MSRP: $24,995
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Overview
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a subcompact SUV that comes with a CVT automatic and standard all-wheel drive, and is available in seven trims: S, ES, LE, SE, Ralliart, Trail Edition, and SEL. The six lower trims all use a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower, while a 168-hp 2.4L lump is reserved for the SEL.
Value is the 2026 Outlander Sport’s main draw card, with a base MSRP below $25K for the S trim, making it one of the most affordable AWD crossovers on sale; particularly impressive if you consider its 10-year powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance. However, none of these pluses can hide the fact that the underlying car is 15 years old and has been facelifted three times. Is the Outlander Sport still worth a look against newer rivals?
What’s New for 2026?
The S and ES trims lose their 7-inch touchscreen and upgrades to the same 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that was already fitted to all the other trims, gaining satellite radio and rear-seat USB ports in the process. After a one-year hiatus, the Trail Edition trim also returns this year. It gets trim-specific trim and graphic packages, unique wheels, and dealer-available accessory kits, roof racks, and off-highway tires.
Exterior
The profile with the gently sloping roofline is instantly recognizable as the 15-year-old Outlander Sport that arrived for MY2011, but the details have been changed, and the Dynamic Shield grille added six years ago modernized its appearance, along with the addition of sharp LED headlights and DRL, as well as LED taillights. It’s truly compact too, with a length of just 171.9 inches and a 105.1-inch wheelbase.
Drab 16-inch wheels with covers on the S make way for 18-inch alloys elsewhere. The Trail Edition gets black wheels, a black lower body and mirrors, and a hood decal, but it has the same 8.5-inch ground clearance as the rest, though this is a very good figure. The Ralliart comes with unique body decals and black exterior accents.
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Interior
The cabin is functional, straightforward, and made from hard plastics. Cloth upholstery on S and SE trims makes way for upgraded materials on higher trims and leather on the SEL. Interior space is adequate, with 36.6 inches of rear legroom, but some subcompact rivals beat this number, while the 21.7 cu-ft of cargo space doesn’t lead the class either. Folding down the 60/40-split second row increases this number to 49.5 cu-ft.
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Mitsubishi
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s price still starts at under $25K for 2026, but only just:
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base trim: S | $24,995 |
| Top trim: SEL | $29,695 |
| Best value trim: ES | $26,595 |
Now that the ES has gained the improved infotainment system with the 8-inch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it emerges as the best trim in a lineup where price and value are first and foremost. At higher prices, the competition becomes increasingly attractive, so the ES hits the sweet spot. Unfortunately, the more powerful 2.4L engine is only fitted to the $30K SEL.
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Trims |
| 2.0L I4 | 148 hp | 145 lb-ft | S, ES, LE, SE, Ralliart, Trail |
| 2.4L I4 | 168 hp | 167 lb-ft | SEL |
All models: CVT, standard All-Wheel Control (AWC).
Fuel Economy (from screenshot)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| 2.0L AWD | 23 | 29 | 26 MPG |
| 2.4L AWD | 23 | 29 | 25 MPG |
Dimensions
| Spec | Detail |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Volume | 21.7 cu-ft / 49.5 cu-ft (seats folded) |
| Length / Wheelbase | 171.9 / 105.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.5 in |
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 30,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Starting under $25,000, with AWD on every trim
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty leads the segment
- 8.5 inches of ground clearance is generous for the class
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard on all trims
- Included 2-year maintenance program reduces ownership costs
Cons:
- 148-hp base engine feels underpowered on the highway
- Interior materials and design lag behind newer competitors
- 21.7 cu-ft of cargo behind rear seats is below average
- Rear legroom at 36.3 inches is tight for taller passengers
- CVT dulls throttle response
Verdict
The 2026 Outlander Sport plays to its most compelling strength: affordability. Equipped with AWD as standard and with a market-leading 10-year powertrain warranty and 2-year of complimentary maintenance, it makes sense as a high-value proposition with all-weather traction, which is why we prefer the second-from-base ES trim, especially now that it’s better equipped and has an improved infotainment system. But the design is now old, the base engine is weak, and the cabin feels cheap, so at anything approaching the SEL’s $30K price tag, you’ll probably be better off with a CX-30 or Kia Seltos.
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Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor