2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi offers the Outlander Sport in four trims that vary in features, but look quite similar to one another. The base ES model comes with alloy wheels, while the second-level LE has Limited Edition badging, distinctive black upholstery with red stitching, black-painted side mirrors, and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The SE model has a few extra safety and tech features and cool visual updates. You'll notice the 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, sophisticated body-color power-folding side mirrors, and unique grille with satin silver and gloss black accents The top-of-the-line model, the Outlander GT Sport, has black roof rails, black headliner and pillars, the more powerful engine described below, and standard all-wheel drive.

Most Outlander Sport trims come with an economical 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. For a bit more oomph, consider the Outlander Sport GT, which gives you a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that gets 168 horses and 167 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come with a fuel-saving continuously variable automatic transmission.

If you go with the base engine, expect to get about 24 city and 30 highway miles per gallon in your Outlander Sport and just a bit less if you go with the GT. This small SUV provides easy maneuverability and smooth steering regardless of whether you choose to go with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. As for the inline-four engine, Car and Driver reports a zero-to-60 time of 8 seconds in its road test feature, beating out several of its crossover competitors.

You'll be impressed by the high-quality, soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin of the Outlander Sport. Every trim comes with a four-speaker stereo system, 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and HD radio. You can also upgrade to take advantage of a six-speaker stereo, a second USB port, and a larger touch screen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Automatic climate control is also standard across the Outlander Sport lineup; some models include remote start, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide extra versatility in the cargo area.

Mitsubishi offers an array of standard safety features across the 2021 Outlander Sport lineup. Every trim comes with a pedestrian detection system, forward collision warning, smart windshield wipers that sense rain, smart high beams, lane-departure warning, and a rearview camera. If you opt for one of the two upper-level trims, you'll benefit from additional driver-assistance features that include lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.