“The wireless charger doesn't work and the remote car starter only works 1/4 of the time. It's the mobile app and it has been going on since 2018 and nothing is being done about it. VERY DISSATISFIED!”
Mitsubishi Outlander: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact family SUV known for fitting occasional three-row seating into a manageable footprint. Recent versions include gas and plug-in-hybrid models, with front- or all-wheel drive depending on the version.
The Outlander has long focused on giving families flexible passenger and cargo space without the bulk of a larger SUV. Seven-seat layouts became a central part of its identity, while repeated updates aimed to improve comfort, quietness, technology, and bad-weather confidence. In recent generations, the plug-in hybrid has added useful electric driving to that practical formula.
Strengths
- Its folding third row gives families two occasional extra seats without requiring a much larger SUV.
- The cabin can switch easily between carrying passengers and creating more cargo room.
- Recent plug-in-hybrid versions provide useful electric-only driving while keeping an engine for longer trips.
- All-wheel-drive versions add extra confidence when roads are wet, snowy, or loose.
- Later models place more emphasis on a quieter ride, improved cabin materials, and easy-to-use touchscreen technology.
Who it's for
The Outlander fits families who want a manageable everyday SUV but occasionally need two extra seats. It also suits commuters interested in a used plug-in hybrid for shorter electric trips, especially if they can charge regularly. The third row is better viewed as occasional seating than a substitute for the room in a larger three-row SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander lineup
The ES has traditionally been the straightforward entry point, while the SE has often served as the mainstream step up with more convenience and technology. LE has appeared as a middle-grade alternative, and SEL is the better fit for shoppers seeking more comfort and upscale cabin features. Black Edition models mainly stand apart through darker exterior styling, while the newer Trail Edition adds a more adventure-themed look. RALLIART has returned as a special-edition name rather than a permanent core trim throughout the Outlander’s history.
Mitsubishi Outlander generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Outlander spans three generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2022, following the 3rd Generation (2014–2021).
4th Generation (2022–Present)
The gas Outlander moved to a new platform for 2022, bringing bolder styling, a more upscale cabin and standard third-row seating. The redesigned PHEV followed for 2023, and by 2026 the gas model had switched to a turbo mild-hybrid powertrain.
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2026Mid-cycle update
The PHEV gets refreshed styling and cabin materials, a larger battery and 45 miles of EPA electric range. Gas models switch to a turbo mild-hybrid powertrain, and RALLIART returns.
2025Mid-cycle update
Gas models get revised styling, a quieter cabin, updated interior materials and retuned steering and suspension. Trail Edition joins the gas lineup.
2024Trim changes
Platinum Edition joins both the gas and PHEV lineups, while the Black Edition treatment expands.
2023Trim changes
The redesigned PHEV arrives with twin-motor AWD and up to 38 miles of EPA electric range. Ralliart and 40th Anniversary editions join the gas lineup.
2022New generation
The gas Outlander moves to a new platform with a 2.5-liter engine, a richer cabin and standard third-row seating. The PHEV keeps the previous body for one final year.
3rd Generation (2014–2021)
This generation arrived with a lighter body, a quieter cabin and standard seven-passenger seating. The gas model ended after 2020, while the previous-shape PHEV continued through 2021 and overlapped with the new gas Outlander for one final year in 2022.
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2021Trim changes
The PHEV gets a 2.4-liter engine, a larger battery, a stronger rear motor and 24 miles of EPA electric range. LE joins the lineup.
2020Trim changes
Safety and touchscreen upgrades spread across the lineup, AWD models get a revised system, and the darker-styled SP trim joins the gas range.
2019Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling, redesigned front seats and ride and quietness improvements update the full lineup.
2018Trim changes
LE joins between SE and SEL. Other trims receive touchscreen, safety and convenience updates.
2017
Upper trims gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while safety features expand across more of the lineup.
2016Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brings redesigned front and rear styling, updated cabin materials and changes to the steering, suspension and four-cylinder transmission.
2015
Bluetooth and USB connectivity becomes standard, along with small styling, sound insulation and suspension updates.
