Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Named 2026 Family Green Car of The Year By Green Car Journal

  • Historic four-peat for Outlander Plug-in Hybrid
  • Forthcoming 2026 Outlander earns recognition for mild-hybrid powertrain
  • This is Mitsubishi's fourth-consecutive overall win

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) made history today as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) were co-named Green Car Journal's 2026 Family Green Car of the Year. This latest Green Car Journal award – the fourth consecutive for Outlander Plug-in Hybrid – marks the first time in the award program's 21-year history that sister models have claimed the prestigious overall title. 

Green Car Journal's Family Green Car of the Year Award recognizes vehicles that excel in environmental performance while offering style and versatility. The two Outlander variants took top honors this year on the strength of forthcoming upgrades to the plug-in version – including larger battery capacity with increased all-electric range, revised front and rear styling, revised interior, improved driving dynamics, and Yamaha audio2 – and on the upcoming mild-hybrid version of the Outlander. 

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid named Green Car Journal's 2026 Family Green Car of the Year

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid named Green Car Journal's 2026 Family Green Car of the Year

"Adding a mild-hybrid powertrain in the Outlander is viewed by Green Car Journal as an important evolutionary step toward improving efficiency and decreasing carbon emissions," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. "Styling updates, greater onboard battery power, and expanded electric range add to the Outlander PHEV's attributes as an outstanding, environmentally positive family vehicle."

Both the revised 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid and the new mild-hybrid powertrain in the 2026 Outlander will launch in the coming months, and both are examples of Mitsubishi Motors' world-class, award-winning, engineering technology.

The current 2025 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid offers 38 miles of all-electric range and a total hybrid range of up to 420 miles1, and the 2025 Outlander recently benefited from extensive interior and exterior updates, retuned steering and suspension, and America's first automotive Yamaha2 audio system. Both vehicles feature Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)3 system, providing confidence and control in a variety of driving conditions. 

"We are thrilled that both Outlander and Outlander Plug-in Hybrid are being recognized together," said Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of MMNA. "These vehicles reflect Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to sustainable, practical mobility solutions. From the mild-hybrid efficiency of Outlander to the expanded electric range of the PHEV, families will have more options than ever to enjoy eco-friendly driving without compromise."

Chaffin continued, "As part of our Momentum 2030 plan, where we promised a new or revised vehicle each year from now until 2030, we strive to develop environmentally friendly innovations that balance sustainability with the real-world needs of drivers and families. And, of course, we will continue to deliver those vehicles with the value for money that our customers expect from us."

Previous Green Car Journal award winners have included vehicles offering multiple powertrain choices, but never sister models marketed as distinct vehicles. 

WARRANTY

Every Mitsubishi Motors vehicle is delivered with peace of mind through the brand's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Also standard on every model is a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a seven-year/100,000-mile corrosion/perforation warranty, five-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance, and a 2-year/30,000-mile limited maintenance program4.

For more information on the full lineup of Mitsubishi vehicles, visit MitsubishiCars.com.
For more information on MMNA, visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

DISCLAIMERS

  1. Electric range of up to 38 miles on a full charge and a combined electricity + gasoline range of 420 miles. Combined fuel economy Electricity + Gasoline of 64 MPGe. EPA highway mileage estimate. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
  2. YAMAHA®" is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation.
  3. Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) adds Active Yaw Control (AYC) to realize the AWC concept at a very high level. This Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control System manages the driving forces and braking forces of the four wheels to help realize vehicle behavior that is faithful to the operation by the driver under a variety of driving conditions. S-AWC is not a substitute for safe and careful driving. S-AWC cannot prevent collisions or loss of traction in all conditions. Exercise caution so full attention is given to vehicle operation in all road conditions.
  4. Powertrain coverage terms are from original in-service date and applicable only to original owner. Subsequent owners receive the balance of 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Roadside Assistance timed from date vehicle is first sold or put into use, whichever is earlier. Certain assistance and vehicle uses excluded. Corrosion coverage terms are for outer panels only; coverage period for body sheet metal is 5 yrs./unlimited miles. Limited Maintenance includes three oil and filter changes, three tire rotations, three multi-point inspections, and one cabin filter change within specified time/mileage windows. Not transferable to subsequent owner. Parts or services not redeemed within specified windows are forfeited. Certain restrictions apply. See retailer for complete details. References to time/mileage limitations are to whichever occurs first.

ABOUT MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, marketing, and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. MMNA's recently announced five-year business plan – "Momentum 2030" – outlines the brand's mid-term intentions for product and business transformation. MMNA will expand and refresh its vehicle lineup in the U.S. with one new or completely refreshed model to debut each year between now and 2030. Powered by a selection of advanced-technology internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electrics, the product line will nearly double from today's four vehicles. Momentum 2030 also includes a vision for a modernized retail sales model and plans for network expansion and sales growth.

MMNA has its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as corporate operations in California, Georgia, Michigan, and New Jersey.

According to Ipsos NVCS: 

  • 96% of compact CUV owners who shopped for a Mitsubishi Outlander purchased one.
  • 94% of subcompact CUV owners who shopped for a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross purchased one.
  • 97% of small CUV owners who shopped for a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport purchased one.
  • 92% of plug-in hybrid owners who shopped for a Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid purchased one.

For more information on Mitsubishi vehicles, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

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