Mitsubishi Updates Outlander Sport for 2015 with Improved Refinement
The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport arrives in North America with revised styling, enhanced noise isolation and a more efficient CVT, aiming to bolster its appeal in the compact SUV segment.
Mitsubishi has introduced a series of updates for the Outlander Sport in the 2015 model year, targeting the North American market with a focus on refinement and efficiency. The brand’s best-selling model in the region now features modest but practical improvements intended to keep it competitive among compact SUVs.
The most visible change for 2015 is the addition of LED daytime running lights, giving the Outlander Sport a more contemporary appearance. Mitsubishi has also fitted thicker glass and made further noise isolation improvements, aiming for a quieter cabin experience. These updates address previous criticisms of road and wind noise, a common concern in this segment.
Improved fuel economy from revised CVT
Under the bonnet, the Outlander Sport continues with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The main mechanical change is a revised continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Mitsubishi says delivers a one mpg improvement across city, highway and combined cycles for front-wheel drive models. Official figures now stand at 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. All-wheel drive versions see similar gains, rated at 24/30/27 mpg respectively.
A five-speed manual gearbox remains available for buyers who prefer traditional shifting, though most Outlander Sports are expected to be ordered with the updated CVT.
Noise isolation and cabin updates
To address customer feedback, Mitsubishi has equipped the 2015 Outlander Sport with thicker side glass and additional insulation. These measures are designed to reduce road and wind noise, which should improve comfort on longer journeys and make the car more appealing to buyers prioritising refinement in a compact SUV.
Position in Mitsubishi’s line-up
The Outlander Sport remains Mitsubishi’s top seller in North America, a position it has held thanks to its compact footprint, competitive pricing and established reliability. The 2015 updates do not represent a full redesign but are intended to keep the model fresh against newer rivals such as the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-5. Mitsubishi’s approach focuses on incremental improvements rather than radical changes, reflecting the Outlander Sport’s role as a volume model for the brand.
Comparison with segment rivals
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Combined mpg (FWD) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 2.0-litre I4 | 148 | 28 | CVT/Manual |
| Honda HR-V | 1.8-litre I4 | 141 | 31 | CVT/Manual |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2.0-litre I4 | 155 | 29 | Manual/Auto |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2.0-litre I4 | 164 | 26 | Auto/Manual |
