Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (2012) is good?

Not too a few years ago, a bunch of compact crossover vehicles—like Mitsubishi's own Outlander—arrived on the market, providing additional economical alternatives to larger SUVs. Now, there is another wave of somewhat smaller vehicles (Mazda CX-5, Ford C-Max, or the newest Kia Sportage) arriving, targeting those that want even higher maneuverability and parking ease—not a third-row seat.

Among them is that the 2012 Outlander Sport. the game is actually a lighter, shorter (about a foot) version of the Outlander crossover vehicle, with nearly identical overall width and height. however it's and drives quite differently, and clearly aims at those within the town instead of the suburbs.

The Outlander Sport additionally shies far from sport-utility cues. From most angles, it finally ends up wanting additional sort of a tall hatch, and therefore the blunt, sharklike front finish appearance simply pretty much as good here because it will within the Outlander and Lancer family. With completely different sheetmetal than the Outlander, and a rising beltline crease that helps keep from wanting too slab-sided it's sporty from the front, nonetheless from the rear it's disappointingly bland and ordinary-looking. Inside, the Outlander Sport appearance influenced by the additional upscale Outlander, however falls victim to the fundamental Lancer models' drab interior trims. Mitsubishi has already added additional bright trim to the 2012 model, that helps somewhat.

Behind the wheel, the Outlander Sport could be a heap additional sort of a compact sedan than a bigger crossover. there is a lightweight, responsive feel—and not a lot of heft—and we actually just like the tuning of the electrical power steering here (trust us: such a large amount of get it wrong). Overall, it feels perkier than the likes of the Scion xD or xB in base tune, nonetheless drives a full category smaller than category leaders just like the Honda CR-V or Ford Escape.

That's all sensible, however we're under no circumstances in love with the powertrain. The 2012 Outlander Sport comes powered by a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with either a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or a five-speed manual gearbox. The stick could be a sensible choice, however the CVT which will be best to seek out at the dealership will build the engine sluggish and boomy once you wish to faucet into highway passing power—though within the town, it's quite docile. Adding to that impression could be a whole heap of road noise from within the cabin.

In terms of size and area, there is quite plenty to love here for the practically minded. though the Outlander Sport could be a size (or half-size) smaller than the compact crossover mainstream, it does not feel most thus. Front seats feel fairly cosy however supportive, and in back there is real area for 2 adults or 3 youngsters. the rear seats are split 60/40; there is a nice, low cargo floor, and therefore the larger seatback includes a separate, slightly higher-up trunk pass-through that may be sensible for multiple sets of skis. engineered into identical enclosure could be a fold-down, padded armrest with 2 cupholders in-built.

There's nothing lacking within the Outlander Sport's safety roster; it includes the expected stability management, anti-lock brakes, and aspect and side-curtain luggage, and the Outlander Sport also comes with front knee luggage. it is also earned 'good' ratings from the IIHS for frontal and aspect impact.

At well beneath $20k for the bottom model, the Outlander Sport stands out as an honest deal—especially if you'll be able to overlook a number of its problems with refinement. At the highest of the road, loaded SE models with AWD total but $26k, as well as a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate management, premium audio, and heated seats and mirrors.