Chances are high, if you happen to’re searching for a Japanese automobile a variety of Honda or Toyota fashions will come to thoughts. You may even consider some Nissan nameplates, too. However there’s one other automaker from Japan that has flown below the radar for many years, one which many drivers have in all probability forgotten about: Mitsubishi. To appropriate this example, the triple-diamond model is introducing up to date merchandise, together with a refreshed Outlander utility automobile.
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- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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181 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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181 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM
Updates Lastly Migrating To The PHEV Mannequin
The usual, combustion-powered model of this SUV was up to date for the 2025 mannequin yr, and now those self same adjustments, together with just a few others, are migrating to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. The 2026 Outlander PHEV positive factors an up to date inside with higher supplies and extra sound deadening to maintain undesirable noise and harshness out of the cabin. Heated and ventilated entrance seats will likely be supplied, the middle console has been redesigned to supply extra space for storing and there are new cup holders.
Music to drivers’ ears must be a brand new – and unique within the U.S. – Yamaha premium sound system. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is a welcome non-compulsory inside improve, too, which ought to make it simpler to search out and play your favourite tunes.
Visually, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV positive factors an up to date grille to match the reworked entrance bumper. Smoked taillamp housings add some visible intrigue to the automobile’s rear, and new 20-inch wheels ought to actually seize the eye of passersby.
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The 2025 Outlander options an intensive mid-cycle refresh that features a new infotainment display screen and a Yamaha stereo system.
There Are Some Mechanical Upgrades, Too
The Outlander PHEV’s chassis is getting some consideration for 2026. The steering system, dampers, springs, stabilizer bars, and bushings have all been retuned for, in keeping with the automaker, “a extra assured and warranted driving really feel,” however that’s not all.
This plug-in hybrid SUV additionally positive factors a bigger battery for the hybrid system, although the automaker has not disclosed the dimensions of this new pack. This improve ought to improve the automobile’s all-electric vary and cut back the period of time the combustion engine runs. Mitsubishi says it will enhance the Outlander PHEV’s acceleration, nevertheless it sounds just like the gas economic system might go up as properly.
The outgoing 2025 mannequin affords a powerful 38 miles of all-electric vary, yet one more than a Ford Escape PHEV, although the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid nonetheless beats the Mitsubishi because of its 42 miles of estimated electrical vary.
Regardless of its more-than-competitive battery capability, the 2025 Outlander PHEV is, sadly, not all that fuel-efficient. This automobile stickers at 26 MPG mixed when operated as a hybrid, and 64 miles per gallon equal (MPGe) when working solely on electrical energy. Compared, the Escape talked about above is nice for a whopping 40 MPG and 101 MPGe, whereas the Toyota is rated at 38 MPG and 94 MPGe, respectively. Hopefully, the 2026 Outlander PHEV’s gas economic system is extra aggressive with these rivals. Further particulars about this automobile will likely be launched later within the yr, with examples arriving at Mitsubishi dealerships within the first quarter of 2026.
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The Typical Outlander Is Getting Some Love, Too
The non-plug-in Outlander is gaining a brand new engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit bolstered by a gentle hybrid system. This powerplant was developed by Mitsubishi and is predicated on the unit that motivates the smaller Eclipse Cross utility automobile. This new engine will exchange the bigger 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s presently put in within the Outlander.
In keeping with the automaker, this 1.5-liter turbo-four will “ship elevated confidence and drivability because of electrified torque aiding off-the-line acceleration.” Mitsubishi has not shared any output figures or gas economic system estimates for this new powertrain simply but, so keep tuned for these particulars.
Because it was up to date final yr, the 2026 Outlander just isn’t gaining any inside or chassis upgrades. There’ll, nonetheless, be a brand new LE trim positioned between the bottom ES mannequin and the midrange SE variant. There will even be the SEL Black Version mannequin, and a Ralliart grade is returning for 2026.
The most recent and biggest Mitsubishi Outlander is ready to go on sale within the fourth quarter of 2025. Pricing and extra data will likely be launched later within the yr.
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TopSpeed’s Take
Mitsubishi has been struggling within the U.S. for many years. Whereas Honda, Toyota, and Subaru have been thriving, many motorists don’t even know in regards to the triple-diamond model, although that is slowly altering. The Outlander SUV is the automaker’s prime vendor within the U.S., even when the general volumes are small, small in comparison with a RAV4 or CR-V, no less than. Sellers moved 7,821 of those autos and 1,375 copies of the PHEV mannequin within the second quarter of the yr. Whole Outlander deliveries for the primary half of 2025 are simply shy of 23,000 items.
The upgrades Mitsubishi is making to each variations of this SUV for 2026 are positive to enhance the product, which ought to end in higher gross sales. Driving extra development, the automaker is engaged on its Momentum 2030 turnaround plan. This company technique contains increasing the model’s dealership community, providing drivers a variety of powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electrical – and even introducing one new or refreshed automobile every year between fiscal yr 2026 and financial yr 2030. That final half will broaden Mitsubishi’s product portfolio, which is able to hopefully additional enhance gross sales.
It’s been robust for Mitsubishi, however the automaker seems to be doing what it must succeed. Including dealerships and providing a various vary of powertrains in addition to enhancing and increasing its product portfolio are good choices. The up to date 2026 Outlander and Outlander PHEV might be an indication of fine issues to come back.