6-gallon fuel tank and thanks to this large tank, the Outlander delivers 456 miles in mixed proportions. On the other hand, the GT model delivers only 371 miles of combined range as it is fitted with a smaller 15.8-gallon fuel tank. To keep things simple, It's a tradeoff between power and fuel economy. Therefore, stick to the four-cylinder models for saving money on fuel. 

Models

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

2017 Nissan Rogue 2017 Toyota RAV4 2017 Mazda CX-5

MPG (City)

25

26 23 24

MPG (Highway)

30

33 30 31

MPG (Combined)

27

29 26 27
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon) 16.6 14.5 15.9 14.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 415/498/456 377/479/428 366/477/421 355/459/407

The Nissan Rogue is the most fuel-efficient SUV in this competition The Mazda CX-5 returns the same combined mileage as the Outlander but it is highly efficient and therefore, stands above it. The Toyota RAV4 returns 1 MPG less than the Outlander and is hence pushed to the last place.

Interior
7.0/10

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander's interior pleases- Cars.USNews

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Seating and Comfort

The Mitsubishi Outlander can seat up to seven people, the main winning point of this SUV. Last year, Mitsubishi tweaked the Outlander's interior by bringing some soft-touch trims to the dash and door panels, a new steering wheel design, and new finishes throughout. The front seats are very comfortable and they have got a nice firmness to them. The side bolsters are nice too but they are not too tight. The seats are treated with cloth on lower trims and leather on higher versions. 

The front seats are power-adjustable from the SEL trim onwards with a heated function except for the base ES trim. Passenger space is excellent in the first row and adequate in the second row.  Therefore, six-footers will enjoy sitting in the first two rows. Also, the second-row seats do recline and slide forward but miss on functionalities like rear vents and USB ports. The third row isn't a place for adults and is primarily suitable for kids only. 

Models

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

2017 Nissan Rogue 2017 Toyota RAV4 2017 Mazda CX-5

Passenger Capacity

7

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.6/56.6/40.9

41.6/56.3/43.0

39.8/57.3/42.6

39.7/57.1/41.0

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.4/56.1/37.3

38.5/55.9/37.9

38.9/55.4/37.2

39.0/54.8/39.6

Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

35.7/51.4/28.2

N/A

N/A

N/A

All the rivals here have a seating capacity of up to five, which is a major plus point for the Outlander. In the second row, the Mazda CX-5 offers the most leg and headroom while the Nissan Rogue takes the credit for front legroom. the Toyota RAV4's space levels in the second row are almost similar to the Outlander. 

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Infotainment System

The base ES trim gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, which is now standard for this year. It supports basic functions such as AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration, and an in-dash CD player. It is connected with a 7-speaker sound system, whose sound quality is just fine. A 7-inch touchscreen display is standard from the SE trim onwards. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and also adds SiriusXM. 

A 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system is only available on the top-spec GT trim. The logic used for the menu structure is very simple and easy to understand. Unlike many modern SUVs, the Outlander follows a traditional setup of buttons and knobs for changing the volume and climate settings.  These are less distracting for the driver and are easier to reach over from the driver's seat.

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Interior Features

  • Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • 8-way power driver's seat 
  • Heated front seats
  • Cloth & leather upholstery
  • A sunroof
  • 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system
  • SiriusXM

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Cargo Space

A cargo capacity of 10.3 cu-ft. is offered in the Mitsubishi Outlander with all the seats upright. Fold the third-row seats and you get 34.2 cu-ft. of cargo space and a maximum of 63.3 cu-ft. is available if the second-row seats are folded too. The Outlander does fall behind in this field when compared to the segment leaders but it's still decent. On the top-end GT trim gets a standard power tailgate. 

The folding rear seat design is improved over the last year and is much easier to use. Once you get hang of it, you are rewarded with a perfectly flat cargo deck. The Rockford Fosgate subwoofer does take some space at the rear but there's still a once underfloor storage area behind the third row. The high ground clearance of the SUV can make things tough while loading heavy items into the cargo area. 

