The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's extra cost and the need to charge at home for max efficiency limit its appeal. But it enjoys many advantages over the gas-only Outlander and the few plug-in hybrid SUVs. Its performance, range and general comfort impress, as does the interior on upper trims.
Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change once we test the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Read full review
The Outlander PHEV is the plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander, Mitsubishi's largest SUV. It's part of a small class of compact plug-in hybrid SUVs. But what sets the Outlander PHEV apart from most of its rivals is its third row. Although it's only large enough for children, the extra row increases seating to seven. The Outlander PHEV is best for folks who can charge it regularly to take advantage of its all-electric range, which will save them many trips to the gas station. We recommend aiming for a 2026 model because it received meaningful updates, including a longer electric-only driving range that tops most rivals, plus a nearly 50-horsepower boost over the 2025 model.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Cost to Drive
$112/mo
Outlander PHEV
vs
$209/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina
Am I Ready for a Plug-In Hybrid?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr
Good
6.5
out of 10
We drove the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
6.9/10
How does it drive? Harnessing the internal combustion engine and the electric motor results in a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds — a full 2.2 seconds quicker than the non-PHEV Outlander. There's always a welcome swell of torque that makes passing and merging onto freeways super easy. Another benefit of the PHEV setup is its ability to run the Outlander up to highway speeds, and maintain it, purely on electric power.
Braking performance is about average for the class, with the PHEV stopping from 60 mph in 129 feet. It's easy to perform smooth stops. The steering offers a lot of assist but never feels sloppy, and piloting the Outlander around town or down a twisty road is effortless. While we wouldn't say the Outlander PHEV is fun to drive, its suspension and all-wheel-drive system offer satisfying levels of control during cornering. The PHEV rides comfortably, even more so than the standard Outlander.
Forward visibility is generally good, and the large side windows make it easy to check your blind spots. Most of the Outlander's comprehensive suite of advanced driving aids worked without issue. However, we found the traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane centering features lacked refinement.
Comfort
6.1/10
View interior photos
How comfortable is it? The front seats are nicely padded and can keep passengers comfy even on long road trips. They also offer a good range of adjustment, so tall and short pilots alike should be able to find an ideal position. Passengers in the second row will appreciate the optional heated seats, but those forced to sit in the tight third row might never speak to you again.
Getting in and out of the front seat is a cinch, but adults might have to twist a bit for rear seat access. The second-row seat is mounted somewhat high, and even when in its rearmost position, there isn't as much legroom as in other two-row SUVs of this size. Even with second-row legroom sacrificed, the third row has only a minimal amount of legroom, and it is not easy to get in or out of.
We like that the Outlander is one of the few vehicles in this class with available climate controls for rear passengers. Wind and road noise is unobtrusive, and even the internal combustion engine's noise and vibrations are well isolated during typical driving.
Only the second row supports child seats, and watch your fingers while attaching the tethers. They are hidden behind narrow slits behind the seat and are surrounded by sharpish plastic.
In-cabin tech
6.4/10
How’s the tech? The touchscreen interface is bright and has easy-to-learn menus. The Outlander's available integrated navigation system works well, though its ability to search for points of interest isn't so great. The Bose premium audio system sounds good and produces little distortion at higher volumes.
The Outlander supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and most trims offer wireless charging. That's great from a value perspective, but we'll note we had frequent glitches when trying to connect an iPhone during our testing. We're also not enamored with the infotainment system voice controls. They require following a rigid command structure and, in our testing, sometimes failed to understand our commands.
Storage & cargo
6.8/10
How’s storage and cargo? There's not much room behind the third row, so long road trips are definitely out of the picture for a family of six. Storage behind the second row is generous at 30.8 cubic feet. There's also plenty of space with the second and third rows folded. One of our drivers fit 20-plus bags of mulch this way.
