2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences
Posted on January 5, 2026
The Mitsubishi Outlander continues to define the compact SUV category with each new model year bringing refinements and innovations. The new model builds upon the strong foundation established by its predecessors while introducing distinctive updates that set it apart.Â
2026 Blue Mitsubishi Outlander
Exterior Design Evolution
2026 Outlander: Bold New Styling
This model features the most dramatic exterior refresh in recent years. The front fascia presents a more commanding presence with an updated version of the Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design. Key exterior enhancements include:
- Redesigned front grille with more pronounced horizontal elements
- Sleeker LED headlight configuration with improved light pattern
- Revised rear taillight signature with distinctive illumination
- New wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, depending on trim level
- Additional exterior colour options, including Bronze Metallic and Slate Blue
The new model maintains the bold proportions but introduces more sophisticated sculpting along the body panels for improved aerodynamics and visual appeal.
2025 Outlander: Refined Updates
This model received a modest refresh with updates to its already modern styling:
- Slightly revised front grille with updated chrome accents
- Enhanced LED lighting elements
- Updated rear liftgate design for easier cargo access
- Refreshed exterior colour options
This model maintained the fundamental design language established in the previous generation while adding subtle refinements to keep the aesthetic current and appealing.
2024 Outlander: Established Design
This model featured the core design elements that defined this generation:
- Dynamic Shield front design with split-level lighting arrangement
- Distinctive character lines along the sides
- Bold 20-inch wheels on higher trim levels
- Black side mirrors with LED turn indicators on select trims
Interior Comfort and Technology
2026 Outlander: Technology Forward
The new Outlander takes a significant leap forward in interior technology and comfort:
- New dual 12.3-inch curved display panel unifying instrument cluster and infotainment
- Enhanced user interface with faster response and improved graphics
- Upgraded materials throughout the cabin with more soft-touch surfaces
- Redesigned center console with improved storage solutions
- Available 12-speaker premium audio system with enhanced sound processing
- New ambient lighting system with additional colour options
This model also introduces a new seating design with improved cushioning and support for front and second-row passengers.
2025 Outlander: Thoughtful Improvements
This model year brought several meaningful interior upgrades:
- Rearranged the center console with additional storage compartments
- New Yamaha audio system added to standard features list
- Enhanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin
- Improved second-row seating with better cushioning
- Updated infotainment interface with enhanced connectivity options
2024 Outlander: Solid Foundation
This model offered a well-appointed interior with attention to detail:
- Available 9-inch touchscreen infotainment systemÂ
- Digital driver display on higher trim levels
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Three-row seating configuration with room for seven passengers
- Available leather upholstery and heated front seats
Performance and Driving Dynamics
2026 Outlander: Enhanced Capabilities
The new Outlander continues with the proven powertrain while introducing refinements to the driving experience:
- Updated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with minor calibration improvements
- Enhanced CVT transmission programming for more responsive acceleration
- Retuned suspension system for improved ride quality and handling precision
- Strengthened chassis components for increased rigidity
- Refined steering response for better driver feedback
- Updated S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system with improved terrain management
2025 Outlander: Comfort-Focused Updates
This model received targeted improvements to enhance comfort:
- Suspension changes that provide a smoother ride
- Additional sound-deadening material for reduced road and wind noise
- Maintained the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
- PA fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for AWD models
2024 Outlander: Reliable Performance
This Outlander delivered consistent performance characteristics:
- 2.5-litre MIVEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) optimized for efficiency
- Super All-Wheel Control system with six driving modes
- Towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs
- EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, for a combined 27 mpg
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
2026 Outlander: Advanced Protection
The new Outlander raises the bar for safety with enhanced driver assistance technologies:
- Upgraded MI-PILOT Assist system with improved traffic jam assist functionality
- Enhanced forward collision mitigation with expanded detection capabilities
- New rear cross-traffic intervention system that can automatically brake
- Improved 360-degree camera system with higher resolution
- Updated blind spot monitoring with more precise detection
- New wrong-way alert system to prevent entrance onto one-way roads or highways in the wrong direction
2025 Outlander: Comprehensive Safety
