Mitsubishi is struggling to keep up with demands presented by the masses, effectively letting certain once-successful models like the Lancer go untouched for years only to be discontinued like the EVO program that once made Mitsubishi a favorite rally brand. Now, as the Lancer makes its way to the guillotine, the brand shifts its focus to crossovers and SUVs in an attempt to stay relevant in an ever-changing world. We know there’s a new crossover planned to debut in Geneva later this year (for the love of all that is holy, we really hope that don’t call that model “Eclipse”) but that leaves Mitsubishi with nothing special for its time at the Chicago Auto Show. Until now, that is, as the brand has just announced that it will debut a limited-edition variant of the Outlander Sport that is said to bring “striking style and technology enhancements at an affordable price.” In other words, it’ll get a new set of wheels and a few other minor things outside, to go with some unique interior work and smartphone integration.

"As the brand sales leader, Outlander Sport does an exemplary job of offering consumers unmatched value at an attractive price," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MMNA. "We’ve now taken that approach one step further by integrating additional standard equipment and technology into the Limited Edition at a price point that is unprecedented within the broader CUV segment."

The thing is, the current Outlander Sport (known as the RVR is some markets) has been around since 2010 and has only received a very mild facelift over the last seven years. It’s about time for Mitsubishi to push the Outlander through another generational shift, but it’s hoping this limited-edition model will maintain customer interest through the end of the year. Whether it will be successful in doing so is a completely different story, but let’s take a quick look at it to see what it offers.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition.

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition special

As is the usual case with limited-edition models these days, the Outlander Sport Limited Edition doesn’t see a whole lot of special outside. Mitsubishi has swapped out the stock 18-inch, two-tone wheels for a pair of identical 18-inch units with a black finish. Those match the side view mirrors that are now black as well and contrast the new alloy fuel door. Other exterior updates include fog lights as standard equipment, HID headlamps, a rearview camera, and a special limited-edition badge. Outside of that, it’s identical to the entry-level ES model and can be had in any of the current exterior colors that include Rally Red, Quartz Brown, Octane Blue, Mercury Gray, Labrador Black, Diamond White, and Cool Silver.

Moving to the inside and you’ll find a “custom” design that includes black fabric with red contrast stitching on the seats, while the steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake all get a leather-looking material with the same stitching. You’ll also find aluminum pedals, while heated front seats are included as standard equipment. The 6.1-inch Display audio system carries over into the LE, but Mitsubishi is boasting that it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

And that’s what makes up the limited-edition Outlander Sport. Since it’s based on the entry-level ES, it is powered by a 2.0-liter, MIVEC, four-cylinder with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. That engine mounts to a five-speed manual transmission as standard, but a CVT transmission can be optioned. But, since it’s based on the ES, paddle shifters aren’t available for that CVT. All-Wheel Control is available, however, front-wheel drive will come as standard equipment.

Feature Description

2.0 ES LE 2WD

2.0 ES LE AWC

Type

2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder

2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder

Engine Code

4B11

4B11

Materials

Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads

Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads

Bore x Stroke

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio

10.0

10.0

Displacement

2.0L/ 1,998 cc

2.0L/ 1,998 cc

Horsepower

148 HP @ 6,000 RPM

148 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

145 LB-FT @ 4,200 RPM

145 LB-FT @ 4,200 RPM


So, now that you know all about this somewhat outdated, but upgraded limited-edition model, what do you think it will cost? Well, Mitsubishi has set its starting price at $21,995, which accounts for a $2,200 pricing increase over that of the $19,795 ES with a five-speed or $1,000 more than the standard ES with a CVT. It’s cheaper than the ES AWC by $500. But, is that really a value for what you’re getting? Some say no. After all, it’s hard to think about paying an extra $2,000 for some HID lighting, black wheels, and red stitching, but maybe the aluminum pedals and smartphone connectivity will make it of more value to you. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.