Outlander adds first-ever mild hybrid For 2026
Published 10:00 pm Friday, June 12, 2026
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL is a three-row family SUV that caters to families with an active lifestyle. For this model year it had introduced its first-ever US mild-hybrid.
A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is matched with a 48-volt battery to generate 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. The combination creates great acceleration from rest and highway speeds to maximize driver enjoyment and peace of mind.
SEL, which includes Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel drive system standard, achieves 30 miles per gallon fuel economy down the road. A continuously variable transmission drives the powertrain, while propels up to seven passengers with a towing capacity up to 2,000 pounds.
Outlander is the brand’s first non-plug-in hybrid option in the U.S. market. It benefits from an integrated belt-driven starter-generator that recovers energy to charge the 48-volt battery in no-load/coasting/stationary operation below 13.5 mph, provides a power boost under specific driving conditions, and restarts the engine during start-stop operation.
It also includes a drive mode selector with tarmac, gravel, snow, normal, eco and mud modes that allow the driver to dial in performance.
The mild hybrid technology comes on the back of an updated interior and new Yamaha audio system added last year. “The one piece missing was an updated powertrain,” Mark Chaffin, Mitsubishi Motors North America president and CEO said. “As we launch our new mild hybrid powertrain in the U.S. market, I’m confident we addressed customer requests.”
My tester was coated with a striking “White Diamond” coat of enamel. Other exterior highlights included a daring, distinctive front face with a dynamic shield, power-folding and heated side mirrors, hands-free power lift-gate with adjustable height, and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
The interior is striking, with the look of a luxury vehicle. Favorites included leather heated and ventilated seats with a quilt pattern, panoramic sunroof, Yamaha premium audio system with eight speakers, 12.3-inch Smartphone-link display with navigation, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control, rear door pull-up sunshades, and a multi-view camera.
To accommodate my lifestyle, I folded the third-row seats flat allowing my full-size golf bag and gear to fit with ease. It could have held my entire foursome’s gear, if needed. There were also under-the-floor storage, a large-capacity center console, and door pockets to enhance storage capacity.
A mid-week drive took my in-laws off the beaten path, north of Monroe and Sultan. We discovered the Lake Chaplain and Spada Lake water reservoirs, along with the feeling of almost total isolation. They commented repeatedly of how much they liked the Outlander, commenting on it ride, handling, and comfort prowess the most.
Completing the Outlander package is a highly-competitive safety suite that emulates the big boys. Safety features include forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, Mi-Pilot Assist, lane keeping assist, lane departure prevention, blind spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking, rear seat alert, and 11 separate airbags.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander provides value for the price (under $50k), yet it delivers on style, performance, safety features and gas mileage. It is a sleeper choice that requires a test drive before pulling the trigger on you family’s next SUV.
Base Price: $42,590
Price As Driven: $47,235
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
