Mitsubishi upgrades the Outlander Sport

The base version of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will cost $19,470, not including destination. The Japanese company is touting the SUV as being American made due to its birthplace in the funnily named Normal, Illinois. All-wheel-drive models start at $22,070.

The Outlander Sport comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a continuously variable transmission in upgraded models and a five-speed manual in the base car. The CVT -quipped car is good for a city rating of 24 mpg and a highway rating of 31 mpg in two-wheel-drive versions.

The 2014 Outlander Sport gets a handful of upgrades for the new model year, including a new audio head unit, a new steering wheel with audio controls, improved sound insulation, HD radio, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, an improved navigation system and a power adjustable driver's seat when the SE Premium Package is specified.

Stepping up to the $4,900 Touring Package, buyers get the navigation system, real-time traffic, leather seating surfaces, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with nine speakers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power driver seat, panoramic glass roof and black roof rails.

The new Outlander uses Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) passenger-compartment design. According to Mitsubishi, the RISE construction helps with energy dissipation, protecting the cabin and passengers. The tech also reduces body distortion, as well as shielding the fuel system in case of a rear-end collision.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will hit dealerships in August with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

By Jake Lingeman