Introduced in 2010, the first-gen Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the brand’s oldest model in the U.S. and Canada (sold as the RVR). In many global markets including Mexico, a second-gen model has already arrived, and in a few of them, it is available optionally with a hybrid powertrain.
Last week we traveled to Southeast Asia and got up close with the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Hybrid, marketed in some countries as the Xforce HEV. Here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
The 2026 Outlander Sport Hybrid is the production version of the XFC Concept introduced in 2022, and those roots are quite evident in its exterior.
At the front, the hybrid SUV features a trapezoidal radiator grille with staggered horizontal inserts, inverted T-shaped headlamps, and a rugged lower bumper with a compact air intake and rectangular fog lamps.
The radiator grille carries an “HEV” badge denoting the hybrid powertrain, and matching badges appear on the front doors and the tailgate as well. Also unique to the hybrid variant is a more aerodynamic design for the 18-inch alloy wheels.
Muscular fender flares, prominent shoulders, a high ground clearance, and large black rocker panels give the Outlander Sport Hybrid a rugged appearance on the sides. The swift kick-up in the beltline towards the rear, the sleek glasshouse, and flush roof rails bring a contrasting contemporary look.
The inverted T-shaped tail lamps, which have a hybrid-exclusive clear smoke lens, along with the broad lower section of the rear body, emphasize the vehicle’s width.
The clean tailgate design and blocky, silver-finished corner elements in the lower bumper go well with the proper SUV character of the vehicle.
Interior
The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Hybrid offers the raw and practical feeling of a genuine SUV with a conventional design and layout. The dashboard offers a good balance of sleekness and visual heft without looking either too minimalist or too bulky.
The neatly laid-out climate-control panel with conventional switches, the broad and straightforward center console with a lever-style gear selector and regular switches, and the three-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons create an immediate sense of familiarity, something increasingly rare in today’s screen-heavy, touch-dominated interiors.
Unlike the one in the gas-powered Outlander Sport, the storage box in the center-console armrest offers a cooling function. The familiar 8-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system have tweaked software that also displays the energy flow.
Experience in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Hybrid
At 5 feet 7 inches tall, I had no difficulty getting into or out of the 2026 Outlander Sport Hybrid. With the driver’s seat set slightly higher than its lowest position, I had around five inches of headroom, and the elevated driving position offered good visibility in every direction.
I found the backrest supportive, with good side bolstering and adequate shoulder support. The seat cushion also provided generous under-thigh support.
The cabin feels solidly put together, although Mitsubishi has used exposed hard plastic across much of the dashboard and door panels. The materials do not feel particularly cheap, but their basic appearance prevents the interior from looking upscale.
The old-fashioned pop-up door-lock pins also make the cabin seem somewhat cost-conscious. On the positive side, Mitsubishi has retained physical controls for all the key functions, ensuring good ergonomics and reduced distraction.
The rear seat offered plenty of space behind my driving position, including more than 10 inches of knee room. Although the backrest angle is not adjustable, it is sufficiently reclined by default and provides good support.
Headroom was less generous at around four inches, so taller passengers may find the second row somewhat restrictive. The seat cushion is also slightly short, resulting in limited under-thigh support.
Rear-seat amenities include two central air vents, one USB-C port, one USB-A port, two seatback pockets, and bottle holders in both doors. A fold-down center armrest with two medium-sized cupholders provides additional convenience.
Specifications
The 2026 Outlander Sport Hybrid measures 4,390 mm (172.8 in.) in length, 1,810 mm (71.3 in.) in width, and 1,650 mm (65.0 in.) in height, and has a 2,650 mm (104.3 in.) wheelbase. It combines the 4A92 1.6-liter MIVEC gas engine with an electric motor.
The gas engine produces 79 kW (106 hp) and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque, while the electric motor develops 85 kW (114 hp) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque. Mitsubishi has not disclosed the combined power and torque figures. The company equips the hybrid SUV with a 42-liter gas tank and claims a total range of over 1,000 km (621 miles).
In addition to the Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud drive modes carried over from the gas variant, the hybrid variant offers Tarmac, EV Priority, and Charge drive modes.
Mitsubishi says that Tarmac mode improves driving response on paved roads, EV Priority mode prioritizes the use of electric power, and Charge mode charges the traction battery, presumably saving it for later use.
Release Date
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Hybrid is now on sale in Southeast Asian markets as the Mitsubishi Xforce HEV. Speaking to Motor1 in 2025, a Mitsubishi spokesperson suggested that the company did not engineer the second-gen Outlander Sport for markets like the U.S. and Canada.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
