Check Out These Four Great Model Years for the Mitsubishi RVR

A silver used 2022 Mitsubishi RVR for sale is shown driving on a road away from a city.

Although Mitsubishi first used the RVR name for a small minivan in the 1990s, that early model was discontinued in 2002. The Mitsubishi RVR was revived and made anew as a subcompact SUV starting with the 2011 model year, and it has been making a tremendous name for itself ever since. Mitsubishi was once known for making large and powerful SUVs, but the brand has shifted gears in recent years and now focuses on smaller options, concentrating on incredible fuel efficiency to go along with sporty performance and a legendary reputation for reliability. Few vehicles in the lineup express this quite as clearly as the RVR; this demure beauty is a fantastic option for singles, couples, and new families ready to hit the road.

Choosing the right used Mitsubishi RVR for sale can be tricky since you have more than a decade of models to choose from, and there have been some notable changes to the RVR over the years. However, we are here to help you consider the options available and pick one that perfectly meets your needs. We have chosen four model years that perfectly represent what the RVR offers from one year to the next. So far, there’s only been a single generation for the modern RVR, but we’re on the third refresh in that time, which means you can still find significant differences between used models when comparing one year to another. Let’s take a look.

The 2011 Mitsubishi RVR

Where better to start than at the start? For the 2011 model year, the Mitsubishi RVR was an all-new option hitting the road for the first time. Although this model has different names in some other markets, we get the RVR name—the same one used in Japan—which stands for “Recreation Vehicle Runner.” Mitsubishi kept things pretty simple with the RVR in terms of options and design, though it looks stunning and still has plenty to offer. This makes it easy to get just what you’re looking for without feeling like you’ve missed out on anything. The 2011 RVR comes with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the 2011 RVR, with all-wheel drive available—all-wheel drive models are offered exclusively with the CVT. The SE trim adds alloy wheels, fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and much more to the base ES trim. You can also choose the GT trim, which features 46 cm wheels, xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, and more. You also get premium cloth seats and a Rockford Fosgate sound system in this GT trim, elevating your driving experience even further. You can’t go wrong with any trim; it simply comes down to the performance and features you’re looking for.

The 2013 Mitsubishi RVR

Just a couple years later, Mitsubishi gave the RVR a refresh that included an exterior update and facelift along with improved performance and interior revisions to go along with them. The differences with this model year are immediately apparent, particularly from the outside, where you’ll find new front and rear fascias, giving it a completely refreshed look. It’s hard to say whether the 2013 model looks better—different is a more appropriate description because the RVR has always looked stunning, and the update simply revitalizes its overall style. The engine remains a 2.0L four-cylinder, but Mitsubishi revised the rear suspension to improve the overall ride quality and performance.

The interior was also updated and refreshed for 2013, particularly for the GT trim. On the ES trim, you’ll find steel wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, a multi-information display, heated cloth seats, and much more. The SE trim upgrades you to reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and additional features. Finally, with the GT, you get 46 cm wheels, automatic climate control, a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and more fantastic features inside and out.

The 2016 Mitsubishi RVR

This Mitsubishi SUV was once again updated for the 2016 model year, taking everything learned since its launch and making improvements throughout. This was a significant facelift that included a new front end that looks stunning, along with updated options such as LED headlights and improved noise reduction for a quieter ride inside. The standard 2.0L four-cylinder engine remains with 148 hp, but a new 2.4L engine was added that delivers 168 hp for boosted overall performance. It should be noted, however, that you can only get this powerful engine with all-wheel drive and the CVT––it comes standard on the two highest trims for the 2016 model.

Speaking of which, four trims are now on offer, once again increasing your options. The ES remains the base trim and comes with steel wheels, heated and power-folding side mirrors, heated front seats, and a four-speaker sound system. From there, you can choose the SE trim, which has automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The SE Limited trim comes with the more powerful engine, 46 cm wheels, upgraded cloth seating, and a more refined gauge cluster. Finally, the GT remains the pinnacle trim with the 2.4L engine and all-wheel drive, not to mention HID headlights, a panoramic fixed glass roof, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system.

An orange 2022 Mitsubishi RVR is shown driving on an open road.

 

The 2020 Mitsubishi RVR

Most recently, the Mitsubishi RVR once again received a facelift for the 2020 model year, delivering revised styling and superior tech features. These exterior updates include LED taillights, a rear spoiler, and a refreshed overall look that brings it more in line with the rest of Mitsubishi’s modern lineup. The two engine options remain from the previous update, although the manual transmission has been retired, and all models now come with a CVT. Five trim levels are available, giving you more options than ever: the ES and SE are offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the SEL, Limited Edition, and GT have all-wheel drive standard.

The starting ES trim features steel wheels, a 20 cm infotainment display, heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, keyless entry, and a four-speaker sound system. The SE trim has LED fog lights, a six-speaker sound system, and advanced safety features like Blind Spot Warning. Moving up to the SEL trim, you get paddle shifters, larger 18-inch wheels, suede upholstery, and much more. With the Limited Edition, you blacked-out wheels and exterior details, while the GT trim holds onto the top spot with a panoramic sunroof, six-way power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker sound system.

Let’s Get You the Used Mitsubishi RVR You’re Looking For

You can see that your choice of model year makes a big difference when it comes to the look and features you can find in a used Mitsubishi RVR. This is why it’s so important to do some research and understand what’s out there before you go car shopping. Knowing what model year you’re looking at means knowing which trim levels are available, the kind of performance and extra features to watch for, and how well the vehicle will meet your needs. If you’re still not sure which of these four model years—or the years between them—is right for you, then we are ready to help. Contact us or come by for a visit at Northside Mitsubishi today, and we’ll take you through our amazing selection of used models to ensure you drive away in a vehicle you love.