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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $17,280–$22,335 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,280–$22,335, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Mitsubishi Outlander sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $17,280 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 52%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Outlander model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.1/10 | $32,640 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.1/10 | $32,640 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $31,690 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $30,739 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $29,788 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $28,837 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.9/10 | $27,887 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $26,936 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $25,985 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $25,035 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $24,084 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.7/10 | $23,133 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Motor 20/07/2017 · 17V461000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal… |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Belts and associated pulleys 26/01/2018 · 18V069000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner… |
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages 31/10/2016 · 16V791000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front… |
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 23/06/2016 · 16V458000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut,… |
| Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Hose, piping, and connections 25/06/2014 · 14V366000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement… |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mitsubishi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
