Why the switch from 2.5L to 1.5L Turbo means more power where it counts for Nanaimo drivers.
For 2026, the Mitsubishi Outlander has undergone its most significant mechanical update in years. The traditional 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine has been retired, replaced by an advanced 1.5-litre Turbo Mild Hybrid system. For Nanaimo drivers, this isn't just a change on a spec sheet—it is a fundamental improvement in how the vehicle accelerates, climbs hills, and saves fuel.
While the previous engine was reliable, this new powertrain is smarter. By combining a turbocharger with electric assistance, Mitsubishi has engineered a system that delivers power exactly where you need it most: in the low-to-mid RPM range where 90% of daily driving happens.
The new system is composed of three main parts working in unison:
Unlike a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) that requires a cord, this Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is a closed loop. It manages its own energy automatically through two distinct modes:
When you take your foot off the accelerator or apply the brakes, the Belt-Drive Starter Generator (BSG) switches roles to "Power Generation Mode". Instead of driving the engine, it captures the kinetic energy from the spinning crankshaft and converts it into electricity. This energy is sent to the 48V battery for storage.
This is where you feel the improvement. When you press the gas pedal to leave a stop sign or merge onto the highway, the system enters "Drive Mode". The 48V battery sends that stored electricity back to the BSG. The BSG then spins the engine’s crankshaft, providing an instant electric torque boost. This electric "shove" helps the gas engine get up to speed faster and smoother before the turbocharger fully kicks in.
The Belt-Drive Starter Generator (BSG) cycles between generating power (left) and driving the engine (right) seamlessly.
On paper, some might notice that the new engine has slightly less "peak horsepower" (174 hp vs. the old 181 hp). However, horsepower tells only half the story. Torque is what you actually feel when you accelerate, and that is where the 2026 model dominates.
1. More Torque, Available Sooner
The old 2.5L engine required you to rev it high (to 3,600 RPM) to get its full pulling power. The new Turbo-Hybrid delivers significantly more torque, and it does so much earlier.
| Spec | Old 2.5L Engine (2025) | New Turbo-Hybrid (2026) | The Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM | 206 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 RPM | +25 lb-ft of extra pulling power. |
| Delivery | Linear build-up | Instant Assist | Immediate response at green lights. |
2. Smoother Stop-Start Technology
We have all experienced "jerky" auto stop-start systems in other cars. The 2026 Outlander fixes this. Because it uses the powerful BSG to restart the engine instead of a conventional starter gear, the engine re-fires instantly and silently. You will barely feel the engine turn back on when the light turns green.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
By using stored electricity to help the engine work less, the 2026 Outlander achieves improved fuel economy ratings of 8.7 L/100 km combined (down from 8.9 L/100 km), making it more efficient than the outgoing model without sacrificing performance.
The move to a Turbo-Hybrid engine proves that Mitsubishi is focused on how real people drive. By trading a small amount of peak horsepower for a massive gain in low-end torque, the 2026 Outlander feels faster, smoother, and more capable in the daily grind of Nanaimo traffic.
Visit Nanaimo Mitsubishi to test drive the new engineering standard for Mitsubishi SUVs.
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