The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was unveiled at the 2012 New York auto show with a host of updates including a new front end and standard 18-inch alloy wheels. It will also come with a "Made in the U.S.A." sticker when it reaches dealer showrooms, its production shifting from Japan to the Normal, IL plant following the discontinuation of the Galant sedan.
The compact crossover retains its characteristic “angry eyes” headlights and wide trapezoidal front grille, but gets a subtly revised front fascia. The bumper has been smoothed out a bit, and the grille and fog light surrounds receive new chrome trim. It’s a similar story in the rear, with a simpler, smoother bumper design. The restyled side sills are now colored black on all models to match the lower sections of the altered front and rear bumpers. All 2013 Outlander Sport also have the option of new exterior colors White Pearl and Quick Silver.
Also debuting on the 2013 Outlander Sport is a revised rear multi-link suspension, which Mitsubishi says will improve handling and ride comfort. The available CVT has been recalibrated to provide better acceleration and smoother shift feel. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with Mitsubishi’s FUSE hands-free Bluetooth phone system, come standard. The range-topping SE model adds a premium six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, HID headlights, as well as smart key passive entry and push-button ignition.
Base ES and SE models return for 2013, as does Outlander Sport's powertrain: a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission or CVT. Mitsubishi says another recalibration of the CVT for 2013 should improve acceleration and make shifts feel smoother.
With the 2013 model, production moves from Japan to Normal, Ill. The Outlander Sport will also be exported to foreign markets. Production starts in July.
Clicking on any image below will launch a larger photo gallery; you can browse through them by hitting the right and left arrow keys.Standard equipment on all Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.
The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM™ satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system