Models

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

2017 Nissan Rogue 2017 Toyota RAV4 2017 Mazda CX-5

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)

10.3

32.0

38.4 30.9

With a maximum cargo capacity of about 73.4 cu-ft., the Toyota RAV4 is the clear winner in this section. The Nissan Rogue drops down to the second place with 70 cu-ft. of the cargo area. The Outlander fills the third spot on the table while the Mazda CX-5 turns out to be the least practical SUV here, offering just 59.6 cu-ft. 

Exterior
5.0/10

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander's exterior sits somewhere between generic and awkward, though the chrome trim provides an upscale touch- The Car Connection

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Dimension and Weight

The Mitsubishi Outlander just got a complete refresh last year so there are no changes this year. It continues to have an aggressive face with a set of bold chrome grille bars and jeweled headlights. Halogen headlamps and fog lamps are standard across the range except for the top-end GT trim that replaces with LED headlights and fog lamps. At 8.5 inches, the Outlander has the highest ground clearance in its segment. 

From the side view, the Outlander has an overall length of 184.8 inches while its wheelbase measures 105.1 inches. Comparatively, it is lesser than some rivals in its class and therefore, less legroom in the third row. The Outlander sits on 18-inch alloy wheels while the chrome inserts in the wheel design step up the curb appeal. At the rear, the design is kept simple with LED taillights and chrome trim at the center. 

Models

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

2017 Nissan Rogue 2017 Toyota RAV4 2017 Mazda CX-5

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,351

3,424 

3,455

3,527 

Length (in)

184.8

184.5 183.5 179.1

Width (in)

71.3

72.4 72.6 72.5

Height (in)

66.1

66.3 67.1 65.3

Ground Clearance (in)

8.5

7.8 6.1 7.6

Wheelbase (in)

105.1

106.5

104.7

106.2

Track Width (in) F/R

60.6/60.6

62.8/62.8

61.4/61.8

62.8/62.8

The Toyota RAV4 has the least ground clearance, standing at 6.1 inches. its purpose is for easy ingress and egress. The Nissan Rogue's wheelbase is around 1.4 inches wider than the Outlander. Hence, it offers the best legroom in the front row. With an overall length of 179.1 inches, the Mazda CX-5 is the shortest SUV here. This can be an added benefit while maneuvering into tight spots. 

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior Features 

Some of the noticeable exterior features of the Outlander are:

  • LED headlights & taillights
  • LED front lamps
  • Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
  • Silver roof rails
  • Black grille with chrome surround
  • Chrome window trim
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Safety
8.0/10

The 2017 Mistubishi Outlander is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS- MotorTrend

The Mitsubishi Outlander was well received by both safety agencies. In its FWD guise, the Outlander received a 4-star overall safety rating while 5 stars were awarded for the AWD models. Individually, both models scored 4 stars for the frontal crash test, 4 stars for the rollover crash test, and 5 stars for the side-impact crash test. 

NHSTA Rating

Overall rating

4 star

Overall frontal barrier crash rating

4 star

Frontal barrier crash rating driver

4 star

Overall side crash rating

5 star

Side barrier rating

5 star

Side pole rating driver front seat

5 star

Combined side rating rear seat

5 star

Rollover rating

4 star

Side barrier rating driver

5 star

Frontal barrier crash rating passenger

5 star

Combined side rating front seat

5 star

Side barrier rating passenger rear seat

5 star

IIHS honored the Outlander with their highest designation the 'Top Safety Pick+' for the 2017 model year. That's because it received 'Good' ratings in all the crash tests and a 'Superior' rating for its front crash prevention. The headlights were rated 'Acceptable' for models with the optional LED headlights. 

IIHS Rating

Keeping all these above ratings in mind, it is fair to say that the Mitsubishi Outlander is a safe vehicle. Moreover, all Outlanders feature seven airbags in their cabin. These include dual front, front side, side curtain, and driver's knee airbags. These airbags can reduce the risk of an injury during a crash.

The Outlander also has a long list of driver assistance features. With these features equipped, the driver can confidently travel safely. Some of them include:

  • Rearview Camera
  • Surround-View Camera
  • Front & Rear Parking Sensors
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Adaptive Cruise Control

Competition
9.0/10

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2017 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is a tough competitor to the Outlander in terms of performance. It keeps up with Outlander in both performance tests while also being the most fuel-efficient in the bunch. Unlike the Outlander, it is a five-seater SUV but displays excellent practicality. Both the SUVs are the winners of the 'IIHS Top Safety Pick+' award but the Outlander packs more driver-assist features. 

