One year after a major refresh, the Mitsubishi Outlander receives significant changes once again for 2026. The big news last was styling revisions, an improved interior, fresh tech, and a bangin’ Dynamic Sound Yamaha premium audio system with eight or 12 speakers. This year, it’s all about mechanical changes under the skin to complement the improved steering and suspension from last year.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ditches the Nissan-sourced 2.5-liter four-cylinder for an in-house- designed and developed engine. In this case, it’s the 4B40, a 1.5-liter turbo-four. Dubbed Version 2, it features cooling and efficiency improvements versus the unit found in the Eclipse Cross. Additionally, the engine has a 48-volt mild hybrid system that powers a belt starter generator, improving efficiency and lowering engine loads.
The mild hybrid setup also helps add power by providing supplemental torque to the engine under 4,300 rpm. When coasting under 13.5 mph, the 48-volt mild hybrid setup can turn off the engine to help save fuel. A new CVT developed to accommodate the new electrified setup comes standard and can simulate eight shifting ratios. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system is available. As a result, EPA fuel economy improves to 26/31/28 mpg city/highway/combined for both FWD and AWD versions.
As before, the Outlander comes generously equipped. The base ES trim comes with keyless entry and start, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, and an eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha premium audio system. Going up to higher trims adds goodies like 3-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and upgrades the audio system to 12 speakers. For a more outdoorsy look, the Trail Edition returns with its rugged design.
The 2026 Outlander is available now. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available and has significantly more power on tap.
Source: Mitsubishi
