The Outlander Sport gets a host of changes for the 2020 model year. The front end of the vehicle has been completely restyled, with a more flowing design featuring a more prominent grille incorporating lots of LED lighting. The rear of the crossover has also been refreshed with new taillights as well as a few other subtle tweaks. Inside, the Outlander Sport gets nicer cloth upholstery for the seats and some new high quality materials around the switchgear. The optional infotainment system has been upgraded from a 7-inch unit to an 8-inch unit and now features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is offered in five trims: ES, SE, GT, SP and BE. The standard engine in ES, LE, and SE trims is a 148-horsepower, 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine. A 168-horsepower, 2.4L 4-cylinder is standard on the GT. On front-wheel drive ES models, a 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. The CVT is standard on all other Outlander Sports and models so equipped offer steering wheel paddle shifters that let the driver toggle between six simulated gears
All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels, and the system, which is geared toward improved traction on slippery roads, includes a separate 2WD mode for improved fuel efficiency.
The Outlander Sport is laid out more as a tall car than as a traditional utility vehicle, and with responsive, quick-ratio electric power steering, it drives more like a sporty hatchback on the road. It maneuvers well and parks easily in the city.
Inside, the Outlander Sport has space for five. Rear seatbacks are split 60/40 and fold forward, while backseat occupants get a fold-down padded armrest. There's also a trunk pass-through for skis and longer items.
All Outlander Sport models include Mitsubishi's FUSE connectivity system for hands-free cellphone use, as well as a USB port for cellphone or iPod control, plus steering wheel audio controls and a rearview camera. The standard sound system has 140 watts and four speakers. Other standard features on the ES include rear LED tail lamps, a trip computer, air conditioning and rear heat ducts. SE models add LED headlights and daytime running lights, a 6-speaker system, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, an 8-inch touchscreen display and push-button engine start. The GT trim includes chrome exterior accents, integrated turn signals in the mirrors, roof rails and aluminum pedals.
Top options on the Outlander Sport include a navigation system with real time traffic data plus music server storage, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, SiriusXM satellite radio and a panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED lighting.
On the safety front, all models include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill start assist, active front headrests and a driver knee bag in addition to a full set of frontal and side airbags.
