When you first see the Outlander Sport’s aggressive exterior, you can picture it pouncing on the road for a little pavement fun.  The little part fits, because the Sport is related to, but not quite a shrunken down version of Mitsubishi’s bigger Outlander.  And there’s certainly fun to be had here, just don’t jump when you realize that the Sport’s performance is more economically inclined.  Think of this Mitsubishi as a role player- it’ll get you where you want to go with little hassle, for a cheap price.  And affordable ease can be pretty underrated.

Check out the ins and outs of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trims and Features

The Outlander Sport is offered in two trim levels but with 3 options: choose between the base ES (from $18,795), the SE 2-wheel drive ($21,995), or the SE 4wheel drive ($23,295) which Mitsubishi has dubbed as All-Wheel Control or AWC.  Standards for each trim include seating for 5, a 148 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 7 airbags, and the FUSE voice activated infotainment command system.  2-wheel drive Outlander Sport trims will also achieve an economically friendly 31 highway MPG.

As far as options, look for expected niceties like navigation, a rearview camera, alloy wheels, and heated front seats.  Model-centric features include a Panoramic glass roof featuring LED mood lighting, roof rails, and a 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system- all part of the Premium Package ($2,050) available on SE trims.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Performance

No matter the trim, you’ll receive a 2.0 liter inline-4 engine capable of 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque.  ES trims are paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission, or a CVT option that includes paddle shifters.  SE trims come standard with the CVT transmission.  Mitsubishi offers Outlander Sport in either ES or SE front-wheel drive, or SE all-wheel drive (AWD).

Mitsubishi Fuel Economy

Without a massive engine option to suck down gas, Outlander Sport achieves a very nice MPG average.  Look for either 24/31/26 (city/highway/combined) MPG with front-wheel drive manual trims or 25/31/27 for the CVT version. AWD models suffer slightly, ending up at 23/28/25. And in case you need help, an eco-indicator lamp lights up any time you’re driving fuel-consciously.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Interior Highlights

While the word luxury probably won’t come to mind, critics approve of Outlander Sport’s overall comfort, both in the front and back rows.  Drivers get a telescoping wheel and access to Fuse, which provides voice activated infotainment direction so your hands won’t cause trouble. You’ll be able to seat 5 with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats up, and if you’re carrying 2 or less, you’ve got 49.5 cubic feet of cargo space to play with.  With the back seats in use the extra space drops to just 21.7 cubes, which will probably be a little too tight for families that like to pack.  And if you want the Panoramic roof, space drops to 48.8 cubic feet with the 2^nd row down and 20.1 cubes with all seats in use.  With those dimensions, Outlander Sport definitely plays the part of little brother; the Outlander can hold up to 72.6 cubes of cargo if you need more.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety

Outlander Sport standards include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and 7 airbags- including driver’s knee and side curtain bags.  Options include a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.  Government crash test results haven’t been released for the 2012 Outlander Sport, but the IIHS gives its highest rating of ‘good’ for both front and side impacts.

Outlander Sport, Bottom Line

The price is right with Mitsubishi’s compact crossover, and if you won’t miss space or stand-out performance all that much, come and check out the 2012 Outlander Sport.  And who knows, maybe a good downsize is exactly what you need.