The Mitsubishi Outlander has been in the market for a few years now, and the one thing that you can count on is this vehicle getting better with every model year. We tested the redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE and really didn’t know what to expect at first, but after a week behind the wheel, we found a solid vehicle at a reasonable price.
The new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE has sharp looks with an edgy design. Our rally red test model looked uncluttered and sleek for a SUV that is generally better known for utility advances. The 18-inch alloy wheels, super-wide HID headlights, chrome front grille surround, chrome belt line molding, fog lights, rear LED tail lights, rear spoiler and exhaust finisher spiced up the overall appearance. The look of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE is practical and smart.
Don’t look for luxury to be in the vocabulary when you’re driving a $25,820 as tested SUV, but roominess will fall right into place. Standard features such as climate control, air conditioning, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, high contrast meters and full color multi-information display were well thought out and placed. We also thought the 710w Rockford Fosgate Premium sound system with nine speakers was high quality and powerful. Cabin and utility space are solid without needless gadgets that can get in your way.
SUVs must deliver on performance, otherwise they can die quick, and although the AWC (all wheel control) wasn’t really tested by us, it sounds like it can really work well! However, the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters worked like a charm and really elevated the fun factor of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE. The 2.0 Liter DOHC I4 MIVEC engine produced satisfactory power, and has strong fuel efficiency coming in at 24mpg in the city and 29mpg in highway driving.
The redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers new styling and seating for five in a competitive pricing package that should get some customers in the showroom. With that being said, the lack of power in our test model would probably keep most folks from really testing this car in full AWC mode other than shouldering snow-filled streets. We do like the Outlander Sport SE’s clean design, but the interior could use some more refinement to compete with the big boys!