Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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Around The Web
if you like to jump ahead of queues from the right lane at stoplights, look elsewhere.
Not all CVTs are evil, but this one has at least stood at the crossroads and contemplated an eternity in hell.
the steering was predictably smooth, with a reassuring tightness mid-corner.
the better choice is the 5-speed manual, which has excellent shift action, an easy-to-modulate clutch and gives the Outlander Sport a much livelier feel
quite comfortable and effortless to drive
PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
if you like to jump ahead of queues from the right lane at stoplights, look elsewhere.
Car and Driver
Not all CVTs are evil, but this one has at least stood at the crossroads and contemplated an eternity in hell.
Winding Road
the steering was predictably smooth, with a reassuring tightness mid-corner.
Autoblog
the better choice is the 5-speed manual, which has excellent shift action, an easy-to-modulate clutch and gives the Outlander Sport a much livelier feel
Road & Track
quite comfortable and effortless to drive
Motor Trend
That's all good, but we're certainly not in love with the powertrain. The 2012 Outlander Sport comes powered by a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with either a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or a five-speed manual gearbox. The stick is a good choice, but the CVT that will be easiest to find at the dealership can make the engine sluggish and boomy when you want to tap into highway passing power—though in the city, it's quite docile. Adding to that impression is a whole lot of road noise from inside the cabin.
Conclusion
The Outlander Sport drives like a light, responsive small car; but the CVT automatic makes it feel sluggish on the highway.
