Instead of a 168-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a robust 230-horsepower V-6 like the Outlander, though, the Sport comes with only a 148-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Our uplevel SE tester (it also comes in a base ES) was equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Although easily workable, and with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the package does emote a stronger sound than the resulting output would suggest. My guess, though, is that this will be OK with its buyers, who will appreciate the EPA mileage ratings of 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Another plus is that although the overall size is smaller than the older Outlander, rear-seat space is not compromised.
Three passengers have an ample amount of room in the back. The difference is made up in the cargo area where there is a relatively small amount of space at 21.7 cubic feet. The rear seat comes in a 60/40 split/folding design, however, and also has a center passthrough for long items.
Outlander Sports start at $18,495 and top out at $22,995 for the lone all-wheel drive version. The other three trims, like the one we drove, are front-wheel drive. There are the requisite safety features and a fair amount of standard equipment.
The two-wheel drive Sport SE comes with rain-sensing wipers, keyless starting, automatic climate control, fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels to complete a package that is functional and has good looks.
The 2011 Outlander Sport is a small change from the Outlander. It’s a friendly option from Mitsubishi.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.
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