25 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD with the 2.4L engine, it’s a reasonable balance. This isn’t a hyper-efficient hybrid, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a compact crossover for buyers who want affordability, available all-wheel drive, and a slightly elevated driving position. These buyers know there are trade-offs, and fuel economy is often not their top priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Outlander Sport 4WD’s fuel consumption at 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the impact of stop-and-go traffic and urban driving. By contrast, the highway is where the Outlander Sport performs best. Steady cruising allows the 2.4L engine to operate more efficiently, though the older automatic transmission’s limited number of gears prevents truly competitive efficiency at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,750 for the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving, the type of driving, and local fuel prices. Hard acceleration, frequent trips in heavy traffic, and aggressive driving will increase your annual fuel expenses. See all Mitsubishi fuel economy data to see how the Outlander Sport compares to other models.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Some drivers will probably get numbers between the city and highway estimates, depending on their driving. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and using accessories like air conditioning can also change fuel efficiency. The EPA’s 28 MPG highway number might be hard to reach if you drive aggressively or carry heavy loads regularly. Knowing these variables is important for fuel costs with an Outlander Sport.

How it compares

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD’s fuel economy is average compared to competitors. The Nissan Rogue AWD, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, a slightly better option. Even the Rogue Sport AWD gets 25 MPG combined, the same as the Outlander Sport, but with a less powerful engine. The Honda HR-V AWD gets 28 MPG combined. These differences can add up over a year, affecting your costs. However, the Outlander Sport often has a lower price, which may balance out the higher fuel costs for some. For another comparison, check OUTLANDER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking can improve your fuel economy. Avoid fast starts and hard stops. Watch traffic and keep a safe distance to reduce braking. This is especially important with the Outlander Sport’s older transmission, which is slower than modern designs.

Keep your tires inflated. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This can noticeably affect fuel consumption.

Reduce idling. Letting your engine idle uses fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine when safe to do so, and safety is always important.

Reduce weight. Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need from your trunk. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s work, increasing fuel use.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. Be careful on hills, as the system may downshift often, reducing the benefits.