Its just underpowered. If you were to test drive a 3.0 and were able to push on the go pedal allot. You would leave the dealer with a big smile on your face. To me there is a very noticeable difference. The few miles per gallon you gain with the 2.0 doesn't out weigh the 3.0 torque and effortless acceleration.

 

The only engine available for the Outlander Sport/RVR in North America is the 2.0L. In other places, it is an even lower displacement engine. There is no 3L engine for the RVR/Outlander Sport.

 

But from a lot of Euro and Australian reviews, it seems that the all-new Mitsubishi derived 1.8L (4N13 which offers 150 hp and 221 lb/ft of torque) diesel engine is a real gem, lots of torque, and fuel consumption is stellar even when hard pressed.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/506...t-drive-review
Mitsubishi Motors developed new series of 4N1 diesel engines with help of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, but of course we will not get the diesel here in USA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_4N1_engine

EDIT: And the new series of engines is also available for Outlander, a 2.3l 4N14 177 hp and 280 lb/ft of torque, basically more HP than USA NA 2.4l and a lot more torque than even the V6 3.0l. So its not like Mitsu doesn't know how to design high output/efficient engines.

 

And with manual transmission mated to this engine (only option due to torque requirement, compare to V6's 215 ft·lbf), would many of north-americans dare or care?

 

The Outlander in Europe has a 2.2L PSA Diesel that comes with a twin clutch automatic, so they could sell an automatic easily with high torque engines.

 

Well, after owning 1999 Renault Kangoo 1.9D, with its simple and extremely economical F8Q diesel engine (about 5 l/100 km on highways and less than 7 in traffic jams) I definitely fell in love with diesels.

But here in Canada... I had to change my preferences

 

I just recently bought my Outlander Sport. I love it!!! The only downside is the horsepower, but I didn't buy it to race around in, I bought it for comfort, mpg, options, and the warranty. It greatly surpassed all others in these fields. You sacrifice alittle hp for many other options that overwhelm others in its class!! Mitsubishi did a great job with this vehicle.

 

I just signed one for delivery after several trials, 2wd manual sounds good to me rather than the cvt, I wish they offer 4wd with manual. like the materials and options on base model.

 

We took the RVR out the other day. I absolutely loved the look, the lines, the way it handled, and the feel of the vehicle (steering etc). It seriously lacked in horsepower though, and the 4 cylinder engine was quite loud when hitting 110 km/hr. I think Mitsubishi should keep this model for the fuel economy value people are looking for, but make a Ralliart, full leather model for those who want punch and a rally feel in the vehicle. I think by doing so, sales will jump dramatically. I know I would buy one.

 

Does any one know what the side view mirror looking thing is on the j-spec outlander sport? i've also seen it on an older version of the RVR with the same side view mirror looking thing on the driver side on the fender.