2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Sophisticated Design/Feature Improvements with Production Moving to the United States
08/07/2012
Mitsubishi
As the best-selling vehicle in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup, the impressive 5-passenger Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover enters the 2013 model year with numerous new improvements including enhanced exterior styling and interior design features in only its third year of production.
And thanks in large part to the generous safety equipment and technologies that are included as standard on every Outlander Sport, last year's model was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Beginning in July 2012, the eye-catching and fuel-efficient 2013 Outlander Sport will be built right here in America at Mitsubishi's state-of-the-art Bloomington factory located in Normal, Illinois. The American-made Outlander Sport models produced at Bloomington will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the North America but will also be exported to foreign markets.
New for 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:
Enhanced Exterior Styling
The 2013 Outlander Sport receives a number of exterior changes that give it a more sophisticated and refined image. These include:
Redesigned front fascia, which includes new grill styling and fog lamp design
New rear bumper design
Side sills are now black in color to match the lower sections of the redesigned front and rear bumpers
New chrome door trim accent garnish
Updated Interior Design
All 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models gain a variety of improvements within the crossover's spacious and comfortable cabin:
Reduced Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) thanks to new interior materials
New seating fabrics
Chrome accent front door molding
All-Wheel Control (AWC) center console push button switch
Cabin noise reduction from higher grade insulation material
Improved sound quality from Premium Audio System's new high-performance speakers
Revised Rear Suspension/Electric Power Steering (EPS) Designs
The design of the rear multi-link suspension has been improved upon for even better ride comfort and handling, while the fuel-saving Electric Power Steering (EPS) has been augmented to provide an increase in steering feel for the driver.
Improved Continuous-Variable Transmission (CVT)
The Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) calibration has been improved to enhance acceleration performance and provide a smoother shifting feel.
Stylish Wheels Standard for All Trims
Each trim level of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will now come standard with handsome 18-inch alloy wheels.
Additional Standard Equipment for Outlander Sport SE trim level
The SE trim of the 2013 Outlander Sport now comes standard with SiriusXM(TM) satellite radio, heated front seats and a new chrome accent molding for the front doors.
Introduction of new Outlander Sport ES 4WD model
The ES model for the 2013 Outlander Sport is now available with Mitsubishi Motors' All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system. This is the same robust all-wheel drive system found on the Mitsubishi Outlander SE mid-size crossover vehicle.
New Exterior Color Availability
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is now available in two new hues, White Pearl and Quick Silver. It continues to be produced in Laguna Blue, Labrador Black Pearl, Mercury Gray and Rally Red.
Wide Array of Standard & Optional Amenities
All 2013 Outlander Sports come with numerous no-cost standard features and convenient amenities that help make this compact crossover a top pick in its competitive segment. These include Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link System(TM) with a USB port that allows for operation of the audio system, cell phone or iPod(R) simply by the use of one's voice; handy steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible sound system with 4 speakers, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), equalization control, speed-compensated volume, auxiliary audio RCA input jacks; rear LED combination tail lights; heated side view mirrors; air conditioning with pollen filter; rear heater floor ducts; color multi-information display that includes a trip computer, service reminder, audio system information and exterior ambient temperature display plus much more.
The Outlander Sport SE trim level adds even more standard features and amenities with the addition of a robust 6 speaker audio system; Super-wide beam High-Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlights; automatic climate control; heated front seats; FAST-key passive entry system; rain-sensing wipers and a handy One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch.
For an even more luxuriously-appointed 2013 Outlander Sport, opt for available options including a 40GB HDD navigation system with music server and real-time traffic; a rich sounding 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate(R) audio system with 9 speakers and a booming 10-inch subwoofer with Punch(R) control; SiriusXM(TM) satellite radio; a stunning panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting; and the enjoyment of a 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3-compatible changer.
Capable yet Economical Engine and Transmissions
Powered by an adroit and well-engineered 148 horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, this powerplant is fortified with numerous advanced technologies to provide ample power with exemplary fuel efficiency. Among these features are a lightweight aluminum cylinder head and engine block based on the well-regarded 4B11 engine architecture that has proven utterly reliable within the Mitsubishi Motors family of vehicles, the Japanese auto manufacturer's excellent MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) continuously-variable valve timing system, resin-coated pistons and smooth-surface camshafts for reduced friction.
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in ES trim level has this highly-efficient engine paired with a refined and user-friendly 5-speed manual transmission in standard guise while offering an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) as an option, which this model year has received a recalibration of its operating system. The CVT now delivers an improved acceleration response from a standing start and a smoother shifting feel. The top-flight SE model is equipped exclusively with the high-tech CVT transmission, which offers a 6-speed manual sports mode controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for the driver.
Other vehicle design features that help to maximize fuel economy are the use of a driver-communicative Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, a useful gear shift indicator (5-speed manual transmission-equipped cars) or an Eco indicator (CVT-equipped vehicles) light and a wind-cheating, highly-efficient aerodynamic exterior body design.
Thanks to its incomparable engine and continuously-variable transmission (CVT) combination, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport achieves an impressive fuel economy of an EPA-rated 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway (2WD) and 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (4WD).
For the 2013 model year, both the ES and SE trims are now available with either 2WD or with a driver-selected, electronically-controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system for enhanced handling and tractability in challenging on- or off-road conditions.
It's All About Safety
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is made with a variety of top-notch safety technologies and design features that provide the utmost protection for both the driver and passengers alike. This compact crossover features Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design technology. RISE helps to protect the vehicle's occupants by reducing body distortion as well as shielding the fuel system in the case of a rear end collision. The RISE system also assists with energy dissipation to help protect the passenger compartment in the event the car is hit from the side or the rear.
Thanks to an energy-absorbing front bumper and specially-designed flexible plastic front fenders, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport makes sure to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians nearby in the event of a collision as well.
All 2013 Outlander Sport models include the following standard safety features: a front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) including front side impact air bags and air curtains, driver's seat position and passenger weight sensors, active front seat headrests, a driver knee air bag, 3-point seatbelts for all 5 seating positions with front seat belt pretensions.
Helpful driving aids included in this well-equipped compact crossover are anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control Logic (TCL), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a brake override system that will slow the vehicle to complete stop should both the accelerator and brake pedal be engaged at the same time.
These same safety features, along with the Mitsubishi Motors RISE system engineered into the vehicle, allowed the previous 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to earn the prestigious "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Comprehensive Warranty
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with a generous warranty that includes a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, a 7-year/100,000 mile anti corrosion/perforation limited warranty, a completely transferable 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance program.