What Engine Types Does The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Have?
What Engine Types Does The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Have?
Posted on March 2, 2026
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact sport utility vehicle with seating for up to seven occupants. It is available with two distinct powertrain types, depending on the trim level selected. These include a conventional gas engine and a plug-in hybrid system.
2026 Grey Mitsubishi Outlander
Outlander Engine Options Overview
The Outlander is available with:
- A 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine
- A 2.4-litre plug-in hybrid electric system
Each powertrain is paired with a specific drivetrain layout and transmission configuration. The available trims determine which engine type is included.
2.5-Litre Four-Cylinder Gas Engine
Engine Specifications
The standard gas-powered trims use a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Key specifications include:
- Displacement: 2,488 cc
- Configuration: Inline four-cylinder
- Fuel type: gas
- Output: approximately 135 kW
- Torque: approximately 245 Nm
This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive is standard on entry trims equipped with the 2.5-litre engine. All-wheel drive is available on select trims and uses the Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption figures vary by drivetrain. Front-wheel drive versions typically offer lower combined consumption than all-wheel drive variants due to reduced mechanical load.
Trims With 2.5-Litre Engine
In the new lineup, the following trims use the 2.5-litre gas engine:
- ES
- SE
- LE
- SEL
Availability of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depends on the trim level.
These versions are suitable for drivers who prefer a conventional gas engine without charging requirements. They provide consistent performance across urban and highway use.
2.4-Litre Plug-In Hybrid System
Powertrain Configuration
The plug-in hybrid version uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder gas engine combined with two electric motors. This configuration forms a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system.
Key specifications include:
- Displacement: 2,360 cc
- Combined system output: approximately 185 kW
- Battery capacity: approximately 20 kWh
- Electric motors: One front motor and one rear motor
The electric motors provide all-wheel drive capability as standard.
Drivetrain Layout
The plug-in hybrid system uses dual electric motors for the front and rear axles. This setup provides electronic all-wheel drive without a traditional mechanical driveshaft between axles.
Driving Modes
The system operates in multiple modes:
- Electric-only mode
- Series hybrid mode
- Parallel hybrid mode
In electric-only mode, the vehicle can travel using battery power alone until the charge is depleted. In hybrid modes, the gas engine supports propulsion or generates electricity.
Trims With Plug-In Hybrid System
The Outlander PHEV is available in trims such as:
- ES PHEV
- SE PHEV
- SEL PHEV
- GT PHEV
These trims use the same 2.4-litre engine paired with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery.
All PHEV versions include all-wheel drive as standard due to the dual-motor layout.
Transmission Types
Gas Models
The 2.5-litre gas engine uses:
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Automatic operation
- Manual shift mode in select trims
The CVT is designed to maintain engine efficiency by adjusting ratios seamlessly.
Plug-In Hybrid Models
The PHEV system uses:
- Single-speed reduction gear
- Electrified drive system
- No conventional stepped automatic transmission
Electric motors deliver torque directly, which reduces the need for multiple gear ratios.
Power and Torque Comparison
|
Engine Type |
Combined Output | Torque | Drivetrain |
|
2.5L Gas |
~135 kW |
~245 Nm |
FWD or AWD |
|
2.4L PHEV |
~185 kW | Higher combined electric torque |
AWD |
The plug-in hybrid system produces greater total output due to the combined contribution of electric motors and the gas engine.
Electric motors deliver immediate torque from low speed, which affects acceleration characteristics.
Battery and Charging Details
The plug-in hybrid version includes:
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- Approximate capacity of 20 kWh
- Level 1 and Level 2 charging compatibility
Charging times vary depending on power source and conditions.
Gas-only trims do not include a traction battery or charging port.
Outlander Towing Capacity Differences
Towing capacity differs between engine types.
- 2.5-litre gas versions: typically up to approximately 900 kg (varies by configuration)
- Plug-in hybrid versions: typically up to approximately 680 kg
Exact ratings depend on trim and equipment.
Seating and Powertrain Compatibility
Both engine types maintain the three-row Outlander layout in most trims. However, cargo capacity may differ slightly in the plug-in hybrid due to battery placement under the floor.
Passenger seating capacity remains up to seven occupants across most configurations.
Maintenance Differences
Gas Engine
Maintenance typically includes:
- Oil changes
- Spark plug service
- Air filter replacement
Plug-In Hybrid System
Maintenance includes:
- Gas engine servicing
- High-voltage battery system inspection
- Cooling system checks for battery and electric components
Regenerative braking in the PHEV system may reduce wear on brake components.
Fuel Use and Electric Range
Gas-only trims rely entirely on fuel for propulsion.
The plug-in hybrid version can operate on electric power for short distances before switching to hybrid operation. Electric driving range depends on conditions, battery state, and driving style.
Once battery charge is depleted, the system functions similarly to a conventional hybrid.
Summary of Engine Types Across Trims
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers two distinct engine configurations:
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gas engine with CVT
- 2.4-litre plug-in hybrid system with dual electric motors
The gas engine is available in ES, SE, LE, and SEL trims with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.
The plug-in hybrid system is available in ES PHEV, SE PHEV, SEL PHEV, and GT PHEV trims, all with standard all-wheel drive.
Each powertrain has different output levels, drivetrain layouts, and maintenance requirements.
Questions and Answers: 2026 Outlander
What engine powers the standard 2026 Outlander trims?
- The standard trims use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine paired with a CVT.
Which trims include the plug-in hybrid system?
- ES PHEV, SE PHEV, SEL PHEV, and GT PHEV trims use the 2.4-litre plug-in hybrid system.
Does the plug-in hybrid model include all-wheel drive?
- Yes, all plug-in hybrid trims use dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive.
What is the approximate combined output of the plug-in hybrid system?
- The plug-in hybrid system produces approximately 185 kW of combined output.
How does the transmission differ between gas and PHEV models?
- Petrol models use a continuously variable transmission, while plug-in hybrid models use a single-speed electrified drive system.
*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.*