2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV First Drive | 45-Mile EV Range, 297 HP & Interview with Kevin Sittner
This video was first publish on Javier Mota Youtube Chanel
https://www.youtube.com/v/OHf-4AECyo0?version=3Join us for an exclusive first drive of the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, featuring an in-depth conversation with Kevin Sittner, EV Powertrain Engineering Manager at Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America.
The 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid gets a meaningful mid-cycle upgrade focused on what matters most: more electric range, more power, and better everyday usability.
Mitsubishi switched to a new 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack using prismatic cells (up from the previous 20 kWh pouch-style pack).
The result is 45 miles of EPA-estimated all-electric range (up from 38 miles), total system output of 297 horsepower (up from 248 hp), and improved battery power delivery thanks to 60% higher output and reduced internal resistance.
Key 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Specs:
• Powertrain: 2.4L 4-cylinder gas engine + dual electric motors (front & rear)
• Combined output: 297 hp / 332 lb-ft
• Battery: 22.7 kWh (prismatic cells)
• EV range: 45 miles EPA
• Total range: ~420 miles
• Efficiency: 73 MPGe combined (electric + gas) / 27 mpg gas-only once depleted
• Drivetrain: Standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD
• Charging: ~6.5 hours on Level 2 (240V); DC fast charge (CHAdeMO) to 80% in ~29 minutes on higher trims
• Seating: 7 passengers (standard third row)
• Towing: 1,500 lbs
2026 U.S. MSRP (including destination):
• ES: $44,990
• SE: ~$47,190–$47,349
• SEL: ~$50,690–$50,740
• SEL Black Edition: ~$55,440–$55,490
In this video we drive the refreshed Outlander PHEV, dig into the engineering changes with Kevin Sittner (new battery chemistry and thermal management, improved power delivery, suspension and steering updates for better EV feel), and compare it to key rivals in the plug-in hybrid compact/midsize SUV segment.
Main competitors:
• Toyota RAV4 Prime / RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (stronger pure EV efficiency and acceleration, but only 5 seats)
• Hyundai Tucson PHEV & Kia Sportage PHEV (better gas-only mpg, lower EV range)
• Kia Sorento PHEV (true 3-row alternative)
• Nissan Rogue PHEV (platform sibling)
• Mazda CX-90 PHEV (larger 3-row option)
Is the 2026 Outlander PHEV still one of the best value 7-seat plug-in hybrids you can buy? Watch for real-world driving impressions, charging details, interior updates (Yamaha audio, improved cabin quietness, tech), and Kevin Sittner’s insights on the EV powertrain development.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro & what’s new for 2026
[Add your actual timestamps]
Kevin Sittner interview
First drive impressions
Specs, pricing & competition
Verdict
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