The Outlander also has plenty of spots to stash your gear. You can use the small tray under the center stack if you aren't charging your phone, and the underarm bin is nicely sized. The rear door pockets are rather small, and so are the cupholders. Accessing the rear cupholders requires folding down the entire middle seat.
Value
6.8/10
Is it a good value? Plug-in hybrids of any kind, let alone a three-row compact SUV, are kind of niche. The high asking price and extra effort needed to get the most from a PHEV (you've got to plug it in to maximize efficiency) mean it won't make sense for most buyers, but the Outlander PHEV is capable if used right. Its entry-level trim undercuts rivals by nearly $10K, and in fully equipped form, its substantial electric range, near-luxury interior fit and finish, and bold styling help it stand apart.
Its five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties are bolstered by five years/unlimited roadside assistance and two years/30,000 miles of free maintenance. The only hang-up could be finding a Mitsubishi dealer near you.
Electric range/MPG
6.1/10
How’s the fuel economy? For 2026, the Outlander PHEV is rated to deliver 45 miles of all-electric range with a fully charged battery. When the battery runs out, the gas engine should return 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We tested a 2024 Outlander PHEV with an estimate of 26 mpg combined and an electric-only range of 38 miles on a full charge from its smaller 20-kWh battery pack. Across our 115-mile evaluation route, the Outlander traveled 33.6 miles under battery power and then returned 27.4 mpg thereafter. During our entire time with the Outlander PHEV, we saw a range as high as 54 miles under battery power. That's quite impressive for any plug-in hybrid and is considerably more distance than we achieved in the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Another strength of the Outlander PHEV is its ability to accept DC fast charging, even if it uses a relatively outdated and hard-to-find CHAdeMO-style charger.
X factor
7/10
It can be difficult for an SUV, in any segment, to differentiate itself. Through its plug-in hybrid powertrain and bold styling, the Mitsubishi Outlander does a decent job of standing out from the crowd. With obvious strengths in its long battery-powered range, attractive interior and comfortable ride, the Outlander PHEV sneaks in a little bit of responsive handling to further distinguish itself from its competition.
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2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing in Garner, NC
Buying Tips for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for November
The 2026 Outlander PHEV has a rare mix of hefty discounts and slow-selling supply, so shoppers can realistically chase about $5,400 in total savings on a new one.
Buyers are already paying about $2,900 below MSRP, and Mitsubishi adds a $2500 customer cash rebate, bringing total stacked savings to roughly $5,400. That discount is fairly consistent across trims at about 5.6% off sticker, though the SE stands out a bit better at nearly 6.8% off MSRP.
There are about 599 new vehicles nationwide, so supply is not abundant, but these new vehicles are also taking about 78 days to sell versus 34 days for the average new model. That slower turn gives you useful leverage, especially on in-stock units, and the SEL Black Edition looks toughest to find with only about 74 available.
Financing is a strong play here, with a promotional rate as low as 0.99% for 60 months for qualified buyers. That is far below typical market rates around 8.3%, so it can save you thousands in interest if you finance instead of taking a higher-rate loan.
If you lease, expect a payment around $566 a month with about $6,100 due at signing on a 36-month, 12,000-mile plan. That upfront cost is pretty steep, so compare the lease carefully against the low APR offer before you commit.
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2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim level differences
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV with a small third row. Its powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 22.7-kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors. (One motor assists the engine in powering the front wheels, while a second motor exclusively powers the rears.) Total output is 297 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is standard. The Outlander PHEV offers an estimated all-electric driving range of 45 miles. Compare the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim levels in-depth.
Which Outlander PHEV trim does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SE trim hits the sweet spot in the lineup because it comes standard with a generous list of features and keeps the price below $50K. Notable features include a surround-view camera system, synthetic leather upholstery and a power liftgate. If you want more features, skip the SE Tech package and go for the SEL trim because you get a lot more features for only a small price bump.
