Mitsubishi Outlander (2026)

MotorTrend’s Eric Tingwall is sharply critical of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, despite recognizing meaningful progress. The new turbocharged engine adds torque and slightly improves acceleration, but its 8.6-second 0–60 time, noisy delivery, and weak passing power fail to solve the longstanding performance problem. The Outlander earns credit for comfortable, stylish seats, an impressively clear 12-speaker Yamaha audio system, improved city fuel economy, and unusually strong warranty coverage. Yet those strengths are undermined by a $47,285 test price, mediocre driver-assistance and navigation systems, harsh ride and sloppy handling on rough roads, and a nearly unusable third row. Tingwall considers it vastly better than older Outlanders and finally credible enough to mention alongside the CR-V and RAV4, but still believes those rivals—and several other compact SUVs—are better buys.

TopGear’s Paul Horrell is positive about the Outlander PHEV, but only for the right kind of buyer. He praises its exceptionally smooth, well-integrated powertrain, pleasant cabin, practical seven-seat layout, four-wheel drive, and useful 1,600kg towing capacity. It feels well made, rides acceptably, handles moderate off-roading, and avoids the awkward power delivery common in rival PHEVs. The central caveat is that its advantages depend heavily on regular charging or towing: without home charging, it offers little running-cost benefit over a conventional hybrid, while depleted-battery fuel economy is only around 35mpg. Long-distance charging is also slow, and a pure EV may be more capable for extended journeys. Overall, Horrell views it as a fine, distinctive choice for families who tow or need seven seats and all-weather traction, but a questionable proposition for everyone else.

What Car? is cautiously positive on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, awarding it three stars. Its strongest appeal is unusual: a plug-in hybrid SUV with seven seats, a useful 53-mile electric range, generous standard equipment, physical controls, and an excellent eight-year warranty. It is comfortable and easy to drive at normal speeds, with responsive performance, a practical five-seat boot, and predictable handling. However, the seven-seat layout is really for occasional use, with cramped third-row space and awkward access. The ride is fidgety, refinement is mediocre, braking feel is inconsistent, and the cabin’s cheaper materials and dated infotainment undermine its upscale appearance. Against newer rivals, it is also expensive, less fuel-efficient, and not especially strong on value. The Outlander makes sense for company-car users who prioritize electric range and occasional extra seats, but the cheaper MG S9 and more practical alternatives make it a difficult overall recommendation.

Auto Express’s Dean Gibson is strongly impressed by the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, while keeping a few reservations in view. He praises its exceptionally smooth hybrid system, quiet and comfortable ride, useful 53-mile electric range, capable four-wheel-drive hardware, and generous standard equipment. The seven-seat Nativa adds welcome flexibility, though its rearmost seats are really intended for children or short journeys. Gibson also sees strong value in the competitive pricing, luxurious Diamond trim, eight-year warranty, and Mitsubishi’s expanding UK support network. The Outlander is easy to drive and surprisingly effective off-road, with hill-descent control working in reverse as well as forwards, but it lacks excitement on faster roads. The cabin’s mixture of materials and busy layout are minor blemishes, yet the overall verdict is enthusiastic: this is a refined, practical, well-equipped family PHEV returning to the UK at an opportune moment.

Cars.com’s Brian Normile is notably unimpressed with the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander. He argues that its new turbocharged mild-hybrid engine is neither quicker nor smoother than the outgoing four-cylinder, criticizing its abrupt stop-start behavior, rattly startup, and overall noise. The standard third row remains a distinctive advantage, but Normile found it cramped and rarely useful, while the raised head restraints obstruct rear visibility. In his subjective comparison scoring, the Outlander earned just 53 of 110 points, falling below even the eighth-place Ford Bronco Sport. Its fuel economy appears unlikely to rival the tested hybrids, and the $47,035 SEL felt expensive without matching competitors’ refinement, particularly the Volkswagen Tiguan. The reviewer does acknowledge one genuine strength: as the least expensive new three-row vehicle, a base Outlander can make sense for budget-minded shoppers who occasionally need extra seats. Overall, however, he considers it merely acceptable and recommends looking at better-equipped, more polished alternatives such as the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Autoblog’s Cole Attisha is pleasantly surprised by the 2026 Outlander, despite its notably dull powertrain. The compact three-row SUV impresses with a refined, upscale GT Premium cabin, excellent ventilation, seamless technology, useful cameras, strong safety calibration, and an outstanding Yamaha sound system. Its manageable size, available all-wheel drive, flexible second row, and reasonable pricing make it unusually well suited to urban families who need occasional seven-seat capacity without driving a giant SUV. But the third row is strictly for children or emergencies, while the 1.5-liter mild-hybrid engine and simulated-shift CVT feel leisurely, artificial, and disconnected. Handling is soft and secure rather than engaging, and the engine becomes noisy under load. Overall, Attisha views the Outlander as a genuinely convincing, distinctive modern MPV substitute: not a driver’s choice, but a smart, comfortable, well-equipped family hauler whose premium cabin outweighs its lack of powertrain polish.

CarBuzz’s Evan Williams is highly impressed by the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, despite two notable flaws. The new battery delivers a genuine 45-plus miles of electric range, stronger overall power, improved efficiency, quieter cruising, and a polished ride that Williams considers exceptionally relaxing for this class. He is especially enthusiastic about the standard Yamaha audio system, which sounds outstanding even in the base model, while thoughtful physical controls and practical cabin updates add to the appeal. The third row remains cramped, the infotainment looks dated beside the competition, and acceleration above 40 mph feels disappointingly sluggish despite the horsepower increase. More oddly, the suspension bounces after stopping, sometimes repeatedly. Still, Williams views the Outlander as a rare combination of comfort, space, technology, and likely value, calling it a must-drive for mainstream PHEV shoppers and a meaningful upgrade over the previous model.