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Photo of a Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander

2013: Outlander PHEV gives the 4WD SUV its first plug-in hybrid powertrain.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0150300
124–248 hpPower
07.515
6.6–11.2 s0–60 mph
0100200
167.4–200 km/hTop speed
0250500
196–450 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,395–2,155 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3710121314

Engine
Gas/diesel I4s; gen 2–3 3.0 L V6; 2.0/2.4 L PHEVs; 2026 1.5 L turbo MHEV311
Layout
Front-engine; FWD or AWD; PHEVs: twin-motor AWD137
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4/5/6-speed autos; CVT; gen 2 SST DCT; PHEV direct drive37
Built at
Gen 1–3: Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Japan; gen 2: NedCar, Born, Netherlands3

The story

Built for buyers who found Mitsubishi's off-roaders too big and thirsty, the family began as Japan's Airtrek in 2001. Its 2013 Outlander PHEV then pioneered the plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV.123

2001: Airtrek begins the adventure20012006: Seven seats and US survival stakes20062010: GT adds an electronic front differential20102013: The first plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV20132018: 2019 PHEV: Atkinson and a bigger battery20182021: Rogue roots, Amazon Live debut20212023: 248 hp and a 6.6-second sprint20232025: PHEV return planned for 20 countries20252026: 2026 model: 1.5 L turbo mild hybrid2026 Mitsubishi ASX concept: 2001 conceptMitsubishi ASX conceptMitsubishi Airtrek / Outlander (CU / ZE / ZF): 2001–2008CU / ZE / ZFMitsubishi Outlander, second generation (CW / ZG / ZH): 2005–2012CW / ZG / ZHMitsubishi Outlander, third generation (GF / GG / ZJ / ZK / ZL): 2012–2026GF / GG / ZJ / ZK / ZLMitsubishi Outlander, fourth generation (ZM): 2021–presentZM 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13422
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2001 conceptMitsubishi ASX concept
2001–2008Mitsubishi Airtrek / Outlander (CU / ZE / ZF)
2005–2012Mitsubishi Outlander, second generation (CW / ZG / ZH)
2012–2026Mitsubishi Outlander, third generation (GF / GG / ZJ / ZK / ZL)
2021–presentMitsubishi Outlander, fourth generation (ZM)
2001Airtrek begins the adventure
2006Seven seats and US survival stakes
2010GT adds an electronic front differential
2013The first plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV
20182019 PHEV: Atkinson and a bigger battery
2021Rogue roots, Amazon Live debut
2023248 hp and a 6.6-second sprint
2025PHEV return planned for 20 countries
20262026 model: 1.5 L turbo mild hybrid
  1. 2001

    Airtrek begins the adventure

    Japan gets the Airtrek on June 20. Its name combines Air and Trek; Outlander later evokes journeys into unexplored lands.3

  2. 2006

    Seven seats and US survival stakes

    North America's second generation arrives with optional seven-seat accommodation, carrying Mitsubishi's hopes of staying in the US market.34

  3. 2010

    GT adds an electronic front differential

    GT brings S-AWC: an electronic front differential feeds the outside wheel to sharpen cornering, alongside a Tarmac setting and a 230-hp V6.5

  4. 2013

    The first plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV

    Japan launches the first plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV; it tops Europe's PHEV sales in 2015–2017, while a delayed US debut waits until 2018.167

  5. 2018

    2019 PHEV: Atkinson and a bigger battery

    Europe's 2019 PHEV swaps its 2.0 L for a 2.4 L Atkinson engine and a 13.8-kWh battery; Sport and Snow join the drive modes.6

  6. 2021

    Rogue roots, Amazon Live debut

    The fourth generation shares Nissan Rogue underpinnings and becomes the first automobile launched on Amazon Live on February 17.89

  7. 2023

    248 hp and a 6.6-second sprint

    PHEV: 6.6 seconds to 60 mph, 61 km EPA electric range and 39 km at 121 km/h tested. DC charging reaches 94% in 61 minutes.10

  8. 2025

    PHEV return planned for 20 countries

    For spring 2025, the updated PHEV is slated for 20 European countries, with a renewed battery, over 80 km WLTP range and about 20% more output.1

  9. 2026

    2026 model: 1.5 L turbo mild hybrid

    For 2026, the 2.5 L gives way to a Mitsubishi-developed 1.5 L turbo four and the company's first mild-hybrid system.11

Every generation

  • Mitsubishi Airtrek / Outlander
    CU / ZE / ZF2001–2008
  • Mitsubishi Outlander, second generation
    CW / ZG / ZH2005–2012
  • Mitsubishi Outlander, third generation
    GF / GG / ZJ / ZK / ZL2012–2026
  • Mitsubishi Outlander, fourth generation
    ZM2021–present

Power over the years

From 124 hp to 248 hp in 22 years.

