2027 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: What Changed for Murfreesboro Buyers

The biggest change for the 2027 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the addition of front-wheel-drive versions (Mitsubishi calls them 2WD) of the S, ES, LE and SE trims, which drops the starting MSRP to $23,995 for the 2.0 S 2WD. Every 2026 Outlander Sport came with standard AWC all-wheel drive, according to Mitsubishi’s own 2026 model-year information.

A 2027 2WD model costs less and returns slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy, while a remaining 2026 unit gives you all-wheel drive on every trim. Below, we compare prices, engines, fuel economy and practical fit, plus used compact SUV alternatives.

All prices in this article are starting MSRPs and exclude destination, tax, title, license, options and dealer charges.

What’s New for 2027

The 2027 changes fall into two areas: drivetrain availability and pricing. Mitsubishi has not announced other major content changes for the 2027 Outlander Sport in the materials reviewed, so confirm equipment details on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering.

Front-Wheel Drive Joins the Lineup

For 2026, Mitsubishi made AWC (All-Wheel Control) standard on every Outlander Sport. For 2027, the 2.0-liter S, ES, LE and SE are offered as 2WD models, with AWC available on ES, LE and SE. The RALLIART, Trail Edition and 2.4 SEL remain AWC-only.

If you mainly drive paved roads and want the lowest starting price, the 2WD trims are the new entry point. Shoppers who prefer all-wheel drive can still choose AWC-equipped configurations.

Pricing and Trim Changes

Here is the 2027 Outlander Sport trim and starting MSRP ladder published by Mitsubishi:

• 2.0 S 2WD: $23,995
• 2.0 ES 2WD: $25,395
• 2.0 ES AWC: $26,895
• 2.0 LE 2WD: $26,295, with AWC available
• 2.0 SE 2WD: $27,645
• 2.0 SE AWC: $29,145
• RALLIART AWC: $29,545
• Trail Edition AWC: $29,795
• 2.4 SEL AWC: $29,995

The S 2WD rides on 16-inch steel wheels with covers and 215/70R16 tires, with a 7.0-inch Display Audio screen, four speakers, automatic climate control, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a rearview camera.

Moving to the ES adds the 8.0-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, LED fog lights and an auto-dimming mirror. The SE adds six speakers, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, FAST-Key with push-button start and power-folding mirrors.

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Rear Seat Alert and Hill Start Assist.

Outlander Sport Trail Edition

The Trail Edition is not new for 2027; Mitsubishi offered it on the 2026 Outlander Sport as well. For 2027 it continues as an AWC-only trim at $29,795.

Its published equipment includes 18-inch black painted alloy wheels, Trail Package front, rear and side protectors, fender effects, a hood protector and decal, black mud flaps, black seating surfaces with red stitching, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever. These upgrades focus mainly on appearance, protection and interior details rather than a separate off-road suspension system.

2026 or 2027: Which Makes Sense?

The answer depends on how much you value all-wheel drive versus a lower starting price.

Model-Year Comparison

The 2026 prices below are published starting MSRPs from Cars.com, excluding destination. The 2027 figures are Mitsubishi starting MSRPs.

Two patterns stand out. The comparable 2027 AWC trims with published prices in this table are about $300 higher than their 2026 counterparts. The 2027 2WD trims undercut the 2026 AWC trims: the S 2WD is $1,000 below the 2026 S AWC, while the ES, LE and SE 2WD trims are $1,200 below their 2026 versions.

Remaining 2026 units may be priced differently from these published figures, so compare window stickers side by side and check current offers.

Engines, AWC, and Fuel Economy by Year

Mitsubishi’s 2027 specifications list two engines. Most trims use a 2.0-liter MIVEC four-cylinder rated at 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4 SEL uses a 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder rated at 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft. Every trim uses a CVT and runs on regular unleaded fuel.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2027, per Mitsubishi:

• 2.0 2WD: 24 city / 30 highway / 27 combined mpg
• 2.0 AWC: 23 city / 29 highway / 26 combined mpg
• 2.4 SEL AWC: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg

The published 2026 2.0 AWC rating is also 23/29/26 mpg, so a 2027 AWC model matches a 2026 AWC model on fuel economy. The gain comes from choosing 2WD.

How much does one combined mpg matter? As an example, if you drive 12,000 miles a year, 27 mpg works out to about 444 gallons, while 26 mpg works out to about 462 gallons. That is roughly 17 gallons a year.

The 2WD model also has a slightly larger fuel tank, 16.6 gallons versus 15.8 gallons for AWC, which adds a little range between fill-ups.

Murfreesboro Commuter Fit

Size is a large part of the Outlander Sport’s appeal for local drivers.

Daily I-24 Driving, Parking, and Cargo

At 171.9 inches long with a 34.8-foot turning circle, the Outlander Sport is nearly 14 inches shorter than the 185.8-inch Outlander. That smaller footprint can help in tight parking lots, downtown Murfreesboro street parking and apartment garages.

For a daily I-24 or I-840 commute, the 2WD model’s 30-mpg highway estimate is the most relevant number. If your commute includes merging and passing at highway speed with passengers or cargo aboard, test-drive the 2.4 SEL as well, since it adds 20 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque over the 2.0.

