The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, also known as the ASX in some markets, is a subcompact crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, some model years are more reliable and offer better value than others. This guide will delve into the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, providing you with the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision in 2024.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Year-by-Year Analysis
| Model Year | Key Highlights | Potential Issues/Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | Debut years; Affordable entry point. | Numerous reported issues including engine stalling, CVT transmission problems, and electrical malfunctions. Avoid unless meticulously maintained and thoroughly inspected. |
| 2013 | Minor styling updates; Improved fuel economy. | Still prone to some earlier issues, but fewer reports than 2011-2012. Careful inspection advised. |
| 2014 | Introduction of a new 2.4L engine option. | Some reports of excessive oil consumption with the 2.4L engine. Check service records carefully. |
| 2015 | Improved interior materials; Enhanced sound insulation. | CVT transmission issues still a concern, though less prevalent than in earlier years. Test drive extensively. |
| 2016 | Significant facelift; Updated infotainment system. | Generally more reliable than previous years, but CVT transmission should still be a consideration. |
| 2017 | Android Auto and Apple CarPlay added. | Good reliability reports. A solid choice for a used Outlander Sport. |
| 2018 | Minor equipment upgrades. | Similar reliability to 2017. Look for well-maintained examples. |
| 2019 | Another significant facelift; Updated exterior design. | Continued good reliability. A good option if you prefer the updated styling. |
| 2020 | Larger touchscreen infotainment system. | Positive reliability reviews. A modern and dependable choice. |
| 2021 | Standard advanced safety features. | Similar to 2020 in terms of reliability. Consider this year for the added safety features. |
| 2022 | Limited changes from 2021. | Reliability remains strong. A good, newer option. |
| 2023 | No major changes. | Newer model with potentially lower mileage, but reliability is still being established. |
| 2024 | Likely minimal changes from 2023. | Too early to assess long-term reliability. |
Detailed Explanations
2011-2012: These were the debut years for the Outlander Sport, and while they offered an affordable entry point into the subcompact SUV market, they were plagued with numerous problems. Common issues included engine stalling, CVT transmission failures, and a variety of electrical malfunctions. Due to the high frequency of these issues, it's generally best to avoid these model years unless you can find one that has been meticulously maintained and thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic.
2013: The 2013 model year saw some minor styling updates and improvements in fuel economy. While slightly better than the 2011-2012 models, the 2013 Outlander Sport still exhibited some of the earlier issues, although less frequently. A careful pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended to check for any signs of trouble, especially with the CVT transmission.
2014: In 2014, Mitsubishi introduced a new 2.4L engine option for the Outlander Sport, offering more power than the standard 2.0L engine. However, some owners reported excessive oil consumption with the 2.4L engine. If you're considering a 2014 model with the 2.4L engine, thoroughly review the service records to see if there's any indication of oil consumption issues.
2015: The 2015 model year brought improvements to the interior materials and enhanced sound insulation, making for a more comfortable driving experience. While these improvements were welcome, CVT transmission issues were still a concern, though less prevalent than in earlier years. It's advisable to test drive the vehicle extensively to ensure the transmission shifts smoothly and doesn't exhibit any unusual noises or behavior.
2016: The 2016 Outlander Sport received a significant facelift, giving it a more modern and aggressive look. The infotainment system was also updated. This model year is generally considered more reliable than previous years. However, the CVT transmission should still be a point of consideration, although fewer reports exist compared to older models.
2017: The 2017 Outlander Sport added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, making it a more appealing option for tech-savvy buyers. Reliability reports for this year are generally good. Making it a solid choice for a used Outlander Sport.
2018: The 2018 model year saw minor equipment upgrades, but overall, it was very similar to the 2017 model. The reliability remained comparable to 2017. When searching, look for well-maintained examples with complete service records.
2019: In 2019, the Outlander Sport received another significant facelift, featuring an updated exterior design that further modernized its appearance. Reliability continued to be good, making this a good option if you prefer the more recent styling.
2020: The 2020 Outlander Sport featured a larger touchscreen infotainment system, improving the user experience. Positive reliability reviews suggest that this is a dependable and modern choice.
2021: The 2021 Outlander Sport made advanced safety features standard across all trims, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Reliability is similar to the 2020 model. Consider this year for the added peace of mind provided by the safety features.
2022: The 2022 Outlander Sport saw limited changes from the 2021 model. Reliability remains strong, making it a good, newer option if you're looking for a recent model year.
2023: The 2023 Outlander Sport didn't undergo any major changes. As a newer model, it will potentially have lower mileage. However, long-term reliability is still being established.
2024: The 2024 Outlander Sport is likely to have minimal changes from the 2023 model. It's too early to assess the long-term reliability of this model year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Outlander Sport years should I absolutely avoid? Avoid the 2011 and 2012 model years due to widespread reports of engine, transmission, and electrical issues. These models are statistically more likely to experience problems.
Are CVT transmissions in the Outlander Sport reliable? Early Outlander Sport models (2011-2015) had more CVT issues. Later models (2016 onwards) show improved reliability, but regular maintenance is crucial.
Does the 2.4L engine have oil consumption problems? Some 2014-2015 models with the 2.4L engine have been reported to have excessive oil consumption. Checking service records for oil consumption issues is advised.
Which Outlander Sport year offers the best value for money? The 2017-2020 model years offer a good balance of features, reliability, and affordability. Look for well-maintained examples with complete service records.
Does the Outlander Sport have good safety features? Later models (2021 and newer) come standard with advanced safety features like forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. This makes them a safer choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year for a used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport can significantly impact your ownership experience. By carefully considering the potential issues and focusing on the more reliable model years, such as 2017 and newer, you can find a dependable and affordable subcompact SUV that meets your needs. Remember to always perform a thorough inspection and test drive before making a purchase to ensure you're getting a vehicle in good condition.