Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

Contrary to previous rumors and AI-generated YouTube videos, Mitsubishi is very much alive and kicking. 

So is the #VOTY2021-winning Outlander. 

Last year’s model was the start of a mid-cycle refresh for the Three-Diamond badge’s best product. They changed up a few details inside and out on their non-PHEV model, added an available Yamaha audio system, and kept it relevant in a segment that is brutally competitive. 

This year, that mid-cycle refresh continues. The PHEV receives the same updates as last year, along with more performance, a larger battery, more electric-only range. 

However, the driveline in the internal combustion engine version has been swapped out for a new turbocharged mild-hybrid driveline. Turbocharging with a 48-volt system? Call us intrigued!

That new driveline in the 2026 Outlander starts with an engine that is already in production and familiar to us – the 4B40. This is the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor found underneath the hood of the Eclipse Cross. For the Outlander, they added a 48-volt electric mild-hybrid system that not only boosts performance, but it helps restore energy during braking and acceleration. 

This system helps boost the power numbers to 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. That may represent a lower horsepower number than the former 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but the torque is up from last year. 

A continuously variable transmission remains, along with a. choice of front- or the Super All-Wheel Control, all-wheel drive system. Our SEL test vehicle was equipped with the latter. 

The rest of this 2026 Outlander remains the same. However, when you step up to the SEL with the Premium Package, you are in for a treat. 

Our test vehicle is a prime example of this. The paint job consists of a Moonstone Gray paint job with a black contrasting roof. We are seeing a return to subtle two-tone paint finishes, and this 2026 Outlander looked stunning. 

It also helps to have the chrome finished Dynamic Shield grille frame, piano black finished upper grille trim, and those elegant looking three-lens LED headlamp units. The two-tone color is also framed by a chrome trim that creates the “floating roof” effect. The horizontal LED taillight units were revised in 2025 and look much better than before. 

The final piece to this distinctive exterior design is the 20-inch alloy wheels. They look larger, but they do fit the bill on this test vehicle. Our test vehicle also came with a panoramic sunroof. 

The treats continue inside where the driver is greeted by a clean and easy-to-read 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. You can customize the format and information you want. Above it is a10.8-inch head-up display that is bright and very readable. Every control and switch are good to the touch. That includes the sliding shift-by-wire transmission actuator.

On the center stack is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which offers a host of connected features and information. Smartphone mirroring looked great on this screen, as does the camera views. Where the 2026 Outlander SEL comes to life is through the 12-speaker Yamaha Dynamic Premium Sound System. The sound fills the cabin with tone separation and clarity. 

We are treated to an interior upholstered in Brick Brown semi-aniline leather. The first and second row seats have a quilted pattern for he inserts. The front seats felt comfortable and supportive, while the second row offers plenty of space for adults. The third row is more for children. 

Most of us would probably not need the third-row seats deployed. Originally introduced for the PHEV and debuted last year in the non-hybrid model, the third row will eventually fold flat to the cargo opening. It takes a few steps to do so. Even better, the headrests fold down along with the rest of the seats. Before, you used to have to remove the headrests and stow them in the underfloor in the far back. 

With all three rows of seats deployed, there is just 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space available. With both the second- and third-row seats down, it expands ultimately to 64.3 cubic feet. However, the sweet spot is where you fold down the third row, which opens to 30.6 cubic feet. That’s sizeable enough to handle my rollator flat on the floor with room to spare. 

Putting all together, the driving experience in the 2026 Outlander with the new mild-hybrid driveline offered some thoughts. We like how it settled into a cruise, especially when the MI-PILOT driver assistance program is enabled. However, it is happier in town than on the highway. It had no problem doing errands and slogging through city/suburban streets. Fuel economy-wise, we averaged 25.1 MPG during our time with it. 

One thing we enjoyed in every Outlander we worked with the ride quality. That has not changed on this 2026 SEL. It absorbed every kind of road surface. Handling was also good, even with controlled lean and roll through the corners. 

The steering system offered a tight turning radius and solid control at the wheel. That lent to a good on-center feel, even without intervention by the MI-PILOT system. For the brakes, pedal feel was OK. We experienced solid stops in normal and panic situations.  

This was not the only 2026 Outlander we experienced recently. At The 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Road America, George took a 2026 Trail Edition onto the off-road course. He found the traction was good, with linear power delivery through the course. In all, it had a solid feeling with good suspension compliance. That also points to how well the S-AWC system works when set up in the right mode to handle light-to-medium-level off-highway driving.

The SEL with the Premium package and the Trail Edition are two of nine trims available on the 2026 Outlander. Pricing sarts at $29,995. Our test vehicle, the SEL with the Premium Package, came with a sticker price of $47,035. For reference, the Trail Edition test vehicle we had that the MAMA Spring Rally was also stickered at $45,240. 

Before we conclude, we need to address something that have been in the back of our minds. Over the course of a few years, we heard how many consumers may have forgotten about Mitsubishi. There have been plenty of AI-generated video content stating that they might be going away soon. 

However, there had some rumors affirming that Mitsubishi is far from done in North America. Those include potential new product that will show up at showrooms by 2030. There is a light ahead for this company that have been a part of our market for almost 45 years. 

Yet, consumers still pass up the 2026 Outlander. We’re here to tell you to stop and look at one. It would be worth checking out. After all, you may never know what you’re missing if you believe the noise. 

If you want something that could sway you to this SUV, make your way to Franklin, Tennessee. When you enter into the lobby of Mitsubishi's USA headquarters and look at the trophy case. You may get a glimpse of the #VOTY2021 plaque. Just read the inscription. That will give you a reason to check out the 2026 Outlander.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicles mentioned in this article were provided by Mitsubishi Motors North America. MAMA Spring Rally logistics were provided by the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern