The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a compact 5-seat crossover SUV, returns unchanged for 2023. With one exception: All models now come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which enhances overall vehicle stability in slippery driving conditions. Mitsubishi calls its AWD system: AWC (All-Wheel Control).
The Outlander Sport’s last major refreshment was several years ago, so it’s a little behind competitors such as the Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, and Nissan Rogue Sport.
That stated, the Outlander Sport still has its appeal. It’s practical, attractively priced, and reasonably well-equipped with good build quality. Plus, it has a warranty that’s one of the best in the business. The basic warranty last five years or 60,000 miles, while the powertrain protection is valid for a reassuring 10 years or 100,000 miles.
As was the case last year, Mitsubishi offers the Outlander Sport in five trim configurations: 2.0 S, 2.0 ES, 2.0 LE, 2.0 SE, and 2.4 GT.
The four 2.0 models use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sending 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a 7-step continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Outlander Sport 2.4 GT gets the same transmission, but its engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are reasonably smooth and refined but not particularly fuel-efficient. The EPA rates 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models at 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The 2.4 GT nearly matches that, returning 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
Behind its split-folding rear seat, the Outlander Sport boasts 21.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. That’s slightly better than the Kona (19.2), Renegade (18.5), and Crosstrek (20.8).
Let’s look at the various trim levels of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which Mitsubishi continues to build in Japan.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S: $22,995
As the base version of the Outlander Sport, the 2.0 S has cloth seat upholstery and 16-inch steel wheels with covers.
But it also has a lot of equipment you might not expect. The list includes automatic climate control, cruise control, LED headlights and taillights, and remote keyless entry. Moreover, the Outlander Sport 2.0 S comes with a tilt/telescope steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, tinted rear privacy glass, and a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo with a 7-inch touchscreen and a USB port.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S is similarly well-equipped on the safety front. Besides a forward collision mitigation system that will apply the brakes if necessary to avoid hitting a parked car or a pedestrian, the 2.0S comes with a lane-departure warning and seven airbags (including curtain airbags that deploy from the headliner for side-impact protection).
Other nice touches in this 5-seat compact Mitsubishi SUV include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, hill-start assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and an anti-theft alarm.
Mitsubishi makes several options packages available on the Outlander Sport, including a Chrome Accents Package and a Cargo Management System that helps keep your cargo from shifting around while driving.
Adding the $1,345 destination fee to the base price of the Outlander Sport 2.0 S brings the total to $24,340. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to approximately $437 per month. See 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S models for sale near you
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S includes:
- LED headlights and taillights – The headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights are all LEDs, which are brighter than conventional headlights and illuminate a larger area.
- All-Wheel Control – All 2023 Outlander Sports now have standard all-wheel drive, called “AWC” by Mitsubishi.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror – This mirror dims its reflection when it senses bright headlights approaching from behind.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 ES: $24,995
What does that extra $2,000 get you with the Outlander Sport 2.0 ES?
It comes down to 18-inch alloy wheels (225/55R-18 tires) and LED fog lights. The larger wheel/tire package does fill out the fender wells better, significantly improving the overall aesthetic of the Outlander Sport.
Adding the $1,345 destination fee to the ES base price totals $26,340. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing costs about $473 per month. See 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 ES models for sale near you
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE: $25,945
The Outlander Sport gets a little sportier and more luxurious at the 2.0 LE trim level. In addition to a Drive Mode Selector and upgraded black upholstery with red stitching, the 2.0 LE gets heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus two additional USB ports.
Adding the $1,345 destination fee to the LE base price equals $27,290. If you put no money down and finance for 60 months at 3% interest, it works out to about $490 per month. See 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE models for sale near you
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 LE includes:
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay – These allow your smartphone to interface with your Outlander Sport, letting you play podcasts, get navigational directions, and access myriad other conveniences.
- Black trim – Besides the black side mirrors and wheels, the LE gets black-painted accents on its grille.
- 8-inch touchscreen – This larger touchscreen means larger icons, which are easier to touch when rolling down the road.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE: $27,245
At the 2.0 SE level, the Outlander Sport SE gets even more upgrades. Most important from a safety standpoint are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, two technologies we wholeheartedly endorse.
Other upgrades to the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE include power-folding outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals and a 6-speaker audio system. The SE also gets the Fast-Key Entry System, which allows you to unlock, enter, and start the Outlander Sport with the key fob never leaving your pocket. Also notable: The Outlander Sport 2.0 SE also gets a start button, so you’ll never have to put a key in an ignition switch.
Visual modifications to the 2.0 SE include body-color side mirrors, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, and a grille with gloss-black and satin silver accents.
Adding the $1,345 destination fee to the SE base price brings the total to $28,590. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to approximately $514 per month. See Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE models for sale near you
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 SE includes:
- Keyless entry – If the key fob is in your purse or pocket, the doors will unlock when you touch the Outlander Sport’s door handle.
- Six-speaker audio system – Two extra speakers make your tunes sound much better in the 2.0 SE.
- Blind-spot monitoring – We wish all Outlander Sport models had this system, which warns of traffic in your rear 3-quarter blind spots and makes lane changes much safer. It’s paired with rear cross-traffic alert, which makes it much safer to back out of driveways or parking spots at the market.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT: $28,045
Is the Outlander Sport 2.4 GT worth $800 more than a 2.0 SE?
We think so. Mitsubishi equips it a little better than the 2.0 SE, and its larger 2.4-liter engine is noticeably more potent than the 2.0-liter. It simply feels more relaxed than the 2.0-liter in daily driving.
What’s more? The Outlander Sport 2.4 GT is nearly as fuel-efficient, returning 25 mpg in everyday driving (versus 26 for the 2.0-liter).
What else sets the 2.4 GT apart? In addition to leather-appointed seating surfaces, the GT gets black roof rails, a black headliner, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.
Options available on the 2.4 GT include rear parking assist, a body-color rear spoiler, and a GT Plus Package that includes front and rear mudguards, roof crossbars, and a black bumper protector.
Adding the $1,345 destination fee to the 2.4 GT’s base price brings the total to $29,390. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to about $528 per month. See 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT models for sale near you
- Larger engine – The 2.4 makes better power and torque than the 2.0 with only a slight sacrifice in fuel economy.
- Black roof rails – These look good and can be ordered with silver crossbars to help install a bike rack or a cargo carrier.
- Rear parking assist – While reversing, the Outlander will emit a series of beeps to let you know how close you’re getting to the parked car behind you.
