Key Points
- A new turbocharged engine improves responsiveness and efficiency.
- The interior feels more premium than its predecessor and even beats some of the competition.
- Standard third-row seating is a plus for this segment, but the dimensions are tight.
The cream of the Mitsu crop
Mitsubishi radically redesigned its largest SUV, the Outlander, in 2022. The fourth-generation Outlander is daringly styled and well appointed. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 1.5T S-AWC top trim aims to stand out with a combination of upscale interior design, standard three-row seating, and a new 1.5-liter turbo four instead of the old 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four cylinder unit. The horsepower number is down from last year’s 181, but the torque gets a bump from 174 lb-ft to 206. It’s designed to improve both responsiveness and fuel efficiency. It’s a move that modernizes the Outlander and helps it stay competitive in a crowded field.
Amos Kwon
My tester was priced at $40,845. Standard feature highlights included 10-inch two-tone alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED DRLs, power folding and heated side mirrors, a hands-free and height adjustable rear liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch center infotainment display, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 3-zone automatic climate control, Yamaha premium audio, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sunroof. The total price, including options and a $1,745 destination charge, came to $47,035. After spending time behind the wheel of the Outlander SEL, here are my full impressions.
Exterior and Interior Styling – 8/10
Amos Kwon
The 2026 Outlander SEL retains the bold styling introduced with its recent redesign. Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” front fascia is a lot to take in. The myriad shapes and huge chrome trim make for a visually busy front end. It features a large grille and layered LED lighting elements that create a modern and distinctive look. It’s a bit polarizing and not for everyone. The styling is pretty much straight from the Engelberg Tourer Hybrid. I’m hoping it gets simplified for the mid-cycle refresh. The front end is bold but not especially attractive. It doesn’t have the brand cache BMW does to try such polarizing styling.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Strong character lines along the sides help give the Outlander a sense of motion, while the squared-off rear end adds a touch of ruggedness. The overall proportions are balanced, a and the chunkier SUV-style has more presence than its predecessor. The back of the Outlander is actually more refined and attractive than the front fascia. The slim taillights and contoured liftgate make for a truly fetching look, but the divergent looks from the front end make for a strange combination.
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The interior has made bigger strides than even the exterior. Materials throughout the cabin feel more refined than many buyers might expect from this segment. Soft-touch surfaces cover much of the dashboard and doors, and the overall fit and finish are impressive.
Mitsubishi clearly took the time to level up for this generation, and the SEL trim adds leather upholstery and decorative stitching that give the cabin a near-luxury atmosphere. My tester was upgraded with optional Semi-Aniline leather seating surfaces via the $3k Premium Package. The quilted stitching on the seats and doors give the Outlander SEL a decidedly upscale look.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
The design of the dashboard is clean and functional. The linear dash looks great, and the HVAC vents are integrated with the trim, following the trend of so many automakers. The large touchscreen and instrument display are well integrated into the dash without dominating it. The weblike pattern on the door cards and the two tone brown and black colorway give the interior the most refined look of any Mitsubishi to date.
Infotainment and Technology – 8/10
Amos Kwon
A large 12.3-inch infotainment display sits prominently on the dashboard and serves as the hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate, making it simple to access key features while driving. The system is pretty no-nonsense with straightforward menus and great legibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a charging deck that does a great job of occupying minimal center console real estate, while keeping your phone from sliding around thanks to a rubberized surface. The line of physical buttons for audio, display brightness, and the exterior camera add to the Outlander’s functionality.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
The Premium Package adds a 10.8-inch head up display and a digital rearview mirror, adding to the SEL’s tech set. These features help create a more upscale experience inside the cabin and add convenience during daily use. The Outlander SEL also offers a strong set of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and reduce fatigue on longer drives. Ml-PILOT Assist uses the car’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to keep you relaxed on road trips and long commutes.
Comfort, Space, and Usability
Amos Kwon
The front seats are supportive and well-designed, making them comfortable for long drives. Heating and ventilation options further improve comfort during both hot summers and cold winters. Second-row passengers benefit from generous legroom and adjustable seats that slide and recline. This flexibility allows passengers to find a comfortable seating position while also making it easier to balance passenger space with cargo needs.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
The third row is super-tight, and it won’t work for teens or even average sized adults. It’s mostly for smaller kids and only for shorter trips. To call it cramped is an understatement. When not needed, it folds flat to create additional cargo space. Behind the third row, there’s a small 10.9 cubic feet. Fold down row three, and you get 64.3 cubes, and with all the seats folded down, the Outlander provides 79.7 cubic feet.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
While it won’t compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento in terms of space, the Outlander undercuts them both in terms of price, even at the highest trim levels. If you don’t occupy the third row most of the time, at least you know it’s there in case of dire need, something the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 don’t offer. The SEL trim also has a more upscale interior than both of those models.
Driving Experience – 7/10
Amos Kwon
The biggest mechanical update for the 2026 model year is the introduction of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This powertrain produces 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, delivering power through a continuously variable transmission. It’s not a rocket, by any means, but the engine feels more willing and responsive. It can get pretty noisy when pushed, and the CVT has that all-too-familiar droning sound.
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While these numbers aren’t particularly impressive in the segment, the new setup improves responsiveness compared to the outgoing engine. Acceleration won’t light your hair on fire, but the throttle response is pretty good. 0-60 mph happens in a somewhat tepid 8.6 seconds, but it actually feels quicker than it is. If you want better performance, upgrading to the Outlander PHEV ($10 grand more) will shave off 1.4 seconds from that time, all the while improving efficiency.
Amos Kwon
Amos Kwon
The suspension does a good job absorbing bumps and rough pavement, making it well suited for commuting and long highway drives. Steering is light and easy to manage, but there’s nothing really in the way of feedback coming through the steering column. I found the initial brake pedal action to be grabby, and it takes some getting used to. While it isn’t the most engaging SUV to drive, the Outlander’s calm and composed character makes it more than capable of daily family duties.
Final Verdict – 7/10
The Outlander is at its best in the current generation, especially in its top trim. The updated turbo engine brings smoother performance and improved efficiency, while the interior stands out with premium materials and thoughtful design. It also provides a tremendous value and undercuts much of the competition. The Outlander’s front end style is a bit polarizing, but the overall package is compelling. Add in the rare advantage of standard three-row seating, and the Outlander becomes one of the most versatile options in the compact SUV category. It is, by far, the brand’s best model.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog