The first two generations were classified as compact multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), and the model introduced in 2010 is a subcompact crossover SUV.

It had a convenient size passenger cabin and spacious 4–5 person capacity with a youth-oriented approach, making it appealing to young people.

[2] It was also developed and released during Japan's "bubble economy", and gained popularity due to the convenience of a passenger side sliding door.

It was a tall wagon with some off-road characteristics, targeting the "sports gear" or outdoor lifestyle market.

When the entire bench was removed, the flat floor extended all the way from the back of the front seats to the rear hatchback door.

The Hyper Sports Gear R trim package in Japan used the drivetrain of the first Mitsubishi Galant VR-4; the 4G63T 2.0-liter, 16V DOHC, turbocharged four mated to either a four-speed auto or a five speed manual.

However, the individual is about 60,000 km Automatic Transmission capable, greet life with a plug cord about three years, would upset the sensors and around the throttle servo mechanism (such as not idling as symptoms appear), etc.

The Mitsubishi RVR was sold at North American Mitsubishi dealerships under the Expo LRV (LRV stood for Light Recreational Vehicle) nameplate; they were available in a few different trim levels, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive powertrains, 2.4 4G64 and 1.8 4G93 four cylinder engines (diesel engines were not offered), and 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions available.

Thanks to various bumper and fender extensions, the Sports Gear was too large to classify as a compact car in Japan and was thus placed in a considerably higher tax grouping.

[6] The model offers a significant facelift, which was done to mirror the image design of the Chariot Grandis and its brisk sales in 1999 at the time.

The high performance "Sports Gear X3" model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with self-leveling xenon headlights; the model-specific seat fabric received an interwoven hummingbird pattern.

This package was available for the entire lineup and consisted of various extras suitable for sport fishers, such as a built-in refrigerator, a fishing rod stand and holder, a roof box, additional interior and exterior lights, and special, water-repellant seat covers.

[3][11][12] Mitsubishi has concentrated on emphasizing the RVR's fuel economy and low emissions, as part of the company's plan to reposition itself as a maker of smaller and more efficient cars, in contrast to its previous successes building large SUVs.