The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ranking is based on its score within the 2014 Affordable Compact SUVs category. Currently the Mitsubishi Outlander has a score of 7.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 24 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Although the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander offers seven seats and excellent fuel economy, it ranks toward the bottom of its class. Rivals have higher reliability ratings, more cargo space, and easier-to-use features.
A seven-seat compact SUV is uncommon, mostly due to the difficulty in fitting a third row into a small crossover. The Outlander’s third row adds two extra seats, but they’re too cramped to sit in for more than a few minutes. That’s only the beginning of the Outlander’s woes. A marginal reliability rating, a tight cargo hold, and a tricky navigation system are more reasons why you avoid the Outlander.
The standard 166-horsepower four-cylinder engine delivers adequate acceleration. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which groans under hard acceleration. An available V6 engine increases output to 224 horsepower but doesn’t feel as strong as six-cylinder-powered rivals do. A six-speed automatic transmission accompanies the V6.
The Outlander has a pleasant ride, but it lacks the cornering finesse you’ll find in other compact SUVs. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and S-AWC models are equipped with all-wheel drive. The Outlander is fuel-efficient for a 3-row SUV, returning 20-25 mpg in the city and 27-30 mpg on the highway.
The Outlander’s front seats are firm yet supportive. Like the second-row seats, they offer a good amount of space. The third row is tight, but it is tolerable for very short trips. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and leather and heated seats are available. There are two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors in the second-row outboard seats and a tether-only connection in the middle seat.
Compared to rivals, the Outlander comes up short on cargo space, offering only about 10 cubic feet of space behind the third row. With the second- and third-row seats folded, it has about 63 cubic feet of room. The second row of seats can be a pain to fold down, making the extra space difficult to access.
Standard features include automatic climate control and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The Outlander is available with dual-zone climate control, remote start, a sunroof, and a Rockford Fosgate system that provides high-quality sound. Other upgrades include a touch-screen display, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD player, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a USB port. Entering an address into the available navigation system can be frustrating.
Prices range from about $13,100 for a base model to around $16,800 for a top-end Outlander GT. These prices shift with demand and vary depending on the vehicle's condition, mileage, and location.
Instead of basing our reviews on our personal opinions, we analyze the findings of the automotive press alongside data like reliability ratings and safety scores.
U.S. News & World Report has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs for a decade. Our team has over 75 years of automotive industry experience. To remain objective, we don't accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles our advertising.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander has a below-average reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
With good crash test scores and plenty of available driver assistance features, the Outlander outmatches many of its competitors in the safety department. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, the agency’s top accolade. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Outlander an overall rating of four out of five stars.
Although the Outlander doesn’t come standard with any advanced safety equipment, plenty are available. They include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The third generation of the Outlander started with the 2014 model year and includes the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander. For 2015, Bluetooth and voice recognition became standard. Mitsubishi revised the Outlander’s exterior styling for the 2016 model year. It also refined the previously cumbersome navigation system and made the second-row seats easier to fold. Unless these style and feature updates are important to you, go for a more reasonably priced 2014 model.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander comes in three trims: ES, SE, and GT. The base ES comes with front-wheel drive, while the SE is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The GT comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The midlevel Mitsubishi Outlander SE makes the best choice for value-conscious shoppers who don’t want to skimp on features. It comes with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a touch-screen display, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Some SE models are available with a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and woodgrain trim. You can even find the Outlander SE with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, and lane departure warning. Avoid models that come with the available navigation system, as it can be fussy.
You may want to consider a certified pre-owned Outlander for added peace of mind. Mitsubishi certified pre-owned vehicles receive the balance of the original new-car 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. To become certified pre-owned, each vehicle must pass a 123-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Mitsubishi warranty page carefully.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a lower price, but the Outlander is the better SUV. The Outlander Sport has a weak four-cylinder engine, with no option to upgrade. Compared to the regular Outlander, the Sport has less cargo space and fewer active safety features. Although the Outlander is a better choice, keep in mind that both Mitsubishi SUVs have a below-average reliability rating and rank poorly overall.
The highly ranked Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice among compact SUVs. The CX-5 offers terrific performance, with dynamic handling as well as a zippy and fuel-efficient pair of engines to choose from. Like the Outlander, it is available with front- or all-wheel drive and several advanced safety features. While both SUVs tout a good safety record, only the CX-5 earned an above-average reliability rating. The CX-5 has a comfortable and spacious cabin, but it isn’t available with third-row seats like the Outlander. Both SUVs have tricky navigation systems.
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