2025 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: What’s New and Which One Should You Choose?
A detailed comparison for drivers in Nanaimo and across British Columbia.
Introduction: Why the Outlander PHEV Matters in Nanaimo
For families in Nanaimo, the search for the perfect SUV often feels like a balancing act. You need the traction to handle a British Columbia winter, the range to head out on long weekend road trips, and the efficiency to handle daily traffic without draining your wallet.
Enter the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As Canada’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV, it has long been the gold standard for drivers who want electric driving for their commute without "range anxiety."
With the arrival of the refreshed 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at Nanaimo Mitsubishi, the bar has been raised yet again. While the 2025 model remains an incredible vehicle, the 2026 update brings significant changes to range, battery capacity, and interior technology.
If you are torn between snapping up a 2025 model or waiting for the 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick Overview: 2025 vs 2026 Outlander PHEV
The 2025 Outlander PHEV is a proven performer, offering excellent value and a solid 61 km electric range. However, the 2026 model is a comprehensive "mid-cycle refresh." It isn't just a facelift; Mitsubishi has upgraded the heart of the vehicle—the battery—and refined the daily driving experience with better suspension and standard tech upgrades.
The Headline Difference: The 2026 model offers approximately 18% more electric-only range and significantly improved ride quality compared to the 2025 version.
Electric Range and Battery Improvements
The most significant upgrade for 2026 lies under the floorboard.
- 2025 Model: Features a 20.0 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering an estimated EV range of 61 km. This is sufficient for most daily commutes in Nanaimo.
- 2026 Model: Upgrades to a larger 22.7 kWh battery. This increases the all-electric range to 72 km.
Why this matters: That extra 11 km might seem small on paper, but in a British Columbia winter, where cold temperatures affect battery performance, that buffer is invaluable. It means more days where you can drive to work, drop off the kids, and get home without the gas engine ever turning on.
Performance and Driving Experience
Both model years utilize Mitsubishi’s legendary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), a system derived from rally racing that offers exceptional stability on snow and ice. However, the 2026 model introduces subtle but impactful mechanical tweaks.
The 2026 Outlander PHEV features increased EV power output, allowing for quicker acceleration in electric mode. You’ll feel a sharper response when merging onto the highway or passing.
Furthermore, the suspension tuning and power steering have been updated for 2026. The result is a ride that feels more "planted" and premium, smoothing out potholes and rough pavement better than the 2025 model.
Fuel Efficiency and Total Driving Range
Efficiency is the primary reason most drivers in Nanaimo choose a PHEV, and the 2026 model pushes this advantage further.
- Combined Efficiency: The 2026 model achieves 3.2 Le/100 km, an improvement over the 2025’s 3.6 Le/100 km.
- Total Range: With a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery, the 2026 Outlander PHEV offers a total combined range of 690 km.
Interior Technology and Comfort Changes
This is where the 2026 model truly shines. Mitsubishi has listened to customer feedback and democratized the technology in the cabin.
- 2025: Screen size varied by trim (8-inch or 9-inch on lower/mid trims).
- 2026: A massive 12.3-inch infotainment display is now standard on ALL trims.
This means even if you buy the base model 2026, you get the premium, high-definition interface. Additionally, for 2026, {make} has partnered with Yamaha to develop a premium audio system, replacing the previous Bose system on upper trims with a setup tuned specifically for the Outlander’s acoustics.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Outlander PHEV | 2026 Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| EV Range (Electric Only) | 61 km | 72 km |
| Battery Capacity | 20.0 kWh | 22.7 kWh |
| Combined Efficiency | 3.6 Le/100 km | 3.2 Le/100 km |
| Infotainment Screen | 8" or 9" (varies by trim) | 12.3" (Standard on all) |
| Audio System | Standard / Bose | Standard / Yamaha Premium |
Which Outlander PHEV Is Right for You?
Choose the 2025 Outlander PHEV if:
- Budget is your priority: You may find aggressive clearout deals, financing rates, or cash incentives on remaining 2025 stock at Nanaimo Mitsubishi.
- 61 km is enough: If your daily commute in Nanaimo is short (under 50 km round trip), the 2025 battery is more than sufficient.
Choose the 2026 Outlander PHEV if:
- You want maximum electric driving: The jump to 72 km range is significant for longer commutes.
- You love tech: The standard 12.3-inch screen on all trims makes the cabin feel much more modern.
- You value ride comfort: The suspension and tire upgrades make the 2026 a smoother daily driver on British Columbia roads.
Final Verdict: Experience the Difference at Nanaimo Mitsubishi
The 2025 Outlander PHEV remains an excellent SUV, but the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a refined evolution that addresses the specific needs of Canadian drivers.
Whether you are looking for a deal on a 2025 or want to be the first to drive the 2026, the best way to decide is to get behind the wheel.
Visit Nanaimo Mitsubishi at 2348 Kenworth Rd., Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 3Y3, Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Questions? Contact us here.
