“Absolutely worth it. I don't have really anything negative to say about the Outlander Sport at all. Has made travel for work or leisure so much more comfortable and I save money on gas with amazing mpg.”
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is that forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are standard on every trim. It is a meaningful safety-and-equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
1st generation (2011-2024), second model year after the 2020 styling refresh.
Mitsubishi positions the Outlander Sport as a city-friendly small SUV that still feels useful for active daily life. The pitch is simple: higher seating, flexible cargo space, compact dimensions that are easy to maneuver, and available all-wheel-drive capability without moving into a larger vehicle. More than class-leading speed or luxury, its identity is straightforward practicality, easy controls, and SUV-style confidence in a smaller footprint.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the straightforward S and ES to the style-focused LE and BE, both of which pair black trim and red cabin accents with heated front seats. The SE adds more driver-assistance and convenience features, while the GT stands out with a stronger 2.4-liter engine, standard AWD, and upgraded cabin materials. LE, BE, SE, and GT also feature an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams become standard across the full lineup.
Styling
The new LE trim adds black exterior details and red cabin stitching. The revised BE gets a more dramatic black-and-red treatment, gloss-black lower bumper pieces, a larger roof spoiler, and a black headliner.
Tech
The new LE combines an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The BE is also revised with more built-in convenience equipment.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD | 2WD | AWD | 2WD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 168 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport redesigned?
No. The 2021 Outlander Sport keeps the same basic shape and engines and remains part of the first generation. Its changes focus on standard safety equipment, trim packaging, and appearance details.
What safety features became standard on the 2021 Outlander Sport?
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams became standard on every 2021 Outlander Sport trim.
Which trims changed for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The LE joined the lineup for 2021, while the previous SP continued under the S name. Mitsubishi also revised the BE with a fuller set of safety and convenience features and a stronger black-and-red appearance.
How is the 2021 Outlander Sport different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 model has more standard safety equipment across the lineup, adds the LE trim, renames the SP as the S, and revises the BE. The basic body and engine lineup carry over.
Did the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get a new engine?
No. Most 2021 trims retain the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the GT keeps its stronger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
3.9
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
(74 reviews)
“It's cute and compact with great safety ratings. Gets good gas mileage and has 4WD.”
“I love my vehicle. Wish it was a little better on gas, and noise from outside was quieter. But handles well, looks great, and gets me from A to B!”