Mitsubishi may be better known for creating some of the best sports sedans and rugged off-road beasts, but, like most brands today, it is now firmly in the everyday-use SUV game. The three-diamond badge up front may stir up thoughts of the Lancer Evo blasting around in the dirt or the Montero crawling up mountains, but since 2003, the Mitsubishi Outlander has been there and done everything sensible for the U.S. market, even if it doesn’t always get the recognition.
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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2-speed CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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177 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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207 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM
- Make
-
Mitsubishi
- Model
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Outlander
- Segment
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Compact SUV
2026 marks the 24th year of the Outlander, and this year, the Japanese marque has pulled out all the stops with low prices, a fresh look, lots of enviable tech in the cabin, a good selection of engine choices, and a build that is meant to be used every day. This is the full specs and pricing guide for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Why Compact SUVs Rule The Roads
It is very obvious out on the road that SUVs (alongside pickup trucks) are the most popular segment here in the U.S.; there is one for every occasion, but it is compact SUVs that are now defining what the “default vehicle” looks like. Positioned between hatchbacks and larger, more expensive SUVs, they deliver the versatility we actually need every day, not just a status symbol.
Models like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Palisade, and newer models like the Corolla Cross are growing in sales each year because they strike a near-perfect balance: enough space for families, easy-to-use dimensions, and sensible fuel economy. They aren’t just small and easy to use, but also very capable.
Today’s compact SUVs are no longer just lifted hatchbacks; they offer genuine usability, from generous cargo capacity to all-wheel-drive systems. Electrification and the use of hybrid tech have only made them more appealing, and with models like the RAV4 PHEV achieving insane combined mpg ratings, we don’t see the segment going anywhere soon.
Drivers Want Practicality, Tech, And Value
In the modern market, it is not enough for an SUV to look tough and be able to drag things around behind it; it needs to be an all-round package. At the core of the compact SUV’s success is its ability to deliver exactly what a lot of us want from one vehicle. Practicality is still the ruler, and with flexible seating layouts, split-folding rear benches, and proper cargo space available in small SUVs, their small exterior dimensions seem to play less of a role as they used to.
Tech and luxury are another major draw, and today it would be nearly unheard of for a brand to release an SUV without a touchscreen, yet even compact SUVs are available loaded with features once reserved for luxury sedans. You get large infotainment screens, digital clusters, driver-assist tech, massaging seats, ambient lighting, premium audio systems, and plush seating in a plethora of models. Think the Genesis GV70.
Then there is value, probably one of the most defining advantages. Some, not all, compact SUVs hit the pricing sweet spot for offering premium features without premium costs. Models like the Kia Sportage and the new Outlander show that you can get a lot of SUV for not a lot of money. In a modern market where we want a bit of everything for less, many models in the compact SUV segment seem to fit the bill.
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Straight from the factory with three-row seats, and ready for five different terrain types, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid compact SUV market.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander: What’s New And Worth Noticing
This is where the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport come in. This year’s iteration of the Outlander is the fourth year of the fourth generation, and while the footprint has remained largely intact since the release of this generation in 2022, it is quite obvious that the 2026 Outlander has been given a glow-up, inside, outside, and under the hood.
2026 also marks the 15th year of the Outlander Sport, which was introduced at the end of the second generation of the Outlander but is still considered part of the first generation of Sport models, despite the numerous facelifts.
Bold Styling, Refreshed Looks, And Upgraded Interior Tech
This year’s Outlander and the 2026 Outlander Sport both get a thoughtful refresh that sharpens both the exterior and cabin compared to the 2025 models. The front fascia features a wider, lower grille and slimmer LED headlights, giving it a more planted and modern feel while still keeping hold of its relatively hardy-built look and the recognizable Dynamic Shield identity.
Subtle tweaks at the rear include updated taillight graphics and slightly recontoured hatch lines, making it look tighter without fully overhauling its overall appearance. New wheel designs are also available, and deeper exterior color finishes can be added to really make the Outlander stand out against the old faithfuls like the CR-V and RAV4.
Inside, the 2026 cabin feels noticeably more refined than the 2025 model’s. Soft-touch materials are used across the dashboard and doors, while the center stack has been redesigned for a cleaner layout. The infotainment screen in some models is larger and higher-resolution, and redesigned physical controls now put climate control and drive-mode functions within easier reach.
