Mitsubishi Outlander

Name: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Brand: Mitsubishi

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

CR's Take

The Outlander is a compact SUV that comes with a tiny third-row seat. For 2026, the only powertrain is a 174-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo mild hybrid that's mated to a CVT. It replaces the sluggish 2.5-liter four-cylinder we tested. Handling is nimble and secure, but the steering is overly light, with an unnaturally quick turn-in response. On the highway, the driver has to make constant corrections to stay in the lane. The ride is stiff as the large wheels crash over potholes, and wind noise is noticeable at highway speeds. Most controls are easy to use, including the infotainment system.

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Mitsubishi Outlander

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Value

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Mitsubishi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD, Front

1.5-liter 4 turbo (174 hp)

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance 2 years/30,000 miles

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The seven-passenger Outlander is fully redesigned for 2022. It shares its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and much of its underpinnings with the Nissan Rogue, although a small third-row seat is exclusive to the Mitsubishi. Acceleration is leisurely but the continuously variable transmission is responsive, and the Outlander managed 25 mpg overall. Handling is quite nimble and secure but the steering is overly light and nervous. The ride is stiff and wind noise is noticeable. The first two rows of seats are comfortable, but the third row is tiny. Most controls are easy to use, including the infotainment system. The joystick-like electronic gear selector, though, suffers from unintuitive labeling. Standard active safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, and LDW. The plug-in hybrid, which has been on the previous generation's platform, has also been redesigned. For 2026, the 2.5-liter engine was replaced with a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo mild hybrid that's mated to a CVT.

2016-2021

2016 Redesign Year

Mitsubishi's small SUV alternates between mediocrity and competitiveness. The original Outlander was powered by a noisy 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which delivered unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy. Handling suffered from overly light steering and pronounced body lean. A 2007 redesign considerably improved the Outlander, making it a competitive small SUV. Originally available only with a punchy V6, an improved four-cylinder arrived in 2008, returning 22 mpg overall. Responsive steering with good driver feedback gave the Outlander a sporty feel. An optional third-row seat was unusual for the class. A 2014 redesign stripped the Outlander of any athleticism, making it feel dated and cut-rate. Emphasizing utility on a budget, the third-row seat became standard. A plug-in hybrid joins the line in 2018. Updates for 2020 included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning on all but the base trim. For 2021, the Outlander only comes as a plug-in hybrid that has been updated to a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine with an upgraded electric motor that provides a combined output of 221-hp. It can do a claimed 24-miles on electric power before switching to hybrid mode. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter V6 engines have been dropped. Outdated and outclassed, the Outlander struggles to compete. A tiny third-row seat, that is a high point, is not offered in the plug-in hybrid. When we tested the Outlander with the four-cylinder engine, its ride felt too buoyant and not tied-down. Handling was clumsy, with slow steering response and lots of body lean in corners.

2014-2015

2014 Redesign Year

Emphasizing utility on a budget, the 2014 redesign stripped the Outlander of any athleticism, making it feel dated and cut-rate. Compared to the previous Outlander, this retooled model handles clumsily, tending to lumber through corners feeling like a larger vehicle than it is. The cabin is noisy, the front seats aren't supportive enough, and interior trim looks cheap and feels insubstantial. On the plus side, the third-row seat became standard. Overall though, we see little reason to consider buying the Outlander.

2007-2013

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign considerably improved the Outlander, making it a competitive small SUV with a refined and responsive powertrain. The interior is roomy and offers a tiny third-row seat, which is an unusual option in this category. A backup camera integrated into the navigation system is another welcomed optional feature. Alert steering with good driver feedback gives this edition of the Outlander a sporty feel to accompany its agile handling. However, to accomplish this, ride quality is on the stiff side. Road noise is pronounced too. Fit and finish are also a bit of a let down. Originally available only with a punchy V6, an improved four-cylinder arrived in 2008, returning 22 mpg overall.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year

Over the years, Mitsubishi's small SUV has alternated between mediocrity and competitiveness. As an example, while ride quality is reasonably comfortable, the 2003 version of the Outlander doesn't compete well with the best models in this class. Although it has reasonable passenger space; acceleration, handling, and fuel economy are all unimpressive. However, it should be noted side airbags were made standard for the 2006 model year.