In the hotly contested compact SUV category, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport continues to impress with its bold styling, confident road manners, and practical features. But what seals the deal for us at Pat on Brands is its accessible price point, offering premium looks and solid functionality without breaking the bank.
After putting it through its paces — from buzzing Joburg streets to bumpy gravel roads — the Outlander Sport earns multiple Pats and just one Slap.
✅ Pat for Striking Exterior — Love That Yellow on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport certainly stands out. Its bold angles, aggressive front fascia, and vibrant Energetic Yellow paint make it hard to ignore — even drawing comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus on the streets. A true head-turner.
✅ Pat for Sleek, Minimalist Interior
Mitsubishi Outlander interiorStep inside for a clean, modern cabin with a tasteful two-tone dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and intuitive layout. The infotainment setup is trimmed to match your spec: GL and GLS get an 8‑inch touchscreen, while Aspire and Exceed boast a 12.3‑inch “Smartphone-link Display Audio” system.
Dual-zone climate control comes standard from the Aspire up, keeping front passengers cool and comfortable. Plus, there are USB charging ports for front and rear occupants, along with wireless charging in higher trims .
✅ Pat for Gravel-Ready Driving
With selectable drive modes — Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud — plus 222 mm ground clearance, the Outlander Sport handles rough roads with ease. The drive mode selector, available from the Aspire trim, shines when tackling gravel, offering confident stability and grip.
✅ Pat for Fuel Efficiency
This SUV remains delightfully frugal — delivering around 6.2 L/100 km in combined driving, thanks to the 1.5‑litre MIVEC engine and CVT combo. You can confidently cruise through Gauteng traffic without burning through your budget.
✅ Pat for Accessible Pricing
If you thought all these features would cost a fortune, think again. The range kicks off competitively:
- 1.5 GL CVT – R 429 990
- 1.5 GLS CVT – R 449 990
- 1.5 Aspire CVT – R 479 990
- 1.5 Exceed CVT – R 499 990
That’s enormous value for a compact SUV packed with tech, style, and versatility — a definite Pat for bang-for-buck.
❌ Slap for Sluggish Take-Off
However, not all’s perfect — this is the Outlander Sport’s only weakness. With a naturally aspirated 1.5‑litre engine producing 77 kW and 141 Nm, take-off can feel sluggish. The lag from a standstill — especially at highway on-ramps — is noticeable. For daily driving it’s fine, but don’t expect sporty acceleration.
Final Scorecard
| Trait | Result |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | ✅ Pat |
| Exterior Styling (esp. Yellow) | ✅ Pat |
| Interior Quality & Tech | ✅ Pat |
| Drive Modes & Gravel Handling | ✅ Pat |
| Price Point | ✅ Pat |
| Acceleration Lag | ❌ Slap |
Despite its one drawback, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a refreshing package — stylish, well-equipped, off-road capable, and affordable. It’s the compact SUV South Africa’s smart drivers have been waiting for.
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