No compensation was received for this post. A one week loan of the vehicle was provided to facilitate this review.
The very first car I purchased as a young adult was an SUV, prompted in part by my best friend at the time, who drove a luxury sport model that boasted leather seats and every feature available at the time. I’ve always appreciated the hybrid merging of a truck-bed platform with the cabin space of a minivan. At the time, gas wasn’t nearly $4 a gallon, thus fuel efficiency wasn’t at the top of my “must-have” list. When we retired our second SUV, it was bittersweet because I really enjoyed that vehicle, but the reality is that it wasn’t the most practical option for a family of four living in Southern California.
I’ve been test-driving a number of different vehicles over the past few months to get a sense of what will be the best option for our family. Driving a new vehicle for an extended period of time is a great way to determine whether or not it’s worth the investment. While I’ve enjoyed each car, I realized that I am an SUV-gal at heart. When the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport arrived at my house, I was immediately impressed with its bold, sleek appearance. It’s Mitsubishi’s best-selling model, and earlier this year, it was deemed a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only two vehicles in this class are awarded this distinction which means that the Outlander Sport meets tougher crash safety standards set forth by the Institute. Knowing that we’d be heading out on a staycation with our kids, I felt entire safe driving this compact crossover utility vehicle.
Speaking of safety, it’s a top priority for families and something I like to research thoroughly before making a purchasing decision. Some of the Outlander Sport’s standout (and standard) features include seven airbags (wow!), anti-lock brakes (did you know that this is an added expense with many vehicles?), active stability control (important to prevent loss of control), LATCH child safety seat system, and an anti-theft alarm system. Mitsubishi is so confident that its Outlander Sport was built to last that it also offers a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, standard with all models.
As I mentioned above, I was very impressed with the look of the vehicle. Because the Outlander Sport is a crossover utility vehicle (fusion of SUV features and built on a car’s platform) its appearance is more sculpted as opposed to boxier SUVs. The 2013 model was complete redesigned, most noticeable at the front of the car. Designed to set the Outlander Sport apart from its competitors, the front bumper features new grille styling and fog lamp design, a new rear bumper design, and standard 18 inch alloy wheels on all trim levels.
The estimated fuel economy of my former SUV was around 19 MPG combined. The word on the street is that if you want fuel efficiency, you’ll have to settle for a sedan…bonus miles if it is a hybrid. The Outlander Sport changes this notion and its most impressive feature is its fuel economy. At 31 MPG highway, it gets better gas mileage than my sedan! I typically test drive vehicles around my neighborhood and the furthest I’ve taken them is up to LA. Our staycation ended with me driving up the coast and I can’t tell you how many times I thought I should have filled up but didn’t need to. And I love knowing exactly how many miles I could go until my gas tank was empty. *Note* We tested the CVT model which includes steering column mounted paddle shifters for those who want the ability to shift manually without purchasing a vehicle with a manual transmission (or use of a clutch pedal).
Discovering and testing out a vehicle’s tech and luxury features is always a highlight of my experience. I spent a lot of time in the Outlander Sport (more so than usual) and I quickly got accustomed to Navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. These types of features are often an added expense, so I thought I’d highlight those that come standard with the base model (they’re also my personal favorites). One of my very first experiences with remote keyless entry was during a test drive. As a mom of two little ones, this becomes very handy and I can keep my focus where it should be rather than fumbling with keys. Additional standard comfort features include A/C (again, not always standard on all vehicles and a must in my opinion), power door locks, windows, and side view mirrors, cruise control, 2 12-volt power outlets (I can work in the car…when I’m not driving!), steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and FUSE Handsfree Link System with USB Port. (both of which are essential for staying focused on the road). Nav with Rear View Camera, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and One-touch Start/Stop engine switch are the three features I would add because they’re must-haves in my opinion.
The word “compact” should not deter families from considering this attractive, fuel-efficient, affordable CUV. There was sufficient room for two full-sized car seats to sit comfortably in the rear seat along with my mom who sat in the middle seat. I do wish the Outlander Sport had more trunk space as we took this vehicle camping and barely fit in all of our gear. Standard with this vehicle are 60/40 split folding and reclining high-back rear seats which will provide more cargo space, however, that would reduce the number of passengers that could ride in the vehicle.
Safety and fuel economy top the list of the Outlander Sport’s most attractive characteristics. It’s sophisticated look and standard luxury features make this a competitive option in the CUV class. Depending on the model and features selected, you can expect to pay between $19,170 and $24,895 for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. For more information, Mitsubishicars.com/OutlanderSport.
Images: Rockin’ Mama unless otherwise noted.
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