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Mitsubishi Outlander: III and IV generations, PHEV, engines and trims
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-sized SUV, particularly well-known in Lithuania for its plug-in hybrid, the Outlander PHEV. We're taking a look at the third and fourth generations, engines, batteries, trims, and what you need to check when buying a used Outlander.
Outlander in brief
The Outlander has been in production since the early 2000s. The second generation (2006–2012) is now quite rare, with the used market dominated by third-generation models (2012–2021). The fourth generation debuted in 2021 but only started selling in Europe in 2024, exclusively as a plug-in hybrid.
The Outlander is praised for its spacious interior, reliable four-wheel drive, and straightforward technology. Third-generation petrol and diesel models can have seven seats, while the PHEV is limited to five. The Outlander PHEV was once one of Europe's best-selling plug-in hybrids.
What sets the III and IV generations apart
The third generation (2012–2021) underwent several updates: in 2015, it received a new front end with chrome 'X' shaped details and a quieter cabin, while from the 2019 model year, the PHEV version got a 2.4-litre engine, a larger battery, and a more powerful rear electric motor. This is the most popular generation in the used market — there's plenty of choice.
The fourth generation (in Europe from 2024) is built on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail. It's significantly more modern: larger, with around a 20 kWh battery, longer electric-only range, the option for seven seats, and a more luxurious interior. There aren't many of these cars on the used market yet, and prices are considerably higher.
Engines, PHEV and charging
Third-generation petrol Outlanders usually come with a 2.0 (around 150 hp) or 2.4 engine with a CVT gearbox, while diesels have a 2.2 DI-D (around 150 hp) with manual or automatic gearboxes. Some petrol cars are front-wheel drive only.
The Outlander PHEV has a petrol engine, two electric motors (front and rear) and four-wheel drive. Up to 2018, it used a 2.0 engine and around a 12 kWh battery, while from the 2019 model year it has a 2.4 engine and a 13.8 kWh battery. According to the manufacturer, you can travel around 40–50 km on electric power alone, while the fourth-generation PHEV can do around 80 km, although this range is significantly reduced in winter and on motorways.
The third-generation PHEV is charged with a relatively low power (usually via a Type 1 connector), so it can take several hours to fully charge the battery at home; most cars also have a CHAdeMO fast-charging port. In cold weather, the petrol engine kicks in more often to heat the cabin, so electric-only range is reduced in winter.
What to check when buying a used Outlander
The hybrid battery degrades over time, so check the car's electric range and compare it with the new car's specs. A service diagnostic can give a more accurate battery condition. Test the charging — both AC and CHAdeMO if the car has it.
In PHEV cars, brakes wear less due to regenerative braking, but discs, especially the rears, can still rust — check them. For 2.2 DI-D diesel cars that have done a lot of city driving, check the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, test the four-wheel drive and CVT gearbox — it should operate smoothly, without juddering. Check the ride quality against service and MOT records.
Trim levels
Trim names vary greatly by country and year (e.g., different names used in the UK and Germany); we list common third-gen trims found in Europe.
Inform
Third generationBase trim, usually with a petrol engine.
- Simpler alloy wheels
- More basic infotainment system
- Often — front-wheel drive only
Invite
Third generationGood balance of price and features.
- Lightweight alloy wheels
- Often — automatic climate control
- Often — rear-view camera
Intense
Third generationPopular trim, especially with PHEV.
- Often — 18-inch alloy wheels
- Often — navigation and smartphone integration
- Often — heated seats
Instyle
Third generationTop-spec with leather interior.
- Leather seats, often — electrically adjustable
- Often — electric sunroof
- Often — surround-view cameras
Comparison of third-gen trims
| Invite | Intense | Instyle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for | Daily driving | Family and long trips | For comfort |
| Alloy wheels (most often) | 16–18-inch | 18-inch | 18-inch |
| Interior | Seating | Seating, often with heated seats | Leather, electrically adjustable seats |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Premium |
For most buyers, the best choice is a 2019 or newer Outlander PHEV with Intense trim. Instyle is worth considering for comfort, while the petrol or diesel Outlander suits those who can't regularly charge the car.
Pros
- Spacious interior and large boot
- Reliable four-wheel drive
- PHEV is economical if regularly charged
- Wide selection in the used market
Cons
- Uncharged PHEV uses a lot of fuel
- Compact third-generation interior
- Slow third-gen PHEV charging with alternating current
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying an Outlander PHEV if I don’t have anywhere to charge?
Often not. An uncharged PHEV drives like a heavy petrol car, so its fuel consumption is higher than that of a standard petrol or diesel Outlander. A PHEV pays off best for those who can charge at home or work and frequently drive short distances.
How far can an Outlander PHEV travel on electric power alone?
The manufacturer claims the third-gen PHEV can travel around 40–50 km on a single charge, but in reality, especially in winter and on the motorway, it’s often less, and the range decreases further as the battery ages. The fourth-gen PHEV with a larger battery travels significantly further on electric power alone.
Which model years are best for buying a used Outlander?
For most buyers, the best choice is a 2019–2021 third-gen PHEV with a 2.4-litre engine and a larger battery. If you won’t be able to charge the car, it’s worth considering a 2015 or newer petrol or diesel Outlander.
Is there a seven-seater Outlander?
Third-gen petrol and diesel Outlanders can have seven seats, while the third-gen PHEV has only five due to the battery and rear electric motor. The fourth-gen Outlander PHEV can also be a seven-seater.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