Available digital instruments also offer clearer, more customizable displays for hybrid systems, navigation, and driver-assist systems, while smoother wireless phone connectivity and more conveniently placed USB-C ports have been added.
Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain And Turbocharged Engine Under The Hood
This year’s biggest mechanical story for the 2026 Outlander is the new turbocharged, mild-hybrid engine it features. This is a first for a mainstream gas-powered Outlander in the U.S., and the new turbo-four replaces the 2.5 naturally aspirated four-cylinder used in the 2025 Outlander.
This engine is not a new engine for Mitsubishi; they have been using it in the Eclipse Cross since 2017, but it has been tweaked and geared properly to work with the Outlander’s larger and heavier build. Horsepower output isn’t as high compared to the 2025 Outlander, but it does provide a smoother, more efficient ride, which certainly helps in a very busy segment.
The Outlander PHEV continues to be an offering for 2026, but it has been subtly tweaked to increase all-electric range and overall fuel economy (partly due to a larger 22.7 kWh battery compared to 2025’s 20 kWh battery). This plug-in option means that the Outlander continues to be one of the few three-row mid-sized SUVs/crossovers that offer meaningful combined mpg ratings, while still offering a lot of space and usability.
As we find with a lot of Japanese brands, it is the incremental changes and improvements that often make a model, and with a reasonably high overall J.D. Power rating of 79 out of 100, we’d say that these tweaks are carrying the Outlander forward rather well.
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2026 Mitsubishi Outlander & Outlander Sport Full Specs Breakdown You Need to Know
So, the new Outlander looks good, and it has received a decent number of upgrades compared to last year’s model, but how does it perform?
There are two engine options for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, one for the non-hybrid trims and one for the hybrid ones: the just-mentioned 1.5-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-four mated to a CVT and a 2.4-liter inline-four paired with dual motors (one for each axle) and an electric AWD system with an integrated one-speed transmission.
There is also a separate set of engine choices for the smaller 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the shape of a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, both mated to a CVT.
Engine, Performance, MPG, And Towing Numbers
The 2026 Outlander, Outlander PHEV, and Outlander Sport may all look relatively similar, but there is a clear distinction across all three where output, towing capacity, and fuel economy are concerned.
|
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander |
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV |
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SEL |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Inline-Four Plug-In Hybrid |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Inline-Four |
|
Horsepower |
177 Horsepower |
248 Horsepower |
148 Horsepower |
168 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
207 LB-FT |
332 LB-FT |
145 LB-FT |
167 LB-FT |
|
0–60 MPH |
8.2 Seconds |
6.6 Seconds |
N/A |
8 Seconds |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,000 LBS |
1,600 LBS |
1,500 LBS |
N/A |
Front-wheel drive is standard fare for base models of the non-hybrid Outlander models, but all models of the 2026 Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Outlander PHEV either come as standard with or are available with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive, so from the outset, you get a pretty sure-footed feel under the wheels in the wet and snow. It is not the most capable off-road vehicle, but it certainly handles bad weather well.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, both the front-wheel-drive and AWD Outlander can achieve 28 combined mpg (26 mpg city/31 mpg highway); the 2.0-liter-equipped Outlander Sport can achieve 26 combined mpg (23 mpg city/29 mpg highway), and the 2.4-liter-equipped Outlander Sport can achieve 25 combined mpg (23 mpg city/29 mpg highway).
|
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost |
Cost To Drive 25 Miles |
|
|---|---|---|
|
2026 Outlander |
$1,550 |
$2.61 |
|
2026 Outlander Sport w/ 2.0-Liter Inline-Four |
$1,700 |
$2.81 |
|
2026 Outlander Sport w/ 2.4-Liter Inline-Four |
$1,750 |
$2.91 |
FuelEconomy.gov hasn’t yet released fuel consumption stats for the 2026 Outlander PHEV, but the 2025 MY is capable of achieving 64 MPGe, costing you only $1,350 a year for gas and electricity. This year, Mitsubishi has said that there is also an improvement in its all-electric range.
The 2025 model could achieve an estimated 38 miles of all-electric range; the 2026 Outlander PHEV can achieve around 45 miles, which makes it one of the plug-in hybrid SUVs with the highest all-electric range.
