DecodedCars2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Ls 4dr SUV RWD, Se/Limited 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,241–3,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2006 SUV - (18.3 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints15 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 54 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,241 lb (Ls 4dr SUV RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 20% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Outlander →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ls 4dr SUV RWD | 179.1 in | 68.9 in | 66.5 in | 103.5 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,241 lb | 58/42 |
| Se/Limited 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 68.9 in | 66.5 in | 103.5 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,549 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outlander 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Outlander 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +24% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Outlander 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +18% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2006 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Risk
- A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Not every 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 6 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Exterior Lighting — 5 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outlander | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outlander | 28 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2023 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 58 |
| 2022 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 229 |
| 2021 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 19 |
| 2020 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 58 |
| 2019 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 56 |
| 2018 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 93 |
| 2017 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 78 |
| 2016 Outlander | 27 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →