2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: American-made Crossover with Head-turning Styling and Exceptional Safety
06/12/2014
Mitsubishi
For the 2015 model year, Mitsubishi Motors' perennial best-seller - the eye-catching Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover - receives some key aesthetic and engineering improvements that should help this dynamic crossover vehicle maintain its reign as the Japanese auto manufacturer's #1-selling model.
Rated as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick" for 2014 and available in either 2WD or AWD - Mitsubishi Motors' acclaimed driver-selectable, electronically-controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system - and with a solid-shifting 5-speed manual or with a sophisticated continuously-variable transmission (CVT), other welcome improvements to the American-made 2015 Outlander Sport include:
New next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT)
New Carbon audio panel trim (ES model)
New stylish-looking LED running lights (SE model)
New high-gloss piano black with silver accent audio panel trim (SE)
New thicker front door window glass for improved sound insulation (all models)
New next-generation fuel-saving Electric Power Steering (all models)
New rear quarter panel sound insulation for reduced road noise (all models)
New relocated heated front seat switchgear for easier accessibility (SE)
Also new for the 2015 Outlander Sport: A dynamic new Octane Blue exterior paint scheme, joining Labrador Black, Quick Silver, Mercury Gray, Rally Red and White Pearl, has been added to the colorful model lineup.
Platform and Drivetrain: Sublime Engineering
A poised, comfortable ride and excellent maneuverability are always assured, thanks to the 2015 Outlander Sport's well-engineered suspension system that consists of MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar up front and a multi-link set-up with stabilizer bar at the rear of the vehicle.
What's more, for the 2015 model year, the very capable MIVEC variable valve-timing-equipped 148 horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter-based drivetrain receives numerous design and engineering enhancements.
Performance gets a boost from a next-generation continuously-variable transmission that now mimics a 7-speed automatic transmission. Not only does it provide better response, performance from a standing start, and a more unified feeling of acceleration, 2015 Outlander Sport models equipped with this CVT unit benefit from improved fuel economy at an estimated 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined (2WD models) and 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 mpg combined (4WD models).*
Thanks to these impressive fuel economy numbers, the 2015 Outlander Sport is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
Other changes occurring under the hood of the 2015 Outlander Sport include the fitment of a smaller oil pump and reduced oil volume through the implementation of low viscosity engine oil.
Beyond the engine compartment, Mitsubishi Motors' handsome 5-passenger compact crossover/SUV features an aerodynamically-efficient low-drag exterior body design that helps to contribute to fuel efficiency, as do other gas-saving technologies including a helpful ECO (CVT-equipped models) or a gearshift indicator light (5-speed manual-equipped vehicles) that lets the driver know when they are driving at their most efficient, along with a more efficient Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that helps reduce fuel consumption by doing away with the parasitic drag on the engine that comes from a conventional hydraulically-assisted power steering.
Other design improvements for the 2015 model year Outlander Sport include thicker front door glass and new sound insulation for the rear quarter panel section of the vehicle, leading to a reduction in the level of noise, vibration and/or harshness (NVH) experienced by the vehicle's occupants.
2015 Outlander Sport ES and SE Trim Levels
While it may be the entry-level model, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES doesn't skimp on welcome accessories and features that make life behind the wheel a little easier and more enjoyable. The ES trim level includes an aesthetically appealing Carbon audio panel trim and a rich-sounding 140-watt 4 speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with FUSE Hand-Free Link System(R) with USB port; heated side view mirrors; remote keyless entry with panic feature; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; air conditioning with pollen filter; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; roof carrier plug-in accommodation; high-contrast meter with full-color display; and an anti-theft security alarm system.
Other items included as part of the comprehensive standard equipment package are P225/55R18 all-season tires wrapped around stylish 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels; chrome grille surround; split fold-down rear seatbacks; auto-off halogen headlights; and fuel-saving features including an ECO indicator light (CVT-equipped vehicles) light or a gear shift indicator (5-speed manual transmission-equipped cars) and an Electric Power Steering (EPS).
The 2015 Outlander Sport SE edition - the premium version of Mitsubishi Motors' 5-passenger crossover/SUV - comes equipped with a bounty of upscale features that are normally found on vehicles at a much higher price point than the financially well-within-reach Outlander Sport SE. Among these are automatic climate control; FAST-key passive entry system; high-gloss piano black with silver accent audio trim panel; heated front seats; One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; a 6 speaker 6.1-in. display touchscreen audio system with HD Radio(R) and SIRIUSXM(R) satellite radio with 3-month subscription; rearview camera; rain-sensing wipers; and Super-wide beam High-Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlights with auto off/on control; stylish-looking LED running lights; and a relocated heated front seat switch for easier accessibility.
Comprehensive Safety/Warranty
Rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a "Top Safety Pick" in 2014 or higher the previous three model years, every 2015 Outlander Sport model comes equipped with a plethora of important safety features and technologies: Active Stability Control (ASC) with Hill Start Assist (HSA); Traction Control Logic (TCL); a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a seven (7) air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with front air bags with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.
An additional layer of occupant protection is afforded by Mitsubishi Motors' the advanced Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) patented safety cell body construction system that absorbs energy to help provide protection to the vehicle's occupants. This RISE safety structure technology is engineered into every vehicle in Mitsubishi Motors' product lineup.
Furthermore, an available rearview camera system is also offered and provides additional piece-of-mind and awareness of one's surroundings when backing up the vehicle.
Every 2015 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 new vehicle limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance program.
With its low price, outstanding fuel economy, distinctive styling, excellent safety rating and Mitsubishi Motors' outstanding comprehensive warranty, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one of the stand-out vehicle values in the small SUV/crossover segment.
*Preliminary estimated fuel economy numbers pending final determination by the EPA.