2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT Review

Overview

Mitsubishi added Sport, an all-new model to its leading crossover Outlander lineup for the 2011 model year. The 2012 Outlander Sport is offered in three trims: Outlander Sport ES 2WD, Outlander Sport SE 2WD and Outlander Sport SE AWC. The new features for 2012 are improvement of engine noise isolation on all models equipped with the continuously-variable transmission (CVT), recalibration of the CVT for improved acceleration response and feeling, new chrome accents to the gauge cluster surround and some of the center console controls on SE trim level vehicles, a new 16-inch wheel cover design (ES model); new 18-inch alloy wheel design (SE model) and an up-shift indicator light for efficient vehicle operation on ES models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.

Powertrain And Performance

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine rated at 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the ES and a CVT is available as an option. It is standard on the SE models. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on the SE. The front-wheel-drive Outlander Sport equipped with a manual transmission accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The fuel economy figures stand at 25 city/31 highway mpg and 27 mpg in combined driving for an automatic front-wheel-drive model. The manual earns 24/31/26 mpg while the AWD comes in at 24/29/26 mpg.

Build And Styling

The ES is equipped with heated outside mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system and a four-speaker stereo with CD player plus auxiliary audio and USB input jacks. The SE rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels and is loaded with automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, and automatic wipers. Inside, the standard features include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a sliding armrest between the front seats, a second-row armrest with center pass-through, upgraded upholstery and a six speaker stereo. All-wheel drive SE models come with heated front seats.

Safety Features

The all-new Outlander Sport is equipped with all hi-tech safety features. Active Stability Control (ASC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control Logic (TCL) and LATCH child-safety-seat anchors & upper tethers are among the standard safety features. The Outlander Sport also includes Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) system that dissipates energy in the event of a side or rear impact, helping to protect occupants by minimizing body distortion and the fuel system in a rear end collision.