New for 2015

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received a number of exciting exterior and cabin upgrades, including better sound insulation and an upgraded electric power steering system. The former provides an improved and quieter cabin, while the latter improves steering response, and dovetails wonderfully with the Outlander Sports already responsive handling. There's also an upgraded continuously variable transmission (CVT) that brings fuel economy improvements.

Built for Adventure  

For those who want the utility and all-wheel drive reassurance of an SUV, but don’t want to deal with the higher purchase price and poorer fuel economy, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a great compromise.

This compact crossover is priced and sized like a hatchback, but sports (no pun intended) the taller body and high seating position of an SUV. All of that practicality is wrapped in stylish exterior sheetmetal and a handsomely-styled interior.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s sole engine option is a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. It features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Engine Control) for maximum efficiency.

Buyers do get a choice of transmission, though. A five-speed manual is available for those who like to do the shifting themselves, while an improved continuously-variable transmission (CVT) offers convenience and helps boost fuel economy.

The Outlander Sport is also available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

You’d expect a small crossover like the Outlander Sport to be fuel efficient, and you’d be right. The EPA rates front-wheel drive models at 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the manual transmission, and 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) with the CVT.*

The all-wheel drive Outlander, meanwhile, earns 27 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway).*

Features and Trims

The five-door, five-seat 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is available in two trim levels that offer plenty of standard equipment.

The base Outlander Sport ES starts at $19,595** with the manual transmission and front-wheel drive. For that price, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and AM/FM/CD/MP3 head unit with four speakers, among a long list of standard features.

Adding a CVT automatic bumps the base price of the ES model to $20,795,** while all-wheel drive brings the price up to $22,195.**

Sitting above the ES in the lineup is the SE, which starts at $22,795** and is available with the CVT and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. In addition to the ES’ standard equipment, the SE gets features like: paddle shifters, engine start-stop, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, automatic climate control, Sirius/XM satellite radio (with 3 month free subscription), and a rearview camera.

On top of that, there are a few option packages that offer even more convenience and tech features.

The Premium package ($1,000) includes a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror and power driver’s seat. A panoramic glass roof can be combined with those features in a separate package for $2,100.

There’s also a Touring package for $4,900 that adds navigation with a seven-inch touchscreen display and leather seats on top of all the features offered in the other two packages.

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s exterior styling really puts the “sport” in this model. The aggressive front fascia recalls the Lancer Evolution sport sedan, and gives the Outlander Sport a distinctive presence on the road. The compact proportions are also pleasing to the eye, and make this small crossover relatively easy to park.

On the inside, the Outlander Sport is straightforward and functional. The design will suit those who want to feel like they’re in a car and not a futuristic nightclub, and all of the controls are where you’d expect them. The standard three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of class, too.

Safety

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport includes a fairly comprehensive array of standard safety equipment, including: front, front-seat mounted, side curtain, and driver knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and a hill-start assist feature.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a crossover that’s small on size, but big on value, look no further than the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It provides the utility and all-wheel drive capability of a larger SUV, but with the packaging and price of a well-equipped compact hatchback.

It’s a stylish package too, with a spunky exterior and a sophisticated interior with plenty of available features. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Contact us online or stop by 3Birds Template today for a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.

**Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license etc. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary.

Image: Mitsubishi