0100200300 20002005201020152020 hp 2001 · 124 hp · Japan Airtrek 2.0 L2002 · 237 hp · Japan Airtrek Turbo-R2007 · 138 hp · Europe 2.0 L diesel2007 · 154 hp · Europe 2.2 L diesel2007 · 220 hp · US 3.0 L V62010 · 175 hp · 2.3 L 4N14 diesel2010 · 230 hp · US GT 3.0 L V62016 · 166 hp · US 2.4 L gas I42018 · 197 hp · US 2.0 L PHEV2021 · 221 hp · PHEV GT 2.4 L2022 · 181 hp · 2.5 L gas I42023 · 248 hp · PHEV SEL S-AWC 248 hp PHEV SEL S-AWC 124 hp Japan Airtrek 2.0 L
3457810131516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2001124Japan Airtrek 2.0 L
2002237Japan Airtrek Turbo-R
2007138Europe 2.0 L diesel
2007154Europe 2.2 L diesel
2007220US 3.0 L V6
20101752.3 L 4N14 diesel
2010230US GT 3.0 L V6
2016166US 2.4 L gas I4
2018197US 2.0 L PHEV
2021221PHEV GT 2.4 L
20221812.5 L gas I4
2023248PHEV SEL S-AWC

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    LS (third generation)

  • Standard

    ES / SE / SEL (North America)

    2026

  • PHEV GX-series / Juro (UK)

    Standard

    PHEV GX-series / Juro (UK)

    2014–2021

  • Performance

    GT (US) / XLS

    2010

    230 hp
  • Outlander 2.0 Turbo (Europe)

    Performance

    Outlander 2.0 Turbo (Europe)

    2004–2006

    199 hp
  • Airtrek Turbo-R (Japan)

    Performance

    Airtrek Turbo-R (Japan)

    From 2002

    237 hp

  • Special

    Ralliart

    2026

  • Special

    Black Edition

    2026

  • Special

    Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition (US)

    2023

  • Special

    Outlander PHEV 40th Anniversary Edition (US)

    2023

    248 hp

  • Limited

    Sports Edition (Malaysia)

    2018

    143 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Second generation: a split tailgate has a lower flap that folds down for loading or sitting.4
  • Facelifted third generation: an armor-like nose carries the Dynamic Shield design.2
  • Fourth generation: thin upper running lights sit above separate headlights mounted toward the outer edges.9
  • Fourth generation: the Hexaguard Horizon rear pairs a hexagon tailgate motif with T-shaped taillights.921

Year by year

  1. 2004 (first generation)

    Wheel-arch extensions and a revised grille appear; round fog lights replace square ones, and front and rear lights change.314

  2. 2010 (second generation)

    The nose gains a huge inverted-keystone grille opening modeled on the Lancer's.35

  3. 2016 (third generation)

    Dynamic Shield brings a new nose and new sheet metal ahead of the windshield; LED headlights, running lights and taillights become available.13

  4. 2019 (European PHEV)

    LED headlights, rectangular fog-light surrounds, a larger-looking grille, two-tone 18-inch wheels and a bigger rear spoiler distinguish the update.6

  5. 2022 (fourth generation)

    The redesigned body has slim upper running lights, separate lower headlights and a hexagon motif on the tailgate.39

  6. US: 2025 gas / 2026 PHEV

    A reworked grille and front bumper, new 20-inch wheels and smoked taillights mark the refresh.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Outlander
    Outlander
    Photo of a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport / ASX / Xforce
    Mitsubishi Outlander Sport / ASX / Xforce

    Mitsubishi Outlander Sport / ASX / Xforce

    Outlander Sport names the smaller ASX or Xforce; the fourth-generation Outlander has three rows of seats.39

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Outlander
    Outlander
    Photo of a Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid
    Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

    Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

    The North American rebadge shares the Outlander PHEV underneath; Nissan emblems distinguish it.22

Against its rivals

  • Outlander vs Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE (2021)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Outlander8.5 s
    Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE (2021)5.5 s
    16
  • Nissan Rogue (2021)

    Outlander vs Nissan Rogue (2021)

