2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned one of the lowest Total Car Scores in the Compact SUV & Crossover segment, as critics noted the only "Sport" element is in the name. 
 
In fact, reviewers noted a lack of performance and excessive body roll in corners, as well as substantial wind noise at highway speeds. Cargo space is also seen as limited at 49.5 cubic feet, max. 
 
That said, the ride is comfortable and reviewers have found the pricing to be reasonable. Ultimately, though, the Outlander Sport doesn't have enough going for it when the competition has more to offer in terms of utility, civility and fun. 
 
Having debuted last year, the 2012 iteration sees some extra sound insulation, a change of dashboard material, the addition of a vibration-absorbing damper in the engine bay, a re-calibrated CVT for sharper responses, a new optional rear-view camera system, plus new wheel and wheel cover designs.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Model Line-Up

The five-seat 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes in ES and SE trim levels. All-wheel drive is an option for SE models, otherwise front-wheel drive is standard. 
 
The sole drivetrain is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, linked to a standard-issue five-speed manual in the ES. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional in the ES, standard in the SE. 
 
The ES leaves the factory with heated mirrors, air conditioning and 16-inch steel wheels. Mitsubishi's voice-controlled Fuse infotainment system is also standard. It has Bluetooth and an audio system with USB and mini-jack sockets. 
 
The SE has keyless ignition, climate control, automatic wipers and headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. An optional Premium package for the SE brings an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system with satellite radio, panoramic sunroof and roof rails. 
 
Other options include navigation, rear-view camera, mud and bumper guards, piano black trim accents, and a few other cosmetic details. 
 
The 2012 Outlander Sport is EPA-rated at 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with a front-drive/manual transmission configuration. With the CVT, consumption is 25/31/27 mpg. The all-wheel drive/CVT setup achieves 24/29/26 mpg.

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