3 Alternatives Make the Budget-Friendly 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Futile
Mitsubishi has stepped up its game in the SUV segment over the last few years and has some good options. Even though the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an affordable and brand-new option, it falls short in a few important areas. Value, safety, and engine power all contribute to the Outlander Sport being at the back of the pack. If one of those attributes is your main priority, there’s a better compact SUV suggestion for each one.
How much is a brand new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $22,995 for the base S trim, while a fully loaded Outlander Sport GT is only $28,045. The S trim is suitable for those on a tight budget but lacks some essential basic systems. Your only safety systems are forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and pedestrian detection. Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are too. All trim levels get all-wheel drive.
| 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trims | MSRP | Horsepower |
| S | $22,995 | 148 hp |
| ES | $24,995 | 148 hp |
| LE | $25,945 | 148 hp |
| SE | $27,245 | 148 hp |
| Ralliart | $27,795 | 148 hp (est) |
| GT | $28,045 | 168 hp |
If you can swing the GT, it adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of that, Mitsubishi adds some critical systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. That makes the SUV more expensive but adds some creature comforts like a better engine, leather seats, and roof rails.
Even though it is nice that the Outlander Sport starts under $25,000, Edmunds says you might find it lacking in a few areas. That amount of money does not get you much, and there are better subcompact SUVs in the segment for a similar amount. For instance, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is $5 (yes, five dollars) cheaper, has a well-appointed interior, and comes with a long list of features like Apple CarPlay standard.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport safe?
New cars are usually safer than old ones, but the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received mixed reviews. The NHTSA gave the Outlander Sport a four-star overall safety rating and the same score on the frontal crash tests. It earned a five-star rating on the side crash test and another four-star score for the rollover section.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport missed out on an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It only earned an “acceptable” score on the small overlap front test, disqualifying the SUV from awards. Mitsubishi’s compact SUV earned high marks in the other four tests and the new crash avoidance and mitigation segments.
Overall, the 2023 Outlander Sport returned pretty average safety scores and results. It is still a safe option, but vehicles like the 2023 Hyundai Kona earned praise from the IIHS and NHTSA, and it is $1,000 cheaper.
How is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engine?
For 2023, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. It works, but it really isn’t enough power for the vehicle. The other engine option on the GT is a 2.4L inline-four with 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Again, it works, but it still feels underpowered. Getting up to speed on the highway is not quick or effortless.
Fuel economy numbers with the base engine are around 23 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The upgraded engine gets 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. For better fuel economy, the 2023 Honda HR-V is around the same price and size.
Reviews of the subcompact Mitsubishi SUV are pretty below average across the board, but not all hope is lost. There are actually many good options in the segment, such as the 2023 Mazda CX-30, the 2023 Hyundai Kona, and even the 2023 Honda HR-V. It might work for some loyal Mitsubishi fans, but others might agree that the Outlander Sport is passable.