Competitors to consider
The Outlander PHEV's latest competitor is the new 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid. The Outlander is technically based on the same underpinnings as the Rogue PHEV, but Mitsubishi's PHEV system has more power and range, giving it a leg up. The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid also has three rows and is a little larger. As for two-row competitors, they include the redesigned-for-2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid and the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. All of the two-row competitors have lower starting prices and are more fuel-efficient when operating like a regular hybrid. But with the exception of the RAV4, the Outlander has the longest electric-only driving range.
Edmunds spotlight: All of the Outlander PHEV's changes for 2026
One of the major updates for the 2026 Outlander PHEV is the larger 22.7-kWh battery pack that provides a longer electric driving range of 45 miles, up from 38 miles. The new battery pack also helps increase power from 248 horsepower to a potent 297 hp. Mitsubishi also retuned the steering and suspension to improve the driving experience. The Outlander received only a few exterior design tweaks, but inside, Mitsubishi updated the seating surfaces, revised the center console, enlarged the armrest storage compartment, and added more sound deadening for a quieter ride. The 2026 Outlander PHEV also received a 12.3-inch center touchscreen and a Yamaha audio system as standard features and ventilated front seats, a digital rearview mirror, and massaging seats on other trims.
Overall, owner sentiment is positive. Owners like the smooth, quiet ride, comfy seats, and lots of useful tech, and many say the car saves a lot of money on gas. They also like the strong battery range for daily trips and the roomy cargo space. Some owners do mention glitches, slow charging, cold-weather range loss, and a small third row.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
We are 1 month in of ownership. It is primarily my wifes car and bought becuase of the space. We have the SEL touring that is premium minus the Brown interior bits, massage seats and black roof. It has excellent cargo space with the third seats down and again with the second down. Almost class leading compared to others. Interior quality appears good with excellent comfort and space. … Given the PHEV system used, it drives more like an EV. Very smooth at all times. A bit of engine whine when the engine cuts in but really nothing that bad. If you charge it regularly the fuel economy is excellent. In our first month we will get 1000 miles before we fill-up with gas (not using eco mode). Our driving is urban plus limited highway. EV range varies based on driving style and type. When fully charged we are getting 54 -60 miles of indicated range and this is similar to the marketing claims and reviews in non US markets. The EPA rating appears low and I think it is closer to 44 actual driveable range with the type of driving we do. We charge it with a type 1 charger at home and for some reason that gives us a better range than when we try with a Level 2 charger. Initally the EV and driving modes may appear overwhelming. EV Normal mode is best and operates as a hybrid but 90% EV (unless heavy highway). We don’t use pure EV as normal mode defsults mostly to EV. Charge mode does work very well but can drone the engine so we use save mode for longer highway drives. On a longer road-trip I would use charge if the road is long and flat. Don’t use Charge or Save for Urban driving. You can also charge parked in your driveway! The drive modes give you options but we default to normal. Power mode is fun and quick. Tarmac mode tightens everything up for fast twisty roads and the rest we have not tested others including eco mode (yes we are getting 1000 miles per fill up not using eco mode). An excellent vehicle.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, so we've included review for other years of the Outlander PHEV since its last redesign.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall.
Recalls
1 recall found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
26V549000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SR-26-002
Number of vehicles affected:
67146
Defect Description:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to improper software programming, the Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-002. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Outlander PHEV both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Outlander PHEV gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outlander PHEV has 12.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Learn more
What's new in the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:
Refreshed for the 2026 model year
Updated interior and exterior design
More electric range, power and features
Part of the fourth Outlander generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outlander PHEV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outlander PHEV's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Outlander PHEV and gave it a 6.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Outlander PHEV gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Outlander PHEV is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The least-expensive 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,245.
Other versions include:
ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) which starts at $43,245
ES Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) which starts at $45,245
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) which starts at $45,445
SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) which starts at $48,945
SEL Black Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) which starts at $53,695
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the next question is, which Outlander PHEV model is right for you? Outlander PHEV variants include ES 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD), ES Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD), SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD), and SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD). For a full list of Outlander PHEV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more