Chip off the old block

2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2.4 GT AWC

The name can be a fooler. It stands to reason that the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport would be a, well, sportier trim of an Outlander. It really is a shorter, somewhat similar version.

The 2016 Outlander Sport, at 13 inches shorter than the Outlander, is a compact crossover utility vehicle with its own personality and characteristics. Chief among those is an ease of maneuverability in tight urban spaces.

The Sport has been redesigned a bit for this year and with that comes a front end and grille pulled directly from its larger mate.

Sports come in four trims — ES, SE, new SEL and GT — with pricing beginning at $19,595. Sports are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with the latter an additional $1,400 and called all-wheel control by Mitsubishi. There are two engines, a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 168-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The stronger engine only comes with all-wheel drive. Only the entry-level ES with front-wheel drive offers a 5-speed manual transmission. All other trims have a continuously variable transmission.

We found the Sport a good choice for in-town and suburban driving, and our GT tester with the 2.4-liter engine performing decently on the highway, although it does come with a certain amount of noise in the cabin. The Sport’s size is a plus for the driver when hauling is not a priority. Its clearance off the ground is a plus for all drivers when entering and exiting — high enough for good visibility, low enough to be able to slide into without a big step in.

The middle SE and SEL trims bring such features as heated front seats, keyless ignition, automatic climate control, a rearview camera (on the SE), leather upholstery, automatic wipers and headlamps (on the SEL). The GT that we drove also gets a sunroof, xenon headlamps, LED lighting and an upgraded sound system. Only the destination charge pushes the sticker over $28K.

A 6.1-inch display screen dominates the center dash and controls the audio system and presents the camera view. Some of the interior materials are heavy on the plastic side but the tradeoff results in wallet-friendly prices.

Considering the Sport is barely more than 14 feet long and allows for four adults to ride comfortably, there is ample cargo space, with 21.7 cubic feet in the back bed and 48.5 cubic feet when the split/folding rear seat is down.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport might not match up in physical dimensions to the Outlander, but it does provide a certain stature of its own.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis.