First Look: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Compact sport utility vehicles may be a dime a dozen, but there are some models that truly stand out. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one such model, a five-passenger vehicle that has been updated for the 2013 model year. The newest model receives new interior fabrics and chrome accents; it also has a revised front fascia and rear bumper, new door sills and stand-out 18-inch alloy wheels. With a starting price under $20,000, the Outlander Sport is a value leader too, a vehicle that can be fully equipped for about $22,000.

Engine and Transmissions

Every 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with a 16-valve 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission with steering paddle shifters. This engine makes 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 145 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm.

Fuel Efficiency

Available in front- or all-wheel-drive, the Outlander Sport is rated as high as 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. With its 16.6-gallon fuel tank this model has a 515-mile cruising range, providing more than enough fuel to take you from Chicago to Nashville on one tank of regular grade gasoline.

Outlander Sport Dimensions

Sitting on a 105.1-inch wheelbase, the Outlander Sport is 169.1 inches long, 69.7 wide and 64.2 inches tall. This vehicle rides on 18-inch aluminum alloys wheels that are set within 225/55R18 all-season tires.

The Outlander Sport features 119.2 cubic feet of interior volume. The cabin compartment features 97.2 passenger volume and 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. Fold down the rear seat and this vehicle’s cargo capacity increases to 49.5 cubic feet.

Front head room measures 39.4 cubic inches and 37.9 inches in the rear. Front shoulder room measures 56.2 inches; rear shoulder room comes in at 55.7 inches. Front hip room measures 52.1 inches; rear hip room comes in at 51.6 inches. Front leg room is 41.6 inches; rear leg room measures 36.3 inches.

Mitsubishi Notables

Besides a substantial refreshing, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport brings in a number of standard goodies including remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric power steering, voice activation of your iPod and cell phone, LED treatments and heated outside mirrors. Safety features are also offered in abundance and include traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and six airbags.

Chief competitors to the Mitsubishi include the Ford Escape, Toyota’s RAV4, the Honda CR-V, Kia’s Sportage, the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan’s Rogue.