2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Value-laden, smooth-riding, quiet, well-equipped—all these terms describe the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 5-seat compact crossover. A...

Value-laden, smooth-riding, quiet, well-equipped—all these terms describe the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 5-seat compact crossover. A fairly roomy cabin also comes with this pint-size quasi-ute, as do a tepid 49.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded, but don’t expect the heady driving characteristics or the hefty utilitarianism of most rivals, or the stratospheric price tag either.

Returning in 2 trims, the base ES and the up-featured SE, the 2015 Outlander Sport gets a few minor upgrades to exterior bling and interior accent materials, along with improved sound insulation, a reworked electric power steering setup and an upgraded continuously variable transmission (CVT) that promises even better fuel efficiency and, with luck, slightly quicker acceleration. Oh, and both trims are again delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), while what Mitsubishi euphemistically calls 4-wheel drive (4WD), but is actually a full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system, returns as an option for either trim.

Power-wise, look for the traditional 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine to return in the 2015 Outlander Sport trim pairing, with the base FWD ES version boasting a standard 5-speed manual transmission and the SE sporting the above-mentioned upgraded CVT. Said CVT, of course, remains available to the FWD ES for some extra cash, while the available AWD variant gets the CVT as standard equipment. In any case, look for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque from this competent I4 with either transmission choice, while mileage is estimated at 24 mpg city/30 highway for the 5-speed stick-shift-toting FWD ES, 25/32 for both trims boasting FWD and the CVT and 24/30 for AWD/CVT trims.

Headlining the appearance adornments aboard the 2015 Outlander Sport ES are such niceties as 18-inch alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable mirrors and a rear spoiler, while creature comforts include standard cloth upholstery and full power accessories, including remote keyless entry.

Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering come standard on both Outlander Sport trims, along with air conditioning and Mitsubishi’s FUSE Hands-Free Link infotainment system that interfaces with Bluetooth technology.

Also delivered standard in the base ES is a 140-watt audio package that boasts a single-CD player, 4 speakers and an auxiliary audio input.

The SE, meantime, adds such standards as premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a rear-view camera, 6-speaker stereo, 6.1-inch touchscreen for the FUSE system, and satellite and HD radio.

Should the need arise for even more bells and whistles, options for the latest Outlander Sport iterations include a navigation system with upgraded 7-inch touchscreen display, front and rear parking sensors, and various interior and exterior trim and accent upgrades. Additionally, the SE can be improved with the available Premium Package that throws in a power-adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, roof rails, panoramic sunroof and a Rockford Fosgate sound system sporting 9 speakers. Furthermore, the SE can also be delivered with available leather upholstery via the Deluxe Package.

Standard safety equipment in the 2015 Outlander Sport includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, and front side-mounted airbags. Meantime, a remote antitheft alarm is standard for both trims, while the SE adds standard LED running lights, front fog/driving lights and automatic xenon headlights.