Mitsubishi Announces Upgrades for Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi Motors North America has announced significant updates to its 2026 lineup, marking a significant step forward in the company's Momentum 2030 plan. The refreshed Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and the introduction of a new mild-hybrid powertrain in the standard Outlander are the highlights of the announcement.
The 2026 Outlander PHEV undergoes a mid-cycle refresh, featuring a redesigned interior with improved sound insulation, new materials, and enhanced features such as heated and cooled front seats. The vehicle also boasts a larger high-voltage battery, extending its all-electric driving range. Exterior updates include a revised front and rear design, new wheel options, and darker tint rear taillights. For added luxury, the PHEV comes with Yamaha audio and a 12.3-inch infotainment display in Canadian models. Performance enhancements in suspension and steering calibration further refine the driving experience.
The standard Outlander, on the other hand, now comes with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. This powertrain offers increased acceleration and torque compared to the previous 2.5-liter engine. Mitsubishi has also introduced two new trims - the LE trim and the top-of-the-line SEL Black Edition, while the performance-oriented Ralliart model makes a return. The interior benefits from the new mild-hybrid system and overall efficiency improvements.
The 2026 Outlander Sport continues to be one of Mitsubishi's strongest sellers, returning unchanged from the previous year. The 2026 Eclipse Cross, meanwhile, will return with minimal updates.
The new mild-hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a small electric motor system for low-speed torque assistance, aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and drivability. Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel drive remains standard across the 2026 Eclipse Cross lineup, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard across all models.
Mitsubishi is also expanding its Trail Edition offerings for the 2026 model year. The 2026 Outlander is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the new mild-hybrid powertrain.
These updates align with Mitsubishi's Momentum 2030 strategy, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and customer choice in the SUV and electrified vehicle segments. The updates to the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid and the introduction of the brand's first-ever mild-hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain in the standard Outlander are a testament to Mitsubishi's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility.
- The 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will debut with a larger high-voltage battery, facilitating an extended all-electric driving range, as part of Mitsubishi's push towards electrification and sustainable mobility.
- In the realm of finance, Mitsubishi Motors North America's 2026 lineup update signifies a substantial investment in innovation and customer choice, particularly in the SUV and electrified vehicle segments.
- Technology integration in Mitsubishi's 2026 lineup includes the introduction of a new mild-hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a small electric motor system, designed to enhance fuel efficiency and drivability.
- The refreshed Outlander PHEV boasts a redesigned interior and improved sound insulation, along with new materials and enhanced features, reflecting a focus on lifestyle comfort and refinement in the automotive industry.