2014New generation
The redesigned Outlander gets a lighter body, a quieter cabin and standard seven-passenger seating.
2nd Generation (2007–2013)
This generation used a two-piece tailgate and a lineup that included four-cylinder and V6 engines, plus small third-row seating on some versions. A 2010 refresh introduced the jet-fighter-style front end.
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2013
Heated side mirrors become standard, while SE and GT receive added comfort and connectivity equipment.
2012Trim changes
A new ECO driving indicator and nationwide low-emissions certification are the main updates.
2011
Engine-management changes improve fuel economy, while SE, XLS and GT receive equipment updates.
2010Mid-cycle update
The lineup gets a new front end and broader exterior restyling. GT joins as the new top trim, and V6 output rises to 230 horsepower.
2009Trim changes
The LS V6 leaves the lineup, factory third-row seating expands to the four-cylinder SE, and other trims receive minor equipment updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander2025 Mitsubishi Outlander2024 Mitsubishi Outlander2023 Mitsubishi Outlander2022 Mitsubishi Outlander2021 Mitsubishi Outlander2020 Mitsubishi Outlander2019 Mitsubishi Outlander2018 Mitsubishi Outlander2017 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2015 Mitsubishi Outlander2014 Mitsubishi Outlander2013 Mitsubishi Outlander2012 Mitsubishi Outlander2011 Mitsubishi Outlander2010 Mitsubishi Outlander2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have a third row?
Yes, most modern gas Outlanders have seven seats and a folding third row. The redesigned 2023-and-newer PHEV also seats seven, but the older-body 2022 PHEV has five seats. The third row is most useful for occasional passengers or extra cargo flexibility.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a hybrid?
Yes, but the type depends on the model year. The Outlander PHEV plugs in and can cover part of a trip on electricity. The 2026 gas model uses a mild-hybrid system that assists its turbo engine but does not provide the same electric-only driving.
What is the difference between the gas Outlander and Outlander PHEV?
The gas Outlander is the simpler everyday option, while the PHEV has a larger battery, electric driving range and twin-motor all-wheel drive. The current PHEV body arrived for 2023. Gas models gained a turbo mild-hybrid system for 2026.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Gas Outlanders have been sold in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, depending on year and trim. PHEVs use twin electric motors and all-wheel drive. Mitsubishi calls its integrated all-wheel-drive control system S-AWC.
What kind of buyer is the Outlander a good fit for?
It fits shoppers who want a manageable family SUV with flexible seating. Its third row works best for occasional use, and folding it opens more cargo room. The PHEV also suits drivers who can charge regularly and want to make shorter trips on electricity.
How do the main Mitsubishi Outlander generations differ?
The second generation covers 2007–2013, followed by the third-generation gas model from 2014–2020. The fourth-generation gas Outlander arrived for 2022 with a new body and standard third row. The PHEV kept its older five-seat body through 2022 before its redesign for 2023.
What is the Mitsubishi Outlander known for?
It is known for fitting occasional seven-seat utility into a compact SUV. Depending on the year, it also offers a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and a broad set of driver-assistance features.
Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mitsubishi Outlander.
4.1
Mitsubishi Outlander
(3,384 reviews)
“Comfortable drive. Lots of buttons to press on start-up. Takes a long time to learn all of its features. Good value for the money.”
“I have a new Outlander and it was the best decision I made. It's reliable and has great manufacturing quality.”
“I am very happy I purchased the Mitsubshi PHEV as it is fun to drive and better for the environment. While I average about 60 mpg I have gotten as much as 75 mpg. It also includes all the latest safety features so is a very safe vehicle as well. I also like that it has he 4 wheel drive options that I have had in my other Mitsubishi's.”
“It has all the features that make it safe in the winter, especially AWD. It has many "bells and whistles" that we probably would not have paid for if this deal had not come up. It is very comfortable even on road trips of some distance. Handles well and is easy to drive-a pleasure actually. It is very utilitarian with the 3rd row seating and the fold down back seats for cargo.”
“It's absolutely amazing, looks stylish, runs smooth and it's comfortable for the whole family.”