The Good
The 2013 Outlander Sport offers practical advantages with its strong fuel efficiency and competitive initial value. Its compact size and agile handling appeal to emotional buyers seeking a sporty, easy-to-maneuver design in city environments. The straightforward interior design prioritizes functionality, while its Mitsubishi lineage often suggests decent long-term reliability for budget-conscious owners.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2013 Outlander Sport include its somewhat underpowered 2.0L engine, leading to sluggish acceleration, especially with the CVT. The interior materials can feel basic compared to rivals, and road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds. Some owners report firm ride quality and limited cargo space behind the rear seats.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport primarily offered one engine option in the U.S. market: a 2.0-liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: This 2.0L engine produced 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy ratings varied slightly by transmission and drivetrain.
- 2WD with 5-speed manual: 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
- 2WD with CVT: 24 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
- AWC (All-Wheel Control) with CVT: 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
- 0-60 Times: Acceleration from 0-60 mph was generally in the range of 9.0 to 9.5 seconds, depending on the transmission and drivetrain, indicating adequate but not spirited performance.
- Towing Capacity: The 2013 Outlander Sport had a relatively modest towing capacity, typically rated at 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This is suitable for small utility trailers or light recreational equipment.
- Trim-Level Features:
- ES Trim (Entry-Level):
- Standard features included 16-inch steel wheels, heated power side mirrors, LED taillights, cruise control, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.
- Optional features sometimes included 16-inch alloy wheels.
- SE Trim (Higher-Level):
- Built upon the ES features, adding 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless ignition/entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an upgraded six-speaker sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a USB/iPod interface.
- The SE also offered available all-wheel control (AWC) as an option.
- Optional packages for the SE included a Premium Package (panoramic glass roof, Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with nine speakers and subwoofer, navigation system with rearview camera) and a Navigation Package (navigation with rearview camera).
- ES Trim (Entry-Level):
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2013 |
| Make | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Outlander Sport |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 5000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.0L L4 |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Have?
Frequently Reported Problems:
- CVT Issues: This is perhaps the most common and significant concern. Owners often report rough shifting, hesitation, whining noises, and in some cases, complete transmission failure. Symptoms can include the vehicle shaking during acceleration, delayed engagement, or simply feeling "sluggish." While Mitsubishi's CVTs are designed for efficiency, some units from this era have proven less robust than conventional automatics, potentially requiring costly repairs or replacement around the 100,000-mile mark.
- Premature Suspension Component Wear: Issues such as worn struts, control arms, and bushings have been reported, leading to clunking noises over bumps and degraded ride quality. This can occur sooner than expected for a vehicle of its class.
- Brake Wear: Some owners note that brake components, particularly rotors and pads, can wear out relatively quickly, necessitating more frequent replacement compared to some competitors.
- Electrical Issues: Minor electrical gremlins, such as issues with the infotainment system, power windows, or dashboard warning lights, occasionally surface.
- Road Noise: While not a mechanical failure, many owners consistently report high levels of road and wind noise at highway speeds, which can detract from long-term driving comfort.
Recalls:
For the 2013 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport had a few notable recalls:
- NHTSA Recall 14V339000 (July 2014): This recall involved the panoramic glass roof potentially detaching. The bonding between the glass and the vehicle body could fail, causing the glass to separate, increasing the risk of injury. Mitsubishi dealerships were instructed to inspect and re-bond or replace the glass roof panel as needed.
- NHTSA Recall 15V437000 (July 2015): This recall addressed a potential issue with the drive belt. The drive belt for the power steering pump and alternator could detach, leading to a loss of power steering assist and battery discharge, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers were to inspect and replace the drive belt as necessary.
Long-Term Reliability Concerns:
Beyond the specific recalls and common complaints, the long-term reliability is largely tied to the health of the CVT. A well-maintained CVT can last, but neglect or manufacturing defects can lead to expensive repairs. Other components like suspension parts and brakes will require regular attention, consistent with a vehicle of this age and price point. Overall, maintaining the CVT fluid regularly is crucial for its longevity.
How long will the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment:
- Standard Features (ES Trim): The base ES trim came with a four-speaker sound system, a CD player, and an auxiliary audio input jack. It also included automatic climate control.
- Enhanced Features (SE Trim & Optional): Stepping up to the SE trim added a six-speaker sound system, satellite radio capability, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, and a USB/iPod interface.
- Optional Premium Package: This package, primarily for the SE trim, introduced a premium 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with a subwoofer, delivering a more immersive sound experience.
- Optional Navigation System: A factory-installed navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen display was available, often bundled with a rearview camera for improved parking and reversing safety.
Driver-Assistance Features:
The 2013 Outlander Sport was relatively basic in terms of advanced driver-assistance systems compared to modern vehicles.
- Rearview Camera: Available as part of the optional navigation package, this was the primary driver-assistance feature.
- Cruise Control: Standard on all trims, providing convenience on long drives.
Safety Features:
Mitsubishi equipped the Outlander Sport with a comprehensive set of passive and active safety features.
- Standard Safety Equipment:
- Seven airbags, including dual front, front-seat-mounted side, side curtain, and a driver's knee airbag.
- Antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist.
- Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL).
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) was standard with the manual transmission.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Crash-Test Ratings:
The 2013 Outlander Sport performed commendably in crash tests for its year.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety):
- Good rating in Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraints & Seats tests.
- It did not receive a "Good" rating in the new Small Overlap Front test which was introduced later.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):
- Overall Safety Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.
- Frontal Crash: 4 Stars
- Side Crash: 5 Stars
- Rollover: 4 Stars
What Colors Options are Available?
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Prices and Market Value
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Cost of Ownership
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Fuel Efficiency
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Rating
NHTSA
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Recalls & Defects
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Fuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System
Suspension:front
AIR Bags
Seat Belts
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:linkages
Parking Brake
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower ARM
Structure:frame and Members
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower ARM
Structure:frame and Members
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Compare to Other Wagon?
Performance: The Outlander Sport's 148-hp 2.0L engine often felt underpowered compared to rivals. The Honda CR-V (185 hp) and Toyota RAV4 (176 hp) offered more robust acceleration, while the Mazda CX-5 (155 hp, but with a more refined feel) also generally felt more spirited due to its SKYACTIV technology. The Outlander Sport's handling was agile, which was a strong point, but the CVT could make acceleration feel less responsive.
Features: Feature-wise, the Outlander Sport was competitive, especially on higher trims, offering things like a panoramic glass roof, navigation, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, interior materials often felt less premium than those in a CX-5 or even a well-equipped CR-V. Basic tech like Bluetooth was available but not always standard across all trims, where some rivals were making it more ubiquitous.
Reliability: Reliability is a contentious point. While the engine itself is fairly robust, the CVT often emerges as a significant long-term concern for the Outlander Sport, which could detract from its overall reliability perception. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 typically hold a stronger reputation for bulletproof reliability, requiring less major intervention over their lifespan. The Mazda CX-5 also generally performed well, while the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage were improving rapidly in this area.
Price: The Outlander Sport's most compelling argument was often its price, being one of the more affordable options in the segment when new and typically offering better value on the used market compared to a CR-V or RAV4.
Alternatives:
- Better Alternatives: For a more refined driving experience, better fuel economy (especially with Mazda's SKYACTIV), and superior long-term reliability reputation, consider the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, or Toyota RAV4. These often command higher used prices but generally deliver a more satisfying ownership experience.
- Similar Alternatives: If budget is paramount and you prioritize features, the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage from the same era often offer a compelling package with competitive features and improving reliability, potentially at a similar price point to the Outlander Sport on the used market. They might also offer slightly better interior quality or power.