Mitsubishi Outlander
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The Mitsubishi Outlander appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 22 to 27 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,400 to $3,650 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22-27 MPG | $2,400-$3,650 | 8 |
| 2017 | 23-27 MPG | $2,400-$3,450 | 8 |
| 2018 | 22-27 MPG | $2,400-$3,650 | 9 |
| 2019 | 22-27 MPG | $2,400-$3,650 | 9 |
| 2020 | 22-27 MPG | $2,400-$3,650 | 8 |
How it compares
Against the average small sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 24 MPG), the Outlander sits roughly 1 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a Outlander for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $12,000 to $18,250, averaging about $15,125 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the Outlander varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Outlander check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the Outlander's average combined economy improved from about 24 to 24 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2020 Outlander has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 25 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 25 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 Outlander at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 27 MPG |
| Outlander Sport 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 27 MPG |
| Outlander 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 26 MPG |
| Outlander Sport 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 26 MPG |
| Outlander Sport 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 25 MPG |
| Outlander Sport 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Gasoline | 25 MPG |
| Outlander PHEV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Plug-in Hybrid | 25 MPG |
| Outlander 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Gasoline | 22 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the Outlander against a rival, or go back to all Mitsubishi models.