2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Compact crossover SUVs have maintained their popularity since the first one was introduced in the 1990s. One reason is the shifting needs of drivers, particularly if they have families. They want to cruise in a vehicle that is more exciting than a minivan. Yet, they still want the storage and occupant space to be the same. In addition, they want to maintain a semblance of budget while also researching vehicle enhancements. Something they aren't able to do should they decide to purchase a full-size SUV.

Hence, the reason why the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander might be the choice of some consumers. Especially with the amount of trims that are offered. There are six in total -- ES, SE, LE, SP, SEL, and the high-end GT.

Another reason drivers look at the Outlander might be the number of updates made in the 2020 model year. For instance, all trims have received Mitsubishi's advanced All Wheel Control (AWC) system – an enhancement of standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). Furthermore, all trims above the ES receive several driver assist aids and an eight-inch infotainment unit.

This guide is presented to detail the key differences between the Outlander's trim levels. In turn, it should help buyers come to a decision on the right version of the compact SUV required for their driving needs.

Compare the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander ES vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

Engine and Transmission

There's no difference in the powertrain and how it’s controlled between this first pair of trims. Each has a 16-valve V4 inline engine with a horsepower value of 166 and 162 pound-feet of torque. In total, it can tow approximately 1500 pounds.
The setup provides 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Each trim comes standard with an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that shifts seamlessly through six gears.

Performance

Again, there's no change in equipment for the ES and SE trims. Suspension in these 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander styles is set up with MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link components in the back. Brakes come in the form of discs and pads on all four tires.

Exterior Components

This is where the ES and SE trims begin to differ. Unlike the basic model, the SE has standards that include auto headlights, side-view mirrors with turn indicators, and windshield wipers that start moving when their detect rain or other precipitation. This trim also has two options not available in the ES. One is power-folding side mirrors and the other is a sunroof.

Interior Components

Here is another area where the first two trims are different on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The SE provides the driver and front-row passenger with automatically adjustable seats made of a soft-touch surface instead of basic cloth. The driver also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Within the audio and connectivity areas, the SE adds a few standards over the ES. The touchscreen display with smart device controls is one inch larger than the lower trim (eight inches opposed to seven). This control panel is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the SE. Other standards are a three-month subscription to Sirius XM radio, voice recognition commands, and steering wheel controls for front-row technology.

Safety

It's the SE trim of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander that contains the driver assist aids popular in today's automotive world. It comes standard with forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Furthermore, tools like blind spot warning and lane assist can be ordered as upgrades.

There's no doubt the SE is the trim to choose in this environment. While the engine and suspension are identical, the differences in exterior, interior, and safety features are enough to merit the increase in price.

Compare the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SE vs LE Trims. What is the difference?

As with the ES and SE, the changes between the latter trim and LE start with the exterior. Here, the differences are mainly cosmetic. Standards are garnishes and accents to door handles and bumpers as well as painted 18-inch alloy wheels. In addition, the optional sunroof and auto folding side mirrors of the SE are standard on the LE.

Other than these enhancements, all other components remain the same. As a result, the trim to choose in this case is still the SE. There aren't enough upgrades to the LE to make it worthwhile. However, consumers may want to choose it if they absolutely need power folding mirrors and a sunroof.

Compare the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander LE vs SP Trims. What is the difference?

There are very few differences between these two trims. In fact, the SP was just introduced in the 2020 model year. Thus, it hasn't been determined if the style will eventually replace the LE within the Outlander lineup for the 2021 model year.

The only changes are on the exterior. Instead of a Limited Edition badge, the SP has one designating it as a Special Edition. Furthermore, the hood badge and door handles match the color of the SUV's exterior. The main structural change is the introduction of front, side, and rear airdams. These control air flow to increase aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Consumers should stick with the LE in this situation. It has all of the extras from the SE, and doesn't cost as much for a few minor changes in design.

Compare the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SP vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

As with the LE and SP, the similarities outnumber the differences between the SP and SEL. And, like the previous trim, it comes down to design.