Cargo space measures 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 49.5 cubic feet with the 60:40 rear seat folded. Rear legroom is 36.3 inches. Families who need three rows should look at the Outlander instead.

The AWC question matters most here. If you regularly encounter snow, slick roads, steep grades or unpaved surfaces, all-wheel drive is worth weighing. AWC can help with traction when accelerating, but it does not shorten braking distances or make icy roads safe. Tire condition, speed and following distance remain critical. If most of your driving is on paved roads and your priority is budget, a 2027 2WD model can be the more logical choice.

See more on the Outlander Sport research page, or call City Auto Mitsubishi at 615-696-7753 to compare current 2WD and AWC availability.

Prefer Pre-Owned? Used SUVs at City Auto Mitsubishi

A new Outlander Sport is not the only budget path. City Auto Mitsubishi’s pre-owned selection spans many brands and is much larger than its new-Mitsubishi selection.

Used Compact SUVs from Multiple Brands

The used inventory regularly changes, including the mix of compact and small SUVs available by brand, drivetrain, mileage and price. Compare total cost against a new Outlander Sport, including mileage, remaining factory coverage, maintenance history and fuel economy. Check current used vehicle availability before visiting.

City Auto Certified and Mitsubishi CPO Options

These are two separate programs. City Auto Certified is the dealership program: City Auto states that all vehicles it offers for sale are inspected for quality and come with an express 30-day warranty, with additional extended warranty options available. Call or visit the dealership for current terms and details.

Mitsubishi Certified Pre-Owned is the manufacturer program. Mitsubishi currently states that CPO vehicles require a vehicle history report and must pass a 123-point inspection by a Certified Technician. Purchasers receive Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for up to 10 years from the original in-service date or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. New-car warranties and CPO warranties differ, so review the current program terms for the specific vehicle.

Financing and Trade-In Paths

Start with the payment calculator to estimate a monthly payment. Results are estimates, not financing offers, and actual terms depend on credit approval and current lending terms. If you have a vehicle to trade, you can also start with Value Your Trade.

Ownership Reality Check

Warranty coverage. New Outlander Sport models carry Mitsubishi’s 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion coverage and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage applies to the original owner; subsequent owners receive the balance of the 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Learn more on the Mitsubishi Motors Confidence page.

Included maintenance. Mitsubishi’s 2-year/30,000-mile Limited Maintenance program applies to new 2024 and newer Mitsubishi models sold in the U.S. and covers three specified services within the first two years. It applies to the original owner only, is not transferable and requires each service to be redeemed within its specified time and mileage window.

A 2026 is still new. A remaining new 2026 unit begins its applicable new-vehicle coverage from its original in-service date. It is simply one model year older when you later compare resale age.

Running costs. Mitsubishi specifies regular unleaded fuel for the 2027 Outlander Sport. The S equipment list also includes a temporary spare tire.

Do the math. The 2WD advantage is one mpg combined, so for many shoppers the purchase-price difference will matter more than the fuel-economy difference.

Key Takeaways

• The headline 2027 change is new 2WD versions of the S, ES, LE and SE, lowering the starting MSRP to $23,995; every 2026 Outlander Sport had standard AWC.
• Comparable 2027 AWC trims with published prices are about $300 above their 2026 starting MSRPs, while the 2027 S 2WD is $1,000 below the 2026 S AWC.
• The engine structure remains a 148-hp 2.0-liter on most trims and a 168-hp 2.4-liter on the SEL, both paired with a CVT.
• Choosing 2WD improves EPA-estimated combined fuel economy from 26 to 27 mpg on 2.0-liter models.
• Mitsubishi has not announced a broad redesign for 2027, so compare window stickers and individual equipment on 2026 and 2027 units.
• City Auto Mitsubishi currently lists both 2026 and 2027 Outlander Sport vehicles, while its pre-owned inventory provides another budget path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2027 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport come with all-wheel drive?

Some trims do. The RALLIART, Trail Edition and 2.4 SEL are AWC-only, and AWC is available on the ES, LE and SE. The S is listed as 2WD only for 2027.

How much cheaper is the 2027 Outlander Sport than the 2026?

The 2027 S 2WD starts at $23,995, which is $1,000 below the published 2026 S AWC starting MSRP of $24,995. The ES, LE and SE 2WD models are also priced below their 2026 AWC counterparts. All figures exclude destination, tax, title, license, options and dealer charges.

Is the 2027 Outlander Sport more fuel-efficient?

Only if you choose 2WD. The 2.0 2WD is rated at 24 city, 30 highway and 27 combined mpg, compared with 23/29/26 mpg for the 2.0 AWC in both model years.

Should I buy a remaining 2026 Outlander Sport?

A 2026 can make sense if you want AWC on a lower trim and its current selling price compares well with a 2027 AWC model. A 2027 2WD makes more sense if you mainly drive paved roads and prioritize a lower starting price. Compare current availability and individual vehicle pricing at City Auto Mitsubishi before deciding.

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