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2018 Mitsubishi Outlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is the new LE trim, which slots between SE and SEL with darker exterior details and added comfort features. This is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
3rd generation (2014-2020), later pre-2019 update year; not a redesign year.
Mitsubishi positioned the 2018 Outlander as a practical, value-focused family crossover with something many compact rivals did not offer: standard seven-passenger seating. Its appeal centered on usable space, available all-wheel drive, and a generous feature list for the price rather than class-leading performance. In plain terms, it was the Outlander for shoppers who wanted crossover practicality and an occasional third row without moving up to a larger, more expensive SUV.
The ES is the straightforward seven-seat entry trim, while the SE adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and keyless start. The new LE adds a darker look and a sunroof, the SEL emphasizes leather and a power liftgate, and the AWD GT tops the gas range with a 3,500-pound tow rating, premium audio, and a multi-view camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Plug-in hybrid powertrains joined the SEL and GT trims. The existing gas engines and transmissions otherwise carried over.
Styling
The new LE trim brought black exterior accents, black roof rails, black mirror caps, and a standard sunroof.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning became standard on the SEL. The new LE included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist.
Technology and convenience
The ES gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth. The SEL added a standard power liftgate, while the GT made its multi-view camera and heated steering wheel standard.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Sportronic / Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT / Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 166 hp | 224 hp | 166 hp | 166 hp | 166 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 137–215 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 137–162 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500–3500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.3 cu-ft | 61–77.7 cu-ft | 61 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft | 61–78 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.2 in | 28.2–37.9 in | 28.2 in | 28.2 in | 28.2–37.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5–7 | 7 | 7 | 5–7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 22 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 22 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| MPGe Combined | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 74 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Top View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander redesigned?
No. The 2018 Outlander remained part of the third generation and received targeted trim and equipment updates rather than a full redesign.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander trim was new for 2018?
The LE trim was new for 2018. It sat between SE and SEL and combined black exterior accents with a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless start, and blind-spot monitoring.
Did the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander add a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. Plug-in hybrid powertrains joined the SEL and GT trims for 2018, while the existing gasoline powertrains continued.
What changed on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL?
The 2018 SEL gained more standard equipment, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and a power liftgate. It remained the comfort-focused upper trim with leather seating and a power driver’s seat.
How different is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander from the 2017 model?
The differences are useful but targeted. The 2018 model added the LE trim and plug-in hybrid powertrains for SEL and GT, while several existing trims gained standard safety, touchscreen, camera, or comfort equipment.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander.
4.0
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
(389 reviews)
“I really like the way it drives, the acceleration and the gas mileage. I also like the way it looks.”
“Great vehicle. Highly recommend the Phev GT. Great battery, fast charge capabilities from charging stations, very comfortable and roomy.”