The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Is Going Mild-Hybrid
The Mitsubishi Outlander is getting an update for the 2026 model year that will bring a mild-hybrid powertrain to the SUV. The automaker said the change will increase fuel economy while keeping costs at a reasonable level, and it will help the brand lower its average fleet emissions ratings.
The SUV will get a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a Mitsubishi-designed mild-hybrid system, which replaces the current Outlander’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Styling updates for the mild-hybrid Outlander include new front- and rear-end designs and a new interior. Mitsubishi is also expected to release a beefier off-road Outlander variant later in 2026. Interestingly, the new SUV will move away from Nissan’s platforms in favor of Mitsubishi’s in-house designs for the next-gen Outlander.
While it often flies under the radar in a segment packed with much bigger names, the Outlander also offers a plug-in hybrid variant with reasonable electric range numbers. The Outlander PHEV is due for an update next year, and is expected to receive a larger battery, improved electric range, and revised interior and exterior styling.
Mitsubishi only sells three vehicles in the U.S., following the discontinuation of the Mirage in 2024. That said, its financial outlook is nowhere near as dire as Nissan’s, with which it shares some business processes and vehicle designs.
[Images: Mitsubishi]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Outlanders are pretty nice actually. Since I travel for business frequently (2-3x per month) I drive a lot of rentals, I grab Outlanders whenever possible. The PHEV variant is particularly nice to drive.
I’m just glad this is a Mitsubishi 4B4 engine and not a VC-turbo KR15DDT from its Rogue sibling.