This model maintained strong safety credentials with several enhancements:
- Retained core MI-PILOT Assist functionality
- Standard driver assistance features, including automated emergency braking and lane departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist on higher trims
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard across most trim levels
2024 Outlander: Solid Protection
This model offered a comprehensive suite of safety features:
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning and prevention
- Driver attention alert system
- Blind-spot warning with lane change assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Available MI-PILOT Assist on higher trims
- Eleven standard airbags for comprehensive protection
Outlander PHEV: The Electrified Alternative
All three model years offer the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variant, with important differences between generations:
2026 Outlander PHEV
The new Outlander PHEV features the most advanced hybrid powertrain yet:
- Increased electric-only range compared to previous models
- Enhanced power management system for improved efficiency
- Updated electric motors with more immediate torque delivery
- New drive modes specifically tuned for different electric and hybrid scenarios
- Improved regenerative braking system with multiple levels of adjustment
2025 Outlander PHEV
This PHEV model maintained the core powertrain while incorporating the year's updates:
- 2.4-litre engine combined with twin electric motors
- Electric-only range of approximately 38 miles
- Benefited from the same interior and exterior updates as the standard model
- Estimated 64 MPGe in most efficient settings
2024 Outlander PHEV
This PHEV established many of the features carried forward:
- 2.4-litre MIVEC engine with twin electric motors
- Total driving range of approximately 420 miles
- 38-mile electric-only range
- Multiple drive modes, including EV, Save, and Charge
- Regenerative braking system to capture otherwise lost energy
Trim Levels and Equipment
The Outlander lineup has evolved across model years, with each offering distinctive trim structures and equipment packages:
2026 Outlander Trims
The new Outlander introduces a streamlined trim structure with enhanced feature content at each level:
- ES - Entry-level trim with expanded standard features
- SE - Mid-level offering with additional comfort and convenience features
- SEL - Premium trim with leather seating and enhanced technology
- GT - New top-tier trim with all available luxury and technology features
2025 Outlander Trims
This model maintained a similar structure to previous years:
- ES - Base trim with essential features
- SE - Added convenience features and upgraded materials
- SE Black Edition - Distinctive appearance package with blacked-out elements
- SEL - Premium features, including leather upholstery
- SEL Touring - Top-tier trim with all available luxury features
2024 Outlander Trims
This Outlander offered multiple trim levels to suit different preferences:
- ES - Entry-level with standard safety features
- SE - Added convenience features like heated seats
- SE Black Edition - Appearance package with 20-inch black alloy wheels and black trim accents
- SEL - Premium features, including leather seating and advanced technology
- Ralliart - Performance-oriented special edition with distinctive styling
Practical Considerations
When comparing these three model years, several practical considerations stand out:
- Interior space remains consistent across all three years, with seven-passenger seating capability
- Cargo capacity is maintained at 79.7 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
- All three model years feature the Mitsubishi 10-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain limited warranty
- Technology interfaces become progressively more advanced with each model year
- Fuel economy remains similar across all three standard models, with the PHEV offering significantly improved efficiency
The Mitsubishi Outlander has evolved thoughtfully across these three model years, with each generation building upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing meaningful improvements. From design refinements to technology enhancements and performance upgrades, the progression demonstrates the Mitsubishi commitment to continually improving its flagship SUV.
Questions and Answers
What is the most significant upgrade in the 2026 Outlander compared to previous years?
- The most significant upgrade is the new dual 12.3-inch curved display panel for instruments and infotainment, along with the substantially updated exterior styling.
Does the 2026 Outlander PHEV have better electric range than the 2025 model?
- Yes, the new model features an increased electric-only range compared to the previous model, though Mitsubishi has not released the exact specifications.
Are there any mechanical differences between the 2024 and 2025 Outlander?
- While both use the same 2.5-litre engine, the newer model features suspension changes designed to provide a smoother ride and additional sound-deadening material.
Which model year Outlander has the best technology features?
- The newest model offers the most advanced technology, including a new dual 12.3-inch curved display and upgraded driver-assistance systems.
Is the third row of seating comfortable in all three model years?
- The third row in all three model years is best suited for occasional use or children, with the newest model offering minor improvements in comfort and access.
*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*