25 MPG combined is the core compromise of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD 2.4L. It’s not stellar, it won’t win any green awards, but it’s adequate for buyers who want affordability, available all-wheel drive, and a compact size more than they want great fuel savings. This vehicle is for urban residents who need a reliable car for weekend ski trips, not long-distance commuters counting every mile per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number accurately reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the 2.4-liter engine and automatic transmission (AV-S6) work harder. The highway figure is achievable, but requires careful driving. Extended periods at higher speeds will often dip below 28 MPG as the engine works to overcome aerodynamic drag. The Outlander Sport isn’t particularly aerodynamic, and its boxy shape creates a penalty at faster cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,750 for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD 2.4L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It’s also calculated using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you drive on, and local gasoline prices. This number is a benchmark for a driver doing 15,000 miles per year and should only be used for comparison.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a baseline, real-world experiences often differ. Driving style, tire inflation, and carrying extra weight can all impact fuel efficiency. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will significantly decrease MPG. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Expect combined mileage to hover around the low-to-mid 20s if you drive aggressively. More conservative driving will bring you closer to the EPA’s 25 MPG combined rating. Expect figures slightly higher on long highway trips if you resist speeding.

How it compares

In the subcompact SUV segment, the Outlander Sport’s fuel economy is in the middle. The Honda HR-V 2WD achieves 28 MPG combined, while its AWD trims are rated at 26 MPG. The Toyota Corolla Cross AWD manages a solid 30 MPG combined. Even the Mazda CX-5, a more premium SUV, achieves 26 MPG with its standard 2.5-liter engine and AWD when properly equipped. For those considering other Mitsubishi options, all Mitsubishi fuel economy data shows that the larger OUTLANDER MPG across all years offers similar mileage in plug-in hybrid form and better mileage in its standard front-wheel-drive version.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to optimizing fuel economy in the Outlander Sport. The 2.4-liter engine doesn’t provide a huge amount of torque at low RPM, so resist the urge to floor the accelerator to merge onto the highway or climb a hill. Gradual and smooth inputs will minimize fuel consumption without significantly impacting performance.

Regular tire pressure checks are a simple way to improve MPG. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can noticeably decrease fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds load on the engine, forcing it to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items from the trunk that you don’t need daily to reduce weight and improve MPG.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes fluctuations in fuel consumption. Cruise control can sometimes be less efficient on hilly roads, where the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, even if it means compromising fuel economy.

Minimize idling time. Letting an engine run while stationary for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go. Today’s modern starters are designed for repeated use.