CYPRESS, CA – Mitsubishi made a number of changes to its Outlander Sport compact crossover for the 2013 model-year, adding a continuously variable transmission and changing the exterior and interior styling.

For the powertrain, Mitsubishi is offering a 148 hp DOHC 2L four-cylinder engine, which features Mitsubishi’s continuously-variable valve timing system. For 2013, the automaker is offering an advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers improved acceleration response and a smoother shifting feel. The SE model is equipped exclusively with the CVT, whereas the transmission is an option on other models. When paired with the transmission, the Outlander Sport gets25 mpg city/31 mpg highway (2WD) and 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway (4WD).

Other changes designed to improve fuel economy for the Outlander Sport include use of an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, a gear shift indicator (on five-speed manual transmission-equipped cars) or an Eco indicator light (on CVT-equipped vehicles) and an aerodynamic exterior body design.

For the crossover’s exterior, Mitsubishi redesigned the vehicle’s front fascia, grille, fog lamps, and rear bumper. The automaker colored the vehicle’s side sills in b lack to match the lower sections of the redesigned front and rear bumpers, and added chrome door trim accents. The 2013-MY Outlander Sport is available in two new colors, White Pearl and Quick Silver. The current color lineup includes Laguna Blue, Labrador Black Pearl, Mercury Gray, and Rally Red.

Inside, the vehicle features new seating fabrics, chrome accent front door molding, All-Wheel Control (AWC) center console push button switch, reduced cabin noise and fewer Volatile Organic Compound emissions, thanks to new insulation and interior materials, respectively. The crossover also features better sound quality from the Premium Audio System's new high-performance speakers.