    Highway fuel economy

    Outlander26 mpg
    Nissan Rogue (2021)32 mpg
    8

Prices

Value today $9.5K–$21.5K31

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 2010201520202025 Value today: $9,503–$21,479 2010 · $29,990 · US base, GT2016 · $22,995 · US base, FWD2018 · $35,590 · US base, PHEV2018 · $42,280 · US as tested, PHEV GT2021 · $43,190 · US base, PHEV GT2022 · $28,790 · US base, S-AWC2023 · $39,995 · US base, 40th Anniversary2023 · $49,995 · US base, PHEV 40th Anniversary2025 · $40,290 · US base, SEL S-AWC2026 · $29,995 · US base, ES
578111316172033
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2010Price when new$29,990US base, GT
2016Price when new$22,995US base, FWD
2018Price when new$35,590US base, PHEV
2018Price when new$42,280US as tested, PHEV GT
2021Price when new$43,190US base, PHEV GT
2022Price when new$28,790US base, S-AWC
2023Price when new$39,995US base, 40th Anniversary
2023Price when new$49,995US base, PHEV 40th Anniversary
2025Price when new$40,290US base, SEL S-AWC
2026Price when new$29,995US base, ES
2026Value today$9,503–$21,479

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “A fuse stopped Masuoka's Baja charge”
    • “Flooded pedals, class-winning electrics”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Mitsubishi Motors Launches Updated Outlander PHEV - Flagship Model Returns to Europe in Spring 2025 mitsubishi-motors.com
  2. Buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander (2012-2021) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  3. Mitsubishi Outlander - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Tested: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander caranddriver.com
  5. Tested: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT caranddriver.com
  6. Double premiere in Geneva: MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT European premiere and New 2019 model year Outlander PHEV global premiere(News Release)-MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  7. Tested: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV caranddriver.com
  8. Tested: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Goes from Punchline to Prime Time caranddriver.com
  9. World Premiere of the All-New OUTLANDER(News Release)-MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  10. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Tested: Higher Ground caranddriver.com
  11. Mitsubishi Motors: What's New for 2026 prnewswire.com
  12. Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition launched in Malaysia - limited to 120 units, priced from RM143k - paultan.org paultan.org
  13. Mitsubishi Puts NVH in 2016 Outlander's Crosshairs - Mobility Engineering Technology mobilityengineeringtech.com
  14. Mitsubishi Outlander I — Энциклопедия журнала "За рулем" wiki.zr.ru
  15. Used Mitsubishi Airtrek review - ReDriven redriven.com
  16. 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime Comparison Test Review motortrend.com
  17. 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Trims - SEL, SE, ES, SE Tech & More mitsubishicars.com
  18. Used Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014-2021) buying guide | Carwow carwow.co.uk
  19. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 4WD Turbo – im Test - 4wd-Tests - 4WD - motorline.cc motorline.cc
  20. Mitsubishi Motors Launches 2023 Outlander Special Editions To Celebrate 40 Years in the U.S. prnewswire.com
  21. OUTLANDER | PRODUCTION CARS | GLOBAL DESIGN | MITSUBISHI MOTORSGLOBAL DESIGN | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  22. Used Mitsubishi Outlander (ZM) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  23. The Ultimate Technology | Innovation | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  24. MITSUBISHI MOTORS Provides First Tease of All-new OUTLANDER - Global Reveal of Vehicle to Follow in February 2021(News Release)-MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  25. 2015 | The 29th Baja Portalegre 500 | Electric Vehicle Motor Sports | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  26. Asia Cross Country Rally 2015 - Mitsubishi Motors mitsubishi-motors.com
  27. 2014 | Australasian Safari | Electric Vehicle Motor Sports | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  28. Gran Turismo Concept Airtrek Special Edition (demo build) - Hidden Palace hiddenpalace.org
  29. 【人車事新聞】原住民電影劇組、新生代藝術家，設計大展上為Outlander上「原」色 - CarStuff 人車事 carstuff.com.tw
  30. 三菱 OUTLANDER 全國大會師 海賊王痛車也參加 - 自由電子報汽車頻道 auto.ltn.com.tw
  31. Mitsubishi Outlander Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  32. Used Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV buying guide | DrivingElectric drivingelectric.com
  33. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL First Test Review: Nicer, But Still Needs More Power motortrend.com
  34. Mitsubishi Outlander Generations - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • paultan.org
  • mobilityengineeringtech.com
  • wiki.zr.ru
  • redriven.com
  • motortrend.com
  • mitsubishicars.com
  • carwow.co.uk
  • motorline.cc
  • hiddenpalace.org

Photo credits

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