“It's cute and compact with great safety ratings. Gets good gas mileage and has 4WD.”
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is a major upgrade to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, led by a larger engine and battery and a stronger rear motor. It is a substantial late-life update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Previous-generation U.S. Outlander PHEV, heavily updated late in its life cycle; 2021 is the big upgrade year before this shape finished out 2022 and the all-new successor arrived for 2023.
Mitsubishi positions the Outlander PHEV as a practical plug-in hybrid SUV that blends daily electric driving with true SUV traction and road-trip flexibility. The core pitch is simple: standard twin-motor all-wheel drive, useful electric range for shorter trips, and the ability to keep going on gasoline when the battery runs down. Compared with many rivals of its time, its standout traits are standard AWD and DC fast-charging capability, making it more capability-focused than style- or speed-focused.
For 2021, the Outlander lineup centers on three plug-in hybrid AWD trims. The SEL is the practical entry trim with leather seating and an 8-inch touchscreen, the new PHEV version of the LE adds blacked-out trim and a sunroof, and the GT tops the range with adaptive cruise control, a multi-view camera, quilted leather, and household-style power outlets.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid system receives a 2.4-liter gasoline engine in place of the old 2.0-liter unit, a larger 13.8-kWh battery, and a stronger 70-kW rear motor. Total output rises to 221 horsepower, while EPA electric range increases from 22 to 24 miles. Sport and Snow driving modes are added to the all-wheel-drive system. Gas-only powertrains are dropped from the GT, LE, and SEL.
Styling
The LE joins the plug-in hybrid range as the middle trim, with blacked-out exterior details, black-chrome grille trim, and a standard rear spoiler. The ES, SE, and SP trims are dropped.
Safety
Active driver-assistance features become standard across all three trims.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 221 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 62.8 cu-ft | 62.8 cu-ft | 66.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| MPGe Combined | 74 | 74 | 74 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Top View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
How is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander receives a substantially upgraded plug-in hybrid system. Its engine grows from 2.0 to 2.4 liters, battery capacity rises from 12.0 to 13.8 kWh, the rear motor becomes stronger, total output reaches 221 horsepower, and EPA electric range increases from 22 to 24 miles.
What is the electric range of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an EPA electric range of 24 miles. That is two miles more than the 2020 model, thanks to its larger 13.8-kWh battery.
Did the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander still have gas-only versions?
No. For 2021, the gas-only powertrains are dropped from the GT, LE, and SEL, while the ES, SE, and SP trims also leave the lineup. The remaining SEL, LE, and GT trims use the plug-in hybrid AWD system.
Which trim is new to the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV lineup?
The LE is new to the 2021 Outlander PHEV lineup. It sits between the SEL and GT and adds a darker exterior treatment, a sunroof, an eight-speaker audio system, synthetic suede upholstery with red stitching, and a standard rear spoiler.
Was the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander fully redesigned?
No. The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander keeps the previous platform and body shape. Its main updates are the revised plug-in hybrid system, reshaped trim lineup, added driving modes, and broader standard driver assistance.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander.
3.9
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
(94 reviews)
“I love my vehicle. Wish it was a little better on gas, and noise from outside was quieter. But handles well, looks great, and gets me from A to B!”
“In June 2022 I was involved in a car accident that ultimately totaled my car. I was placed in a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander for a rental vehicle and instantly fell in love with it. I loved the style, the look, and the feel of the vehicle. From that moment on I was on a mission to purchase a Mitsubishi Outlander for myself.”