The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport doesn't have all that many direct rivals this year, but it will have plenty in just another year or so.
For now, the Jeep Compass is probably the most direct rival to the Outlander Sport; however, next to the Compass, the Sport feels more responsive and finely tuned.
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is somewhat smaller, but it's a comparable package, with a slightly higher stance, a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and standard all-wheel drive.
The Matrix is more of a tall hatchback, with absolutely no ruggedness or off-road ability—whereas the Outlander Sport has some, at least for light trails or snow.
The Kia Sportage, which has an extroverted new design but quite a bit of ride harshness, is a size larger.
The Nissan Juke is a curious alternative; it's more of a sporty car than a utility vehicle, but some might cross-shop it with the Outlander Sport.
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 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SportBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Jeep CompassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Kia SportageBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan JukeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota MatrixBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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If you do most of your driving in the city, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a pleasant, nimble runabout that offers strong value for the money. |
The 2012 Jeep Compass looks pretty good—and its combination of versatile interior, mild off-road ability, and reasonably good gas mileage make it even more attractive—but it simply fails to feel cohesive, responsive, or refined. |
The Kia Sportage cuts a rakish new figure and spins out 260 turbocharged horsepower for a total image reboot--watch the options, though. |
Scant room and lousy gas mileage probably don't even matter--if you're into the 2012 Nissan Juke's crazy styling, you'll probably love its zingy powertrain and its dino-skin cockpit. |
The 2012 Toyota Matrix combines the frugality of the best-selling Corolla with a little more sportiness and versatility--but it still comes up a bit short in features. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $18,795 | $19,295 | $18,500 | $19,990 | $18,845 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 23 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Turbocharged I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wagon |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2WD 4-Door Manual ES | FWD 4-Door Sport | 2WD 4-Door Base | 5-Door Wagon CVT S FWD | 5-Door Wagon Manual L FWD (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sport Utility | 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door Crossover | 5 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | CVT | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2012 Jeep Compass | 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2012 Kia Sportage | 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2012 Nissan Juke | 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2012 Toyota Matrix | |
