Mitsubishi Outlander Four US Generations (2003-present)

Four US generations. 1st gen CW (2003-2006): 2.4L I4 (160 hp / 162 lb-ft), 4-speed automatic, FWD or 4WD. Mitsubishi's first compact crossover SUV in the US — replaced part of the Montero Sport role. Two-row seating only. 2nd gen GF/GG (2007-2013): completely new platform shared with Lancer Evolution X — Mitsubishi's first US three-row SUV (third-row seat optional). 2.4L MIVEC I4 (168 hp), 3.0L MIVEC V6 (220 hp / 204 lb-ft). 6-speed Sportronic automatic on V6, CVT on I4. Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) introduced — Mitsubishi's flagship AWD system with active yaw control, distributing torque side-to-side and front-to-back. 3rd gen GF/GG continuation (2014-2021): refined evolution. 2.4L I4 (166 hp), 3.0L V6 (224 hp), CVT or 6-speed auto. Outlander PHEV added to US for 2018 (had been on sale globally since 2014): 2.0L Atkinson I4 + front and rear electric motors + 12 kWh battery, ~22-mile EV range originally, 197 hp combined. Outlander PHEV refresh 2023 (still 3rd gen): 2.4L Atkinson + larger 13.8 kWh battery, 38-mile EV range, 248 hp combined. 4th gen CV (2022-present): completely new — CMF-CD platform shared with Nissan Rogue X-Trail / Renault Koleos under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Built at Mitsubishi Nagoya plant in Japan but uses Nissan-derived underpinnings, suspension, and many sub-systems. 2.5L NA I4 (181 hp / 181 lb-ft), CVT, FWD or S-AWC AWD. Three-row seating standard. Outlander PHEV (4th gen, 2023+): 2.4L Atkinson + dual electric motors + 22.7 kWh battery, 248 hp combined, 38-mile EPA EV range (best-in-class for plug-in three-row SUV), 26 mpg combined gasoline mode + electric. Standard equipment scaled across trims. 2026 Outlander PHEV refresh introduces revised front fascia, new 18/20-inch wheels, 8/12-speaker Yamaha audio, ventilated front seats. Trims (current): ES, SE, SEL, Black Edition.