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Compact SUV; Built in
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $12,600 – $25,200*


2014 Mitsubishi Outlander


2014 Mitsubishi Outlander


2014 Mitsubishi Outlander


2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Handling
Cons:
  • Acceleration (4-cylinder)
  • Rear-seat room and comfort (3rd row)

While the 2007-2013 Outlander had too many demerits to rank among class leaders, the redesigned 2014 version addressed those flaws and can now be considered a serious competitor in the compact-SUV class. Outlander should appeal to three types of shoppers: those who want a relatively sporty SUV at a reasonable price; those who covet 3-row seating but don’t want to drive a larger vehicle; and those who place heavy emphasis on crash-preventative safety technology but can’t afford a premium SUV. The GT model with its standard V6 power and all-wheel drive is our favorite, but any Outlander is worth a look.

Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander entered its third generation for the 2014 model year. Outlander was one of two Mitsubishi SUVs, each of which was a compact crossover. At more than 183 inches in length, it was one of the longest vehicles in Consumer Guide’s compact-SUV class–and more than a foot longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Outlander offered unusual-for-its-class features like a V6 engine and 3 rows of seats.

The redesigned 2014 Outlander saw numerous changes. Though its basic platform remained the same, the front fascia was dramatically redesigned and nearly all of the sheet model and glass were new. Mitsubishi engineers aimed to improve Outlander’s aerodynamics and reduced its weight with lighter (though more rigid) materials. These changes, as well as powertrain and other tweaks, were meant to improve fuel economy.

Mitsubishi also said they undertook efforts to improve performance, quietness, and interior materials. Seats were redesigned for better comfort and ergonomics, and enhancements were made to the control interface and audio and navigation systems. For the first time in an Outlander, a driver-side knee airbag and 3-row (7-passenger) seating was standard on all trim levels. A power liftgate and a suite of high-tech safety features were newly available, too.

The redesigned Outlander was offered in three trim levels: the base ES, volume SE, and sporty GT.

The ES had standard 7-passenger seating, and both the 2nd and 3rd rows were split and were able to fold flat. The ES came with automatic climate control and the usual assortment of convenience items.

The SE added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rearview camera, 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, HD Radio, fog lights, 18-inch wheels, and more.

In addition to V6 power, the GT added Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (all-wheel drive) system, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, specific exterior styling, woodgrain trim, satellite radio, and more.

Mitsubishi offered two major option packages that were available on the SE and GT. The Premium Package included a power sunroof, leather upholstery, power driver seat, power liftgate, and a Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system. On the SE, the Premium Package also included satellite radio and woodgrain trim.

The Touring Package included a navigation system with 3D mapping and real-time traffic information, power sunroof, leather seats, the Rockford-Fosgate sound system, power driver seat, and power liftgate. It also included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision mitigation.

The Outlander ES and SE were fitted with a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The GT was powered by a 224-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The ES was front-wheel drive only, while the SE was offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT was AWD only.

EPA fuel-economy estimates for front-drive Outlander ES and SE were 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The AWD SE was rated at 24/29 and the GT estimates were 20/28. Mitsubishi recommended regular-grade gas for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and premium for the 3.0-liter V6.

The 2014 Outlander included a standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. In addition, Outlander came standard with a driver knee airbag. As mentioned previously, the Touring Package included three high-tech safety features, each designed to protect distracted or drowsy drivers.

Yearly Updates

2014 Outlander

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The Outlander ES and SE were fitted with a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The GT mated a 224-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi recommended regular-grade gas foe the 4-cylinder engine and premium for the V6.

dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/145
Engine HP 166
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 162
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
CVT automatic

 25/31
dohc V62
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 224
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 215
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 20/28

1. ES, SE. EPA-estimated fuel economy with AWD was 24/29. 2. GT.

Road Test

For 2014 Outlanders, 4-cylinder versions with the CVT have smooth power delivery in city driving. However, these models strain to get up to highway speeds, and merging and passing are a little labored as well. In contrast, the V6-powered GT provides enough gusto for all occasions, and we enjoyed its crisp 6-speed automatic transmission.

In Consumer Guide testing, a V6-powered GT model returned 25.6 mpg on a long highway trip. No opportunity to measure fuel economy with the 4-cylinder engine. Regular-grade gas is fine for the 4-cyliner, but Mitsubishi recommends premium for the V6.

Outlander’s ride is well composed on the highway, but bump absorption is just so-so. Roadway cracks and railroad tracks can register with a jolt.

Some testers think Outlander’s steering feels dead on center and also noted some free play in the wheel. At highway speed, persistent vibrations can be felt in the steering wheel and seat. Handling and braking are fine for a compact SUV, but Outlander is dynamically unexceptional.

The old Outlander was plagued with noise problems–from the road, the CVT, and both engines. The new one is somewhat better. Engine noise can intrude during heavy acceleration with a 4-cylinder model. Some testers thought the V6 didn’t sound particularly refined when pushed hard.

The instruments are brightly lit, and the central display screen is easy to read at a glance. The climate controls are easy to operate thanks to large knobs. The optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions and is complicated to use, although voice recognition via Mitsubishi’s Fuse Hands-Free Link System helps a bit. The nav system includes 3D mapping, real-time traffic, and road speed-limit display. On the plus side, the Rockford-Fosgate audio system sounds terrific.

The interior of the GT as well as the SE with the Premium Package are tastefully designed, with padded and soft-touch surfaces and chrome and woodgrain trim. The base ES and the SE without the Premium Package are rather austere, although some chrome trim and soft-touch surfaces are appreciated touches.

Headroom and legroom are plentiful for front-seat passengers. The seats are firm and comfortable. When raised, 3rd-row seat backs partially block the view astern, but visibility is fine otherwise.

The 2nd-row bench slides forward and backward, allowing for ample legroom. That middle row is set relatively high, which limits headroom. The 3rd-row seats rest right on the cargo floor, meaning those who ride back there have to do so in a knees-up position. Legroom and headroom are uncomfortably tight in that last row. It’s really meant for kids only, and just for short trips.

While the previous-generation Outlander ranked second in the class with 72.6 cubic feet of cargo room, the redesigned vehicle offers just 63.3. Fortunately, this Outlander provides some underfloor storage. The 2nd-row seats fold easily in a 60/40 split, and the 3rd-row seats fold in a 50/50 split. Dropping both rows creates a flat load floor.

Ratings

Model Tested: Outlander GT with Premium and Touring Packages

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 60

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
105.1 183.3 70.9 66.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
63.3 16.6 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.6 38.4 40.9 37.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 Outlander 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Wheels
Description: Batteries in tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS) transmitters can drain prematurely, rendering them inoperative. (2014)

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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