2021 Mitsubishi RVR/ASX Owner’s Manual

This compact SUV is sold all around the world, including in the US, but it’s known by a different name. The RVR badge is used in Japan, whereas most markets use the ASX name. In North America, it’s known as the Outlander Sport. For simplicity, we’ll refer to it as the latter.

In 2016, the Outlander Sport was refreshed with new trims and features. By 2021, it already had a 7-inch infotainment screen as standard, with an 8-inch optional upgrade, as well as a new GT trim to replace the outgoing SEL.

This 2021 model gained new safety features, growing the standard safety and ADAS features to include a rear-view camera, automatic high-beam headlights and rain-sensing wipers, pedestrian detection added to the forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Optional extras include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and lane-changing assistance.

The 2021 Outlander Sport also received notable exterior improvements, especially in the front-end grille and light design, new alloy wheels, sleeker lines and an overall aerodynamic feel.

Under the hood, there’s a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine outputting 148-hp, but if one upgraded to the GT trim, they could access a 2.4L inline-4 that offers up to 168-hp. The extra power helps in highway driving, but acceleration isn’t the strongest feature on the Outlander Sport, with a 0-60 time of 8.7 seconds.

It shares many of these engines and features with the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass as well as the Dodge Caliber due to them all using the same platform.

On the road, steering is responsive and the ride smooth, but the drive isn’t quite as sporty as the new facelifted car looks. It’s also pleasingly efficient offering 24-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway.

In terms of technology, the Outlander Sport offers automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB ports for charging, and a 6-speaker audio system. Keyless entry, remote start and push-button start are all optional.