2026 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

 

OUTLANDER OFFERS SUV SHOPPERS 

STRONG VALUE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

Going on a quarter of a century in the market, the Outlander SUV serves as Mitsubishi’s flagship vehicle.

Admittedly, it’s a small fleet. The Japanese automaker has only three vehicles in the market this year. They are the Eclipse Cross small crossover and the Outlander Sport subcompact SUV, though more Mitsubishi models are coming over the next few years.

That doesn’t detract from what the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has to offer in the compact SUV segment, especially for those buyers who like to shop outside the box.

It looks great inside and out, is one of the few SUVs in the compact class that offers 3-row seating, and has a new engine and LE trim that checks in a the lower end of the pricing chart to give bargain shoppers even more trim options.

Replacing the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine on all trims is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-banger that puts out a little less horsepower (174 to the previous 181) but boosts torque to 206 pound-feet, an increase of 25 lb.-ft.

That gives the 2026 Outlander a little more oomph off the line as well as slightly better fuel efficiency than the small Outlander Sport. Front-wheel drive Outlanders are rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 31, highway, and 28 combined. With available all-wheel drive the numbers are 26/30/27.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in six trim levels with the Ralliart returning and the new LE joining the ES, which serves as the base. Other trims include the SE, Trail Edition, and SEL. This review is based on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL, which has a very impressive exterior and classy interior with a premium feel about it.

There also is a plugin hybrid version of the Outlander today. This review deals with only gas-engine models that feature a mild hybrid setup.

Standard exterior features on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL include LED headlights, fog lights, and daytime running lights and a hands free power lift gate with adjustable height.

Inside the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SEL gets a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated seats in front and back, ventilated front seats, and leather seat surfaces.

Convenience features include  a 12.3 inch full digital driver display, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, and a drive mode selector that features Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud settings.

Safety systems include forward collision mitigation, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure, prevention, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

My test drive 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL AWD model starts at $40,845. Extras included a Premium Package (premium audio, synthetic leather door inserts with quilting, semi-Aniline leather seats, head-up display, digital mirror with rear-view camera, and a black spoiler), welcome package (body color touchup paint, console tray mat, carpeted floor mats), grille paint protection, and white disamond black roof) that ran the total to $47,235 including the $1,795 destination and delivery feee.

The base FWD Outlander ES carries a starting MSRP of $29,995 including delivery charges. FWD LE, and SE trims start under $35,000. Ralliart and Trail Edition models are AWD only and start at under $40,000.

AWD adds $1,800 to the MSRP.

What I liked about the 20/6 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL: It is one of the better looking vehicles in the compact SUV segment both inside and out. Cargo room is spacious with the third-row seats folded. The new mild hybrid engine boosts fuel economy. Horsepower is down slightly from last year but a boost in torque makes getting off the line quicker. Warranty coverage is generoust.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL: Adults are going to find the third row cramped. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the only gearbox available. Top models venture into the $40,000 range.

Would I buy the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL? The Outlander no doubt gets overlooked among the numerous of other Asian and European compact SUVs and deserves a better fate. After becoming the company’s best seller in 2025 it has fallen behind the smaller and cheaper Outlander Sport in first-quarter U.S. sales. It should rate a good look for those shopping for a compact SUV especially if you are looking for a 3-row vehicle.