Top-rated for safety, versatility and fuel economy, the Outlander is the best-selling model in the Mitsubishi line-up, and the new Sport edition also offers serious value with a stating price of just $20,995.
The 2021 Outlander Sport is packed with features not usually found at this price, plus an above-average fuel economy rating.
Safety features include standard Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Automatic High Beam (AHB), standard rain sensing windshield wipers, LED fog lights, auto dimming mirror, and automatic headlights as standard equipment on the ES trim and above.
What I call “creature features” – for comfort and convenience – include a second-generation 8.0-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Plus rugged good looks and an option for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to go in the snow, mud, and off-road adventures.
Outlander Sport was ranked in the top three in the 2020 JD Power IQS study in the small SUV class, reinforcing the vehicle’s quality and long-term reliability, as well as its value.
The basic model comes in at a breath under $21,000. But even if you trade up to the top-priced model with more bells and whistles than you are likely to need or use, you’re still getting a safe, reliable versatile vehicle for well under $30,000.
A second-generation 8.0-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on all but the S and ES trims, which feature a 7-inch Display Audio System.
2021 Outlander Sport Fuel Economy
Outlander Sport is available with either front-wheel drive or Mitsubishi’s unique Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive.
There’s a choice of two engines:
Power is provided by a standard 2.0L MiVEC DOHC four-cylinder engine with 148 hp and 145 lb./ft of torque. The GT AWC trim features a 2.4L engine offering 168 hp and 167 lb./ft of torque.
Both engines are fuel sippers.
Outlander Sport’s 2.0L engine rates at 24 MPG (city) and 30 MPG (highway) for a combined rating of 27 MPG in both 2WD and AWC configurations.
The 2.4L engine returns 23 MPG (city) and 29 MPG (highway) in its standard AWC configuration.
New Limited Edition (LE) and Black Edition (BE) Trims
The new LE trim starts at $23,995 and builds on the well-equipped ES trim and adds black outside mirrors, a black grille and black 18-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, red interior accent stitching adorns seats, shifter, steering wheel and parking brake lever, adding an upscale feel of sportiness and character.
The revised BE trim offers increased standard safety and convenience features compared to 2020.
This model is available in 2WD and All-Wheel Control (AWC) configurations, also includes the following features:
- Revised front and rear air dams in gloss black with red accents
- Alloy fuel filler door
- Side body graphics
- Black outside mirrors
- Black door handles
- Black 18-inch wheels with red accent
- Large rear body spoiler
- Black Edition exterior badging
- Tailgate protector trim in gloss black
For whatever reason, a model called The Black Edition is available in Red Diamond, Pearl White and Sunshine Orange, along with a black called Black Labrador.
One of the Best New Vehicle Warranty Programs
Outlander Sport boasts one of the industry’s leading powertrain and new vehicle warranties – a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.
All coverage terms are from the original in-service dates and are applicable only to the original owner of new, retailed models purchased from an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.
Subsequent owners receive the balance of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.
About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, research and development, marketing and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. 2019 marked the brand’s seventh consecutive year of sales growth, and MMNA was the top-ranked Japanese brand in the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality study, ranking sixth overall and experiencing the greatest year-over-year improvement of any brand.
Located in Franklin, Tennessee, MMNA is a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Mitsubishi continues to lead the way in the development of highly efficient, affordably priced new gasoline-powered automobiles, while using its industry-leading knowledge in battery-electric vehicles to develop future EV and PHEV models.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and guidebook and smartphone app author – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
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