Overview The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is a bit of a nonconformist in the growing compact hybrid SUV class. It’s got a vestigial third row—a rarity in the segment—but that means its usage is limited to children and contortionists. This plug-in hybrid offers up to 38 miles of EPA-estimated EV-range, but its overall fuel economy could be better. It’s quicker than its non-hybrid sibling, but at a starting base price approximately $10k higher. On the plus side, for 2026 Mitsubishi has tuned its flaccid suspension for a better ride-and-handling balance and added soundproofing materials to quiet the cabin. Despite its newfound improvements, the Outlander Hybrid still has an uphill battle on its hands, as its segment is now in full bloom with more modern and less expensive competitors.
Expert Tip: Rivals such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Mazda CX-50 Hybrid lack the plug-in capabilities of the Mitsubishi, but they still offer better fuel economy than their nonhybrid counterparts and cost less than the Outlander Hybrid. What’s New for 2026?A larger battery arrives alongside an increased range and improved acceleration, while a mild suspension upgrade is said to improve ride and handling. Exterior cosmetics get attention too. The 2026 Outlander PHEV picks up a revised grille and front bumper, new 20-inch wheel designs, and smoked taillamps.The interior sees many of the same upgrades the nonhybrid Outlander received for 2025, including heated and cooled front seats, a redesigned wireless phone charger, a new console with a larger storage bin and cupholders, additional sound-deadening materials for a quieter cabin, and new interior color choices. There’s also a standard Yamaha-branded audio system.
Pricing and Which One to BuyThe SE trim is the best value. Its small price hike over the base ES is easily justified by the addition of 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system, in-dash navigation, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors. If your budget allows, consider adding the Tech package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker Bose stereo, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Hybrid Powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 248 hp combined
- Transmissions: Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
In our first test drive, we noted that the Outlander PHEV felt perkier than its nonhybrid sibling, especially in urban driving. Dynamically, however, the Outlander Hybrid is a bit boring. Its ride is agreeable enough, but its cornering attitude is far from sporty, and the brake pedal also feels squishy, even if braking performance proved to be okay. Those who enjoy the act of driving should consider the more athletic Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Luckily, there are paddles on the steering column that allow you to dial in how much regenerative braking the hybrid system will allow for. Its highest regenerative setting allows for nearly one-pedal driving, saving you from having to step on the spongy left pedal much.0–60-MPH TimesIn Comparison: The Outlander PHEV is not only more efficient than its nonhybrid sibling, but also quicker. The nonhybrid needed 8.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid required 7.6 seconds. MitsubishiAdditional Research:Towing and Payload Capacity The Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is rated to tow a maximum of 1500 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life
- C/D Range Test: 370 miles
- EPA EV Range: 38 miles
The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has a lithium-ion battery with 16.8 kWh of usable capacity. Though it currently uses the outdated CHAdeMo style plug, we anticipate that Mitsubishi will update its charging port for the 2026 model along with the already-confirmed larger battery of currently unknown capacity. Hooked to a DC fast-charger, Mitsubishi claims the current Outlander PHEV can charge the battery to 80-percent capacity in just 38 minutes. We’ll update this section as soon as the new specifics become available. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 25 mpg
- EPA City Ratings: 25 mpg
- EPA Highway Rating: 27 mpg
The EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Outlander Hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 25 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. But Mitsubishi says a slightly larger battery is on the way for 2026, and we’ll update this space as soon as the EPA data is in and we get one to run through our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Outlander Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The Outlander Hybrid’s interior design is stylish and well-appointed with quilted seat coverings and a bold, minimalist dashboard. Seats are comfortable, and the mild bolstering supports but doesn’t pinch. Headroom and legroom are both generous here, beating several rival compact SUVs. Second Row: Though the styling echoes that of the first row, the second-row backrests are rather flat and lack the support of the fronts. There’s a fold-down center armrest with a pair of cupholders, but there’s less passenger space here than in the CR-V Hybrid and CX-50 Hybrid. Third Row: Kudos to Mitsubishi for squeezing a third row into a compact SUV, but its use is best reserved for kids and pets, as legroom is limited and access is challenging. Cargo Capacity: The Outlander has 13 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 31 cubic feet behind the second row, and 61 cubic feet when folded flat. With all three rows in place, we fit three carry-on-sized bags; the count grows to nine suitcases with the third row folded, and 27 pieces with both the second and third rows folded down. MitsubishiInfotainment and ConnectivityInfotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreenConnectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAudio System: 8-speaker Yamaha stereo (standard), 12-speaker Yamaha stereo (optional)A 12.3-inch infotainment display is standard across the lineup. It includes navigation and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.8-inch full-color head-up display is available as an option, too.Base models come with an eight-speaker stereo tuned by Yamaha, but a more premium Yamaha setup with 12 speakers is available on higher-end trims.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesBasic driver-assistance technology features such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard, but if you want more advanced features you will need to upgrade to the SE or SEL trim levels to unlock those, including adaptive cruise control.
- Standard Safety Features: Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist
For information about the Outlander Hybrid’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance CoverageMitsubishi now offers complimentary maintenance, and its standard powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid components also receive the same 10-year/100,000-mile coverage.
- Limited Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 30,000 miles
C/D Test Results and SpecsWe test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $46,890/$50,980
Options: Premium package (power panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather door inserts, semi-aniline seat leather seats, 10.8-inch head up display, Bose sound system, front seat massage), $2700; White Diamond/Black roof, $995; tonneau cover, $200; Welcome package (touch-up paint pen, carpeted floor mats, cargo floor liner, tray mat), $195
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 131 hp, 144 lb-ft + AC motors, 114 and 134 hp, 188 and 144 lb-ft (combined output: 248 hp, 332 lb-ft; 16.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est)
Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Nexen Roadian GTX RG1
P255/45R-20 101W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.5 in
Length: 185.4 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 68.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 54/46/18 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 64/31/13 ft3
Curb Weight: 4751 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 82 mph
100 mph: 31.9 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 110 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 27 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 44 MPGe/25 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 24/370 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/25/27 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 64 MPGe
EV Range: 38 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
