The perfect solution: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

For many motorists, a PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is the perfect solution – the advantages of an electric vehicle without the disadvantages.

You have the $ and environmental savings of going electric but avoid the issues of an undeveloped charging infrastructure and related anxiety. Can’t find a charging station or one that works? Keep going as the gasoline engine comes into play. There are gas stations everywhere.

PHEVs are superior to hybrids as they have a larger battery and greater range in electric mode.

Have a home charger or one at work? Your commute to/from work is relatively short? You may never have to visit a gas station.

PHEVs are becoming more widely available. Their popularity is growing. Because of the complexity and additional technology, they are expensive than hybrids, which in turn are generally more expensive than pure IC (internal combustion) vehicles. But they are certainly less expensive than pure EVs.

That added complexity and cost is the main reason manufacturers are pairing up in the development and production of vehicles.

They get to share the development and certification costs involved in bringing new vehicles to market. A couple of examples are the arrangements between Toyota and Subaru and that between Nissan and Mitsubishi.

The latter has yielded the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – a Nissan Rogue with Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Mitsubishi vehicles are ‘extremely well built’, reliable and durable

Easy to overlook in today’s crowded retail environment, Mitsubishi vehicles are not dominating the sales charts. BUT they are extremely well built, have a great reputation for reliability and longevity. The Mitsubishi range consists of a trio of Crossovers: Outlander in PHEV and IC form, Eclipse Cross and the RVR.

The mother-ship and most popular Mitsubishi is the Outlander.

Redesigned for the 2025 model year, it carries over into 2026 visually unchanged. The blocky upright grill gives it a commanding presence. While marketed as a compact, this is not a small vehicle. Unlike the competition in that category, it offers three rows and seating for up to seven occupants.

Those relegated to the third row had best be small, very good friends and have short legs.

Those up front or in the second row are treated to excellent accommodations.

The test vehicle had quilted upholstery, heated and cooled front seats with a massaging function. The overall impression is that of first class and modern. There is an excellent choice of upscale materials and exceptional levels of fit and finish.

The infotainment system includes a 31-cm touchscreen, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity, plenty of charging ports and a refreshing number of actual buttons including one for volume.

The top trim level test vehicle came with an excellent 12-speaker Yamaha audio system. There is a matching 31-cm screen in front of the driver for the instrument panel.

Pure MItsubishi… almost

Mitsubishi borrowed the Rogue platform from Nissan, but the mechanical bits and pieces that make it run are pure Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi has been tweaking this powertrain for almost a decade. Consisting of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors, 22 kWh battery and an all-wheel-drive system this is a proven, smooth, strong and efficient drive train.

The battery can be fully charged in about six hours form a 240-volt Level 2 charger, or in 16 hours from a standard 110-volt household outlet. If it is less than fully discharged, a simple 12-hr overnight plug-in will keep it at max range.

Fuel-frugal with perfectly passable performance

With 248 horsepower and a hefty 332 lb. ft. of torque, it provides a decent amount of performance and is very frugal when it comes to sipping gasoline. The Outlander PHEV is rated for 72 km of range in pure electric model. I averaged about 50-55 km before the engine kicked in smoothly.

The whole operation is seamless and smooth with transition to/from electric unnoticed if you are not looking or listening for it.

There is the velvety smooth feel and initial punch of torque expected of electric motors before the engine comes into play. The overall performance is less than exciting, but certainly adequate.

The software ensures the Outlander stays in electric mode as long as possible.

When the engine does come to life it first sends some power to the battery before driving the front wheels. When extra grip is required, the rear wheels are powered by a second electric motor allowing all-wheel drive.

The ride is supple and quiet.

The Outlander PHEV comes with the full array of active and passive safety feature.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV represents the perfect compromise between gas and electric vehicles. It suits the driving lifestyles of a wide swath of consumers. They would be wise to check it out when looking at their next new vehicle.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S AWC

PRICE

Base: $60,598

As tested: $64,023 including freight

SAFETY

Automatic LED headlights with washers, Lane departure warning and prevention, lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking, active blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear park sensors, driver attention alert

INFOTAINMENT

1,500-watt power supply, Bluetooth hands-free interface, wireless phone charger, 31-cm infotainment screen, 12-speaker Yamaha Ultimate audio system, embedded navigation, satellite radio

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Adaptive cruise control, heated front and second row seats, ventilated front seats, eight-way power front seats, auto dimming mirror with Homelink, rear door pull-up shades, three-zone automatic climate control, keyless start, multi-view camera system, heated steering wheel, 31-cm instrument panel, 27-cmm Heads Up Display, adjustable height hands-free liftgate, 20-in alloy wheels, power folding heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, power panoramic sunroof

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

GT Premium package, $1,100 – semi-aniline leather seats, digital rear view mirror, massage front seats

MECHANICAL

2.4 litre four-cylinder engine, regular fuel, two AC electric motors combined output 248 horsepower and 332 lb. ft. of torque. 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, single speed transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.2/8.7, combined gas/electric 3.6 litre equivalent/ 100 km

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,720 mm; width, 1,862 mm; wheelbase, 2,706 mm; weight, 2,155 kg