2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Discover the new 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander for Australia — view full specs, PHEV range, interior updates, actual towing capacity, safety features, price and our blunt verdict. The family SUV reimagined.
Introduction
Remember when the Mitsubishi Outlander was that reliable but slightly plain SUV your parents bought because it was “good value” and “did the job”? Well, the 2026 version is like running into that shy kid from high school who’s suddenly stylish, confident, and driving an actual conversation at the BBQ.
In its latest incarnation, the Outlander retains all Aussies adored — practicality, value, and stress-free dependability — but gets added plug-in hybrid smarts, a properly plush interior, some serious safety gear, and plenty of that real-world versatility to cope with Monday’s drop-offs and Friday’s muddied bush camp tours.
So, what makes this new era worth your money — and should you choose the petrol or the plug-in? Let’s deconstruct it all.
Inside the Outlander: It Finally Feels Expensive (in a Good Way)
Open the Outlander’s hefty doors and you’re greeted by an interior that looks and feels like Mitsubishi actually walked through a luxury dealership and took notes.
Soft-touch trim encloses the dash and doors. Higher trims receive quilted leather upholstery with contrasting stitching that wouldn’t be out of place on a more expensive European badge. The centre console is stiff and uncluttered. There’s ambient lighting to get the mood going on that 6am Macca’s run. Even the dials’ click sounds reassuringly tight.
Front and center, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen at last modernizes the Outlander — wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the trim, meaning you won’t be grappling with cables on your commute. More expensive trims include a clear 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a head-up display so you can keep your eyes on the road but still pretend to be in a fighter jet.
Storage is smart too — deep door bins, large cupholders, USB-A and USB-C charging points for all rows, and a spacious boot when you drop the third row down. Mentioned in passing, the 7-seater model is available if you need to cart more kiddos around, but have expectations in check: adults in the back will grumble louder than your toddler on three hours of the Hume.
Performance: The Plug-In Hybrid is the Real MVP
Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi takes a safe bet — or a clever one. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is known, tried, and absolutely up to the job if your existence consists of mainly suburban chores and the occasional weekend getaway.
But the Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV) is where things get interesting. Mitsubishi’s been in the plug-in game longer than most — they basically made the tech mainstream with the old Outlander PHEV. For 2026, they’ve dialled it up.
You get a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder, along with dual electric motors and a more substantial battery pack. Combined, they produce 225 kW — enough for a brisk dash to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, plenty for passing motor caravans on the Pacific Highway.
But the magic trick is the 86 km pure electric range (WLTP). For most of us, that’s school drop-offs, grocery shopping, and your daily commute — all without consuming a single drop of fuel. Charge overnight off a standard plug or top up on the hoof at a public charger. When you do have longer journeys, the petrol engine takes over, so range anxiety is nil.
Regenerative braking pours juice back into the battery when you take your foot off the throttle — and the entire system just works. No fuss, no strange lurching — it feels refined and smart, which is just what families want.
Safety Tech: A Fort on Wheels
Family vehicles thrive and perish on safety.The Outlander proudly retains its 5-star ANCAP rating and stacks on all the latest tricks Mitsubishi could offer.
Standard equipment features:
Adaptive cruise control
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Traffic sign recognition
Driver drowsiness detection
A 360-degree camera that makes steep shopping centre ramps much less perspiration-inducing
For parents, it’s reassurance — and it gets the Outlander on an equal footing with anything from Toyota, Kia, or Hyundai.
Capability: More Than a City Slicker
Yes, most Outlanders will never catch a whiff of the outback — but Mitsubishi engineers still equipped it with sufficient off-road credibility to earn its “SUV” label.
All-wheel drive models are equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) — Mitsubishi’s high-sounding designation for a clever torque-splitting AWD system. Sensors direct the power around where you require it, so you can deal with slippery boat ramps, gravel roads to the holiday home, or a muddy car park at the footy.
Towing? Up to 1,600 kg braked — perfect for a small caravan, camper trailer or the family tinnie. Want to take it on a proper adventure? Seven drive modes allow you torun in for snow, gravel, or standard city commute.
What It’ll Cost You in Australia
The 2026 Outlander lineup begins at $57,000 AUD for the entry-level ES PHEV — and reaches the low $70ks for the Exceed or GSR loaded with all the bells and whistles. Petrol-only models keep a couple of thousand dollars back if you’re not yet ready to plug in.
Regardless of your choice, Mitsubishi makes it sweeter by offering a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, an 8-year battery warranty for the PHEV, and 10 years of capped-price servicing — so you know what you’re getting, year in, year out.
Pros and Cons: The Truth
Pros:
Practical plug-in hybrid range for everyday Aussie commutes
A proper AWD and towing capacity
Really upmarket cabin feel
Packed with safety kit and driver aids
Unshakeable guarantee and low operating expenses for the PHEV
Cons:
Third row is cramped for adults — use it as a children-only area
Some competitors provide even greater EV-only ranges these days
The entry-level petrol is capable but not quite exhilarating
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t attempting to be the largest, most blinged-out SUV in the garage — and that’s what makes it its secret weapon. It’s truthful, intelligent, and really does on what families require: an easy cabin, real hybrid technology to save cash, sufficient capability for adventures, and sufficient protection to make you sleep tight.
Add Mitsubishi’s bulletproof warranty and proven plug-in hybrid know-how, and it’s easy to see why so many Aussie families trust the Outlander name. This one’s ready to carry that legacy forward — just with a lot more polish and a lot less petrol.
So if you’re searching for a mid-size SUV that’s more than a badge, the new Outlander could be the driveway hero you didn’t realize you needed.
Frequently Asked Questions — 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Is the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander offered as a plug-in hybrid in Australia?
Absolutely! The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in Australia as both a petrol-only SUV and a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The PHEV has a driving range of up to 86 km on electric power alone, which makes it ideal for daily commutes without fuel burn.
What does the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in Australia?
The 2026 Outlander begins at about $57,000 AUD for the entry-level ES PHEV and reaches approximately $70,000+ for loaded Exceed Tourer or GSR variants. Petrol-only variants cost less if you don’t require the plug-in technology.
Is the 2026 Outlander safe?
The Outlander boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and loads up with advanced driver-assist technology, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera.
How much can the new Outlander tow?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander can tow a maximum of 1,600 kg braked, so it’s more than capable to tow a small caravan, camper trailer or boat — perfect for family escapades.
Is the 2026 Outlander suitable for off-road use?
The Outlander is not a serious 4WD, but its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, several drive modes, and reasonable ground clearance mean it’s fully capable of taking on gravel roads, dirty campsites and weekend adventures away from the bitumen.
How long is the battery warranty on the Outlander PHEV?
Mitsubishi also gives its plug-in hybrid batteries an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty, and on top of that, you’re covered with a 5-year unlimited kilometre car warranty and 10 years of capped-price servicing if you remain with their dealership network.
How long will it take to charge the 2026 Outlander PHEV?
You can charge the Outlander from a standard household socket overnight, or quicker with a dedicated wallbox charger. Public charging points will charge you faster if you’re out.
How many seats does the 2026 Outlander have?
The Outlander is a 7-seater SUV – but remember, the third row is suitable for children or shorter journeys with additional passengers. As a day-to-day car, it’s really useful as a roomy 5-seater with an enormous boot.
