The Mitsubishi Outlander midsize SUV got a hefty refresh for the 2025 model year, with major improvements made mostly to the interior that added improved materials, more cargo space, and more standard features. That was for the gas-only trims, however. Mitsubishi also sells the Outlander as a plug-in hybrid, which now gets the same updates as the gas model for the 2026 model year. On top of that, the gas-only Outlander also gains a new engine borrowed from the Eclipse Cross, which also gets its own updates for the new year.
Gas 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Updates And Differences
We’ll start with the gas Outlander, which now gets a new Mitsubishi Motors-designed and developed 1.5-liter turbocharged, 16-valve, four-cylinder gas engine from the Eclipse Cross. For the Outlander, the engine will be tweaked with an as-yet undescribled mild-hybrid setup. Mitsubishi says off-the-line acceleration is improved, which is something the Outlander sorely needed help with. It replaces the old 2.5-liter gas unit that was good for 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
While Mitsubishi hasn’t released engine specs for the 2026 Outlander, this engine delivers 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque without any electric assistance in the Eclipse Cross compact SUV. Curiously, Mitsubishi hasn’t specifically said the new engine is more powerful than the old one, so we expect a similar, if slightly lower, output when 2026 Outlander figures are released later this year.
The new model year also adds an LE trim level to the gas Outlander lineup, between the existing entry ES and mid-grade SE trims. There are no details yet about what it includes, but it will likely be priced around $32,000 to $34,000 based on the current model year’s lineup. Of course, that could dramatically change in the light of fresh US tariffs on autos and parts. It’s also unclear if it will be available in 2WD and AWD configurations, like the other available trim levels, so we’ll have to wait and see later this year.
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Hybrid 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Updates And Differences
The Outlander Plug-In Hybrid model now gets a larger-capacity battery pack which extends overall driving range, likely improves efficiency, and Mitsubishi even mentions a slight boost in performance. The automaker also says that the hybrid model’s dampers, springs, stabilizer bars, and bushings have all been re-tuned for a “more confident and assured driving feel.” The hybrid setup maintains electric motors at the front and rear for its more-advanced Super-All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) twin-motor all-wheel-drive system with Active Yaw Control (AYC).
The hybrid’s newly redesigned interior gets the gas model’s 2025 updates, including more sound-deadening materials for improved NVH, a new choice of surface materials and colorways, a new center console with expanded storage capacity and redesigned cupholders, a new phone charger, and standard heated and cooled front seating, as well as a newly-standard Yamaha-designed audio setup. The exterior now gets smokey rear lighting, new 20-inch wheel designs, and a new front bumper and grille design.
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Other 2026 Mitsubishi Lineup Updates
Presumably due to a lack of consumer demand or interest, the updated Eclipse Cross for the 2026 model year drops its previously available built-in navigation offering. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration continue to be standard equipment. Additionally, the SEL and SEL Touring trims get standard Eclipse Cross hood badging, which was previously a dealer option, and the company’s S-AWC all-wheel-drive system continues to be standard on all trims. Trail Edition trims of the Outlander and Outlander Sport SUVs will also be offered with the new model year. Beyond that, we know Mitsubishi has a new Eclipse Cross in the works.
Full specifications and pricing for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, including the plug-in hybrid, will be announced later this year.
Source: Mitsubishi
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