Standard upgrades to the exterior are silver roof rails and chrome side window molding. The SEL does have optional enhancements the others don't For instance, consumers can upgrade to LED headlights and foglights.

If design is where the buyer wants to go, then the SEL may be the choice. However, those looking for "stuff" more than style should stick with the SE.

Compare the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL vs GT Trims. What is the difference?

The GT is the top-line trim of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Being so, it has the most differences in style. Fact of the matter is, the GT could be considered a different model altogether. It’s focus on the off-roader instead of the highway driver.

The first way consumers realize this is the drivetrain -- it only comes with AWC. The second realization is in the engine. It's a three-liter V6 with 24 valves. In turn, it boosts the horsepower to 224 and the torque to 215 pound-feet. Furthermore, the towing capacity is more than doubled from 1500 pounds to 3500.

While it is a more powerful engine, it has some downsides. One is it can only take premium unleaded, and that costs more no matter how low gas prices are. The second is the fuel efficiency drops. It's not so bad on the highway -- the mpg goes from 30 to 27. However, in the city it drops 20% -- 25 mpg to 20.

The transmission is also different between the SEL and GT. Instead of a CVT automatic, this top-end style goes for a six-speed electronic. This type of transmission utilizes software to create smooth gear transitions during acceleration.

Most of the exterior, interior, and convenience features are the same between the two trims. The main differences are SEL options are standards in the GT. Thus, LED headlights and an enhance sound system come with the extra cost. So does adaptive cruise control. This tool maintains speed while in automated mode to avoid continuously hitting the brakes and accelerator when highway traffic changes.

Between these two 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander trims, the one to turn to should be the GT. As long as it's within the consumer's budget. It has enough differences to it that merit a move upwards. This includes having several SEL options become standards.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: Which Trim to Choose?

In situations where there are multiple trims to choose from, it can be hard to make the right selection. Particularly when many of them feature changes so slight that they're hard to distinguish. Such is the case with the trims of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander.

In reality, there is no need to have six trims for this compact crossover SUV. Cutting them in half would have been sufficient. Perhaps just the ES, LE, and GT. In the end, adding the SP trim for some minor changes seems like a pointless exercise.

Nevertheless, there are a half-dozen trims available to consumers. This means a choice must be made. So, let's break them down between lower-end and higher-end trims.

Between the first three -- the ES, SE, and LE -- the best trim is the LE. It has all of the standards that come with the SE as well as a few additions in exterior design. Furthermore, some of the SE options, like a sunroof, come standard higher-end trim.

For the second trio -- the SP, SEL, and GT -- the one to go with is the GT ... or the SEL. Truth be told, it depends on what the consumer desires. If they are okay with all-wheel-control on their device, then they want to go with the GT. If they want the option to select either standard or AWC, they should go with the SEL.

It may not matter in the end. A review shows the base MSRPs of the SEL and GT aren't far apart. The starting price for an SEL standard or AWC averages around $28,000. Meanwhile, the GT is around $33,800.

Consumers need to recall the strength the GT has before they balk at the price. It's a powerful engine goes well above the 1500-pound towing capacity of the other trims. In addition, it features an electronic-based automatic transmission for smoother gear shifts. In summary, the GT version of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander covers the off-road needs for the consumer.

If the driver would rather have some urban adventures instead of ones where they climb through the mountains, then the trim to choose overall is the LE. Not for the powertrain or performance -- those are similar across most of the trims. The reason to choose it is for the convenience items and the styling.

The LE has the features offered in the lower trims. Plus, some of the extras from the SE. Even the SP and SEL don't have enough enhancements that merit upgrading to them. In addition, the price point is affordable for a crossover SUV. It averages $27,000 for the standard model and $2,000 more for AWC.

In the end, the guide doesn't decide the trim the consumer chooses. It's simply a base to start shopping for the right trim on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Those interested in this crossover compact SUV need to see it for themselves. They need to review all of the trims, including the new SP, and feel the difference between the standard drivetrain and the AWC.

When done, the decision can be made to purchase the LE, the GMT, or something in-between. Then again, they may decide the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is not the right SUV for them and look elsewhere.