The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport serves as Mitsubishi’s smallest sport utility vehicle. Despite this, it still pulls off a tough look with the bold front fascia. The Sport may make a good choice for buyers looking for a vehicle with more storage space than a sedan, but with better maneuverability than larger, bulkier SUVs.
New For 2013
A mild update brings new front and rear fasciae, a restyled interior with improved materials and insulation, revised rear suspension geometry, and an amended CVT. Aluminum wheels come standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive becomes available on the lower-cost Outlander Sport ES.
Exterior
The composite/galvanized steel body of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes in several choices of clear-coat monotone paint. The black grille blends into the darker paint schemes, but adds a defining touch to the lighter ones. Black body-side moldings are also available. An integrated antenna stands out on the roof and a lip spoiler adds an extra touch of style to the front. Silver aluminum wheels come with all-season tires, suitable for driving in most road and weather conditions. Windows come deep tinted for extra privacy and protection from the sun. Both a first-row and a second-row sunroof are available for the SE. A roof rack holds cargo on the roof, though roof rails are only available for the SE.
Interior & Cargo
The Sport ES comes with manual air-conditioning, while the SE comes with automatic air-conditioning. An air filter and under-seat ducts work together to keep fresh air flowing throughout the cabin. Instrumentation uses a modern mix of analog and digital. The front features bucket seats and the rear seat uses a 60/40 bench. The driver’s seat offers six-way adjustment and the front-passenger seat adjusts four ways. The SE’s front seats come heated, for added comfort in cold weather. All seats come upholstered in premium cloth in the case of the SE. Leather seats are available for a little extra for the SE. The rear armrest features pass-through for easy access to the rear cargo area. An exterior temperature display keeps the driver and passengers informed about outside conditions.
The audio system seems a little sub-par, with no HD and Satellite only available on the SE. It still has an AM/FM stereo and a CD player though. A six-disc player remains available for the higher-tier SE. MP3 capability and auxiliary audio input still come standard, but DVD-audio remains optional. Voice recognition and Bluetooth compatibility are standard, though, and music plays through four to six speakers depending on submodel. A navigation system with a first-row LCD screen helps with navigating unfamiliar areas. Unfortunately, an entertainment system is not available, so this feature must be purchased elsewhere if desired.
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport carries up to 49.5 cubic feet of cargo. Cargo area tie-downs help manage the cargo space and a cargo net holds smaller items. The front-passenger seat even folds flat for additional cargo carrying capabilities.
Safety
The NHTSA gives the Outlander Sport an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. All ratings achieve at least four stars, with several five-star ratings. The Sport comes with driver and front-passenger frontal-impact airbags, seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags in the first and second rows. The driver has a knee protection airbag as well. Airbags come with an occupant sensor. Anti-lock brakes keep the brakes from locking up during a hard stop, while driveline traction control gives the vehicle maximum traction during a skid. Parking assist provides an option for drivers who would like help with parking in difficult spaces.
Remote keyless entry goes through a key fob, which can remotely lock or unlock doors for the convenience of the driver. This key fob also contains a panic alarm, for deterring unwanted passengers. A keyless access system comes standard on the SE, but unfortunately remains unavailable for the ES. Ignition disable, another theft-deterrent feature, comes standard for both trims. A remote vehicle starting system is available for all models, for added convenience in extreme temperatures. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides the driver with the standard low fuel, low tire pressure, and service interval warnings.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport contains a 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. It produces 145 lb-ft of torque and gets 24/29-31 mpg city/highway. The front-drive ES comes with a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, with the option of a six-speed CVT with overdrive and auto-manual. All other models come with the six-speed continuously variable transmission. The Outlander Sport uses front or four-wheel drive. Cruise control comes standard on all models.
The Sport gets supported by a strut suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. This combination allows for a smooth ride without sacrificing handling ability. Both suspensions are supported by coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks. These springs and shocks work together to absorb the impact from irregular road surfaces up to large bumps, which gives the passengers in the cabin a smoother ride. An electronic stability system comes standard on all models, as does speed-sensitive steering.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander-Sport
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Kia Sportage
- Mini Countryman
- Nissan Juke