Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Outlander Sport: What's The Difference?


in Car Comparisons

We break down the differences between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport: how do they stack up when it comes to factors like performance, styling, pricing, and more?

Silver Mitsubishi Outlander
Source: Flickr

The Outlander and Outlander Sport are iterations of a similar vehicle, one more designed to carry passengers while the other is more oriented to a sporty experience. While they might sound similar, there are significant differences between the two. It’s vital to consider every aspect when pondering the Outlander vs. Outlander Sport.

From the room for your feet to the towing ability behind the vehicle, every aspect matters when investing in a car like the Outlander or the Outlander Sport. One is significantly better than the other. Keep reading to learn more about what sets the vehicles apart and which conquers the other in the battle of machines. 

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Outlander Sport: What’s the Difference?

The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Outlander Sport seem similar, but they are far from the same and designated for different people. It’s helpful to know the significant items that set these vehicles apart.

The most significant differences between the two include the following:

  • Performance
  • Size
  • Technology

These are some of the most significant points between the Outlander and Sport.

We need to get more specific to determine whether the Outlander or the Outlander Sport is the proper selection for your life. The Outlander Sport has gone downhill in recent years and the stark differences reflect that. 


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Performance and Handling: Mitsubishi Outlander 

One of the most vital considerations when looking at the Outlander vs. Outlander Sport is the performance and handling. They are different vehicles, and thus the power isn’t the same in these Outlander selections.

Here are the performance details you can access in the Outlander:

  • 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine standard
  • 181 horsepower
  • 181 pound-feet of torque
  • CVT and front-wheel drive standard

The vehicle can perform, even with a full load.

Here are the performance details for the Outlander Sport:

  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder standard engine/2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • 148 horsepower/168 horsepower
  • 60 mph in 8.0 seconds
  • CVT and front-wheel drive

There is much to enjoy in this vehicle, but these options aren’t ideal. 

The steering and handling are controlled and stable inside the Outlander, while the Outlander Sport provides an experience behind the wheel that lacks drama and is decent for its class. Both have room for improvement, but they are solid if you want to get from one place to another without too much fuss.

Interior Features and Styling: Mitsubishi Outlander

The inside of the Outlander and Outlander Sport is where you will spend most of your time on the go, so it’s vital to consider the differences. The Outlander is far more advanced inside than the Outlander Sport design.

Here are the interior choices for the Mitsubishi Outlander:

  • High-quality, modern accents
  • 12.3-inch digital gauge and head-up display
  • Excellent legroom
  • Ample cargo space

The Outlander is stylish, modern, and upgraded to the max.

The Outlander Sport provides slightly less inside the machine:

  • Black plastic-covered interior
  • 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display
  • Red stitching on some trims
  • Lacking room for passengers and cargo

There isn’t much inside the Outlander Sport.

There is no competition between the two. Unfortunately, the Outlander has received ample interior upgrades while the Outlander Sport interior has become dismal. You won’t be very comfortable inside the Sport.


THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT YEARS TO AVOID

If you’re interested in this vehicle for your life, it’s critical to understand the differences between the worst years and the best years. What are the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years to avoid?


Safety: Mitsubishi Outlander

In the Outlander vs. Outlander Sport, one of the most significant features to consider is the safety department. The safer the vehicle, the more confident the driver and passengers can feel going from one place to the next.

Here are the safety features you will see in the Mitsubishi Outlander:

  • Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert 
  • Available adaptive cruise control

There are ample driver-assistance features

There are also excellent safety features inside the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

  • Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Automatic high beams

The technology here is less advanced than the basic Outlander.

Although both vehicles have safety features, one is far more updated than the other. The Mitsubishi Outlander continues to pull forward as a significant contender out of the two. 


HOW LONG DO MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORTS LAST?

Despite their differences in size and target audience, both models share Mitsubishi’s reputation for durability. Having said that, how long do Mitsubishi Outlander Sports last?


Price Point: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The price point is one of the main reasons many invest in specific vehicles, setting a certain range and sticking to it. Although the cars are similar, you will find a very different price range from the Outlander to the Outlander Sport. There are many options depending on trim, but they start at varying levels.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting price of $30,075 and goes up to the highest trim level price of $42,735. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $26,000 and goes up to $31,000. The Sport lacks many high-tech features of the straight Outlander, but it’s much more affordable. Finally, the Sport takes a category. 

Towing Ability: Mitsubishi Outlander

One of the final considerations we want to touch on in the Outlander vs. Outlander Sport battle is the ability to tow. While not everyone considers towing a necessity in their investment, it’s worth considering if you think camping trips or adventures to the ocean are in your future.

The Mitsubishi Outlander can tow 2,000 pounds, which can handle:

  • Small trailers
  • Small boats
  • Small campers

It isn’t as mighty as an SUV but capable of something. 

On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport isn’t able to tow. If you’re concerned about your vehicle’s ability to handle cargo pulled behind it, you’ll want to Outlander over the Outlander Sport. 

Which Vehicle Is the Winner?

There are many categories we’ve examined, each varying in their importance. Safety, performance, towing, interior, and more all add to your experience on the road and will help determine if a particular vehicle is right for you. Which is the winner between the Outlander and the Outlander Sport?

The Outlander is far more capable than the Outlander Sport. It wins in every category except price, which is unfortunate for the Outlander Sport. Even the lower price point doesn’t make up for all the areas it falls short, especially newer models.



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