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2017 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4's starting price and power are more than the Outlander. Therefore, its on-road perform a tad better. In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4's MPG figures are almost similar to the Outlander but the former has a better driving range. Speaking of passenger space, both SUVs stand on the same grounds but the RAV4 is a leader in terms of cargo space. However, the RAV4 hosts more standard driver aids

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2017 Mazda CX 5

The Mazda CX-5 houses the most powerful engine in this competition that makes 21 hp more than the Outlander. No wonder, its acceleration is quicker but surprisingly, this engine is more efficient as well. On the inside, the second-row passengers will enjoy more legroom than the Outlander but lose in terms of cargo capacity. In view of safety, both the SUVs earned the same safety ratings and features. 

Final Verdict

The Mitsubishi Outlander is essentially a safe, roomy SUV with great ground clearance. But due to its poor reliability ratings and less standard features, it ranks at the bottom of its class as its rivals offer more for a lesser price. The Outlander's underlying platform is a bit long but owning three rows makes it more accessible to the buyers. It doesn't have the best fit and finish or ride quality but offers many advanced key advanced safety features. 

Trims

    ES
    $23,495 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
    • LED running lights & taillights
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Rearview camera
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    • Voice controls & Bluetooth connectivity
    SE
    $24,495 onwards
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Body-Colored side mirrors w/ integrated turn signals
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Keyless ignition and entry
    • Satellite radio
    SEL
    $25,495 onwards
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Automatic headlights
    • Automatic wipers
    • Eather upholstery
    • Gloss-Black interior trim
    • Power driver seat
    • Power liftgate
    • Power-Folding mirrors
    GT
    $31,695 onwards
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • Steering-Wheel shift paddles

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,495- $31,695

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.19

Horsepower

224 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque

215 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$39,065- $49,625

Gasoline

7.55

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

7

Read Review

$22,990- $31,965

Gasoline

7.2

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,100- $31,790

Gasoline

7.11

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$49,915- $67,840

Gasoline

6.62

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

9

Read Review

$47,215- $65,030

Gasoline

6.73

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

8

Read Review

$28,700- $44,045

Gasoline

7.01

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$21,000- $27,600

Gasoline

6.39

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,995- $47,690

Gasoline

7.02

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,195- $33,895

Gasoline

5.99

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.3 sec17.3 sec106 mph
    6.2 sec14.8 sec-
    6.7 sec15.2 sec132 mph
    6.9 sec--
    6.9 sec15.4 sec-
    7 sec--

    2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg30 mpg27 mpg16.6 gal.415/498 mi.
      52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      34 mpg30 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.503.2/444 mi.
      29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.- -
      22 mpg33 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.317.5/419.1 mi.

      2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        184.8 in.71.3 in.66.1 in.8.5 in.105.1 in.
        224.4 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.

        2017 GMC Yukon XL

        Ranked #1

        224.4 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.
        208.9 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.1 in.121.1 in.
        205.1 in.79.9 in.77 in.9.9 in.122 in.
        204 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.116 in.

        2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          18.9 cu.ft.-120.1 cu.ft.
          31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.
          13.8 cu.ft.144.9 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.
          39.2 cu.ft.113.9 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.

          2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            270.4 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            68.4 cu.ft.31.5 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.212 ft.
            68.3 cu.ft.36.3 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            74.7 cu.ft.34.4 cu.ft.74.7 cu.ft.-
            4.8 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.-
            53.4 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.94.7 cu.ft.69 ft.

            2017 Mitsubishi Outlander vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1444 lbs.3351 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1310 lbs.2967 lbs.
              8600 lbs.1720 lbs.5356 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1724 lbs.5576 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1690 lbs.5379 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1690 lbs.5587 lbs.

              2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              5

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              48

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Mitsubishi Cars

              2017 Mitsubishi Mirage

              Horsepower : 78 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 36 mpg

              0-60 : 12.2 sec

              #1

              2017 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric

              Horsepower : 66 hp @ 3000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 112 mpg

              0-60 : 13 sec

              #2

              2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

              Horsepower : 166 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 9.3 sec

              #3

              2017 Mitsubishi Lancer

              Horsepower : 148 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #4