Mitsubishi has given its popular Outlander Plug-in Hybrid a 2026 update, though most buyers may not notice the differences at first glance.

Nearly every alteration sits beneath the surface. The electrified mid-size SUV now features fresh suspension and steering calibration honed on local roads near Adelaide, mirroring the approach used for the standard Outlander range from 2025.

The brand has also upgraded cabin materials for better sound insulation, added connected services to the infotainment setup, and adjusted standard equipment levels. A fresh 20-inch alloy wheel design joins the changes.

The standout improvement concerns the hybrid drivetrain. A larger 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery now powers the twin electric motors, lifting electric-only range to 103km under the NEDC cycle from the prior 84km figure.

Combined system output rises to 221kW, an increase of almost 40kW, while torque stays at 450Nm. The setup retains the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and single-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive as standard.

These revisions bring price increases, including a $2350 rise for the tested 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed. The timing of the updates proves useful for the Japanese maker.

Mitsubishi pioneered the plug-in hybrid segment in Australia with the original Outlander PHEV launch in 2014, yet the market has evolved. Numerous PHEV rivals, especially from Chinese brands, now deliver stronger electric range and stronger value.

Other Japanese manufacturers including Mazda and Toyota have also introduced their own PHEV SUVs, heightening competition. The Outlander PHEV has endured and the latest changes should help attract additional buyers.

Has the brand done enough to stay relevant?

How much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost?

The PHEV Exceed sits second from the top in the wider lineup at $71,640 before on-road costs, $2350 higher than twelve months earlier.

Model	Price before on-road costs
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES 2WD 5-seat	$39,990
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES 2WD 7-seat	$42,540
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWD 5-seat	$43,240
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 2WD 7-seat	$44,040
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition 2WD 7-seat	$45,490
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander LS AWD 7-seat	$46,540
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire 2WD 7-seat	$48,540
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD 7-seat	$51,040
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed AWD 5-seat	$55,890
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer AWD 5-seat	$58,740
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES AWD 5-seat	$58,990
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Aspire AWD 7-seat	$66,790
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed AWD 5-seat	$71,640
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer AWD 5-seat	$74,490

Plenty of lower-priced Chinese alternatives exist. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate arrives at $49,990 drive-away, the BYD Sealion 6 Premium at $52,990 plus on-roads, the GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV at $50,990 drive-away, the Geely Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range at $41,490 plus on-roads, and the MG HS Super Hybrid Essence at $52,990 drive-away in top specification.

While these rivals undercut the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi is not alone at the higher end. Mazda's CX-60 P50e follows a similar pricing path, and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV opens near the base Outlander PHEV price.

What is the Mitsubishi Outlander like on the inside?

The Outlander cabin appears dated next to most rivals, yet it offers a traditional feel that appeals to some buyers.

Its main advantage lies in the abundance of physical controls. Unlike many Chinese competitors, the Outlander avoids heavy touchscreen dependence and retains a classic layout. This approach may lack visual impact but delivers everyday usability.

The climate controls sit on a dedicated physical panel with buttons and dials, making operation straightforward. Glossy black plastic that shows fingerprints remains the main drawback.

Every variant receives 12.3-inch digital displays for infotainment and instruments. Both screens are crisp, though the instrument cluster packs in considerable information.

After some time behind the wheel the layout becomes familiar, aided by steering-wheel button functions and limited gauge customisation options.

The infotainment display responds promptly but shows older graphics. It originates from the Nissan X-Trail and proves simple to navigate via the right-side shortcut bar.

The bar vanishes during smartphone mirroring, yet native menus rarely require adjustment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain available.

Additional piano-black trim appears on buttons and the volume dial, plus the centre console, where it can show wear quickly.

Touchpoints and overall ergonomics rate highly. Plush off-white quilted upholstery greets occupants and looks premium, with black available as an alternative for practicality.

The thick perforated-leather steering wheel feels substantial and the controls operate with satisfying precision. Wide seat and wheel adjustment ranges aid comfort, while heating and ventilation come standard.

Only the Exceed Tourer adds seat massage. Overall the cabin feels comfortable and practical, though the gear selector knob feels cheap and lacks satisfying movement.

Storage includes a useful centre box, glovebox, door bottle holders and console cupholders, plus a single wireless charger and two USB-C ports.

An updated Yamaha audio system appears across the range. The eight-speaker setup in non-Top models needs tuning yet delivers solid bass and clarity once adjusted.

The second row provides generous headroom and legroom thanks to the boxy shape, with comfortable seating. Rear climate controls and two USB-C ports appear on most grades.

Device pockets and map slots exist, yet the centre armrest and cupholders require folding the middle seatback, creating an open passage to the boot.

This five-seat PHEV model offers a roomy cargo area, though slightly smaller than petrol versions due to packaging. Quoted capacity stands at 472 litres, below the RAV4 PHEV figure.

A flat load floor at convenient height, power tailgate and multiple cargo hooks help practicality. Only a tyre repair kit is supplied, unlike petrol models that receive a full-size spare.

Dimensions	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed
Length	4720mm
Width	1862mm
Height	1751mm
Wheelbase	2704mm
Cargo capacity (VDA)	472L (rear seats up) 1392L (rear seats folded, to roof)

What's under the bonnet?

The Outlander PHEV combines a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, one at each axle. System totals reach 221kW and 450Nm.

Specifications	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed
Engine	2.4L 4cyl PHEV
Engine outputs	98kW / 195Nm
Electric motor outputs	85kW / 255Nm (front) 100kW / 195Nm (rear)
System outputs	221kW / 450Nm
Battery	22.7kWh li-ion
Transmission	Single-speed transaxle
Drive type	All-wheel drive
Kerb weight	2156kg
Fuel economy (claimed)	1.2L/100km
Fuel economy (as tested)	5.2L/100km
Electric driving range (NEDC)	103km
Energy consumption (calculated)	22.0kWh/100km
Energy consumption (as tested)	20.0kWh/100km
Fuel tank capacity	53L
Fuel requirement	91-octane regular unleaded
CO2 emissions	27g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6
Braked tow capacity	1600kg

Super All-Wheel Control manages torque distribution to each wheel for improved traction, cornering and stability.

Highway commuting and a regional day trip produced higher energy use yet kept fuel consumption low during testing.

How does the Mitsubishi Outlander drive?

The Outlander PHEV feels composed once underway and functions as a well-integrated whole rather than excelling in isolated areas.

The powertrain proves user-friendly and offers multiple configuration choices. Normal mode handles electric and petrol transitions smoothly, outperforming some Chinese PHEV rivals in refinement.

A centre-console button allows quick switching among four PHEV modes, giving drivers direct control over energy use. Each mode performs as expected, particularly Battery Save and Battery Charge functions.

Frequent use of Battery Charge revealed that the battery depletes faster than ideal during everyday driving. Normal mode's preference for electric propulsion contributed to a 60km journey nearly emptying the pack despite an initial 86km indicated range.