Interior Space, Seating For Seven, And Tech Features
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, in both standard gas and PHEV forms, delivers three-row seating for up to seven passengers, something that is relatively rare in this class. The first two rows are very spacious, and while the third row can be a bit of a squeeze for taller adults, it is still good for children. Inside, tech is impressive for its class. As standard, you get an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims get a 9-inch one.
Regardless of what trim you opt for, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless connectivity is a privilege in the higher trims only. An available 10.8-inch full digital instrument cluster is available, and a premium Bose or Yamaha audio system is up for grabs, while Mitsubishi Connect adds remote vehicle access, safety alerts, and vehicle health monitoring. PHEV models also get extra screens for EV range, battery state, and charging indicators.
|
2026 Outlander |
First Row |
Second Row |
Third Row |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
40.6 Inches |
39.1 Inches |
34.5 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
57.9 Inches |
55.9 Inches |
51.2 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
54 Inches |
55.3 Inches |
42.1 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.7 Inches |
39.9 Inches |
18.7 Inches |
By contrast, the Outlander Sport is the more compact, five-seat SUV option that may be a better choice for daily urban usability. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, with an 8-inch option on higher trims, while the same level of connectivity as in the Outlander models is standard fare.
Bluetooth and USB ports are positioned in easily-reachable places, and the clean dash layout looks tidy and puts what you need in your eye line. Safety tech in the Outlander Sport is also well catered for, and you get Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning, as part of the Mitsubishi Safety Package, from build. It doesn’t have the larger screen options that the Outlander does, but it is still very well-equipped for everyday duties.
|
2026 Outlander Sport |
First Row |
Second Row |
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.4 Inches |
37.9 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
56.2 Inches |
55.5 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
52.1 Inches |
51.6 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.6 Inches |
36.3 Inches |
If you opt for an Outlander or Outlander PHEV, you get a generous amount of cargo space as well. With all the seats in place, there is up to 10.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row; behind the second row, there is up to 30.6 cubic feet, and with the two rear rows tucked away, you get a rather generous 64.3 cubic feet.
The Outlander Sport is smaller, but you still get 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum cargo capacity of 49.5 cubic feet, so it is still very versatile for its size.
“The interior is spacious and very nicely done. I love the dash and the easy-to-use functions. I’m not tech-savvy, but the touchscreen options are easy to navigate. The body style is attractive, and the front end is nice to look at.”
Owner review of their 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander on Kelley Blue Book
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2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Pricing, Trims, And Who This Mid-Sized SUV Is For
There are seven trims of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, which include the ES, the LE, the SE, the SE Tech Package, the SEL, the Trail Edition, and the SEL Premium Package, with prices starting from $29,995. The 2026 Outlander PHEV is available as the ES, the SE, the SEL, the SEL Black Edition, and the SEL Platinum Edition, with prices starting from $44,990.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is cheaper from the get-go, with an MSRP of $24,995, and is available in seven trims: the S, the ES, the LE, the SE, the SEL, the Trail Edition, and the Ralliart.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander & Outlander Sport Price By Trim
If you opt for the gas-powered Outlander, you are looking at a price range of between $29,995 and $42,095 for the top-tier trim. Pricing is as follows:
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES. MSRP: $29,995.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander LE. MSRP: $32,245.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE. MSRP: $34,345.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Tech Package. MSRP: $37,545.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. MSRP: $39,045.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition. MSRP: $39,645.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Premium Package. MSRP: $42,095.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV lineup has a price range of between $44,990 and $54,000, with the following MSRPs:
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES PHEV. MSRP: $44,990.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE PHEV. MSRP: $46,000.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL PHEV. MSRP: $49,000.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition PHEV. MSRP: $51,000.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Platinum Edition PHEV. MSRP: $54,000.
As the most budget-friendly, the 2026 Outlander Sport has a price range of between $24,995 and $29,695, with the following starting prices:
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S. MSRP: $24,995.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES. MSRP: $26,595.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE. MSRP: $27,495.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE. MSRP: $28,845.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Ralliart. MSRP: $29,245.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trail Edition. MSRP: $29,495.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SEL. MSRP: $29,695.
Sources: Mitsubishi, J.D. Power, FuelEconomy.gov, and Kelley Blue Book.