2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Pictured: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) IMG 3129. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Es Awc, 4dr SUV Se/GT S Awc, PHEV 4dr SUV
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
117–224 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5–7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 25 city / 30 hwy
Length
185 in
Curb weight
3,406–4,178 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Few owner complaints93 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 398 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,406 lb (4dr SUV Es Awc).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 30 highway), 8% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

  • New plug-in hybrid version
  • Lightest version 154 lb heavier
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Outlander →

Trims, performance & features

Engine117 hp2.0L plug-in hybrid
Engine166 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine148 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine224 hp3.0L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5–7 seats · 3 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Backup cameraStandard

Built in: Okazaki, Aichi · Mizushima, Okayama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Outlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Es Awc185 in71.3 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,406 lb56/44
4dr SUV Se/GT S Awc185 in71.3 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,549 lb57/43
PHEV 4dr SUV185 in71.3 in67.3 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in4,178 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+8%$2,500326
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 27+8%$2,500328
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+12%$2,600341
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 26+12%$2,600343
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 250%$2,700347
Outlander Sport 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 250%$2,700353
Outlander Sport 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+8%$2,700353
Outlander PHEV Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive25 / 26 / 25+8%$2,700174
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-5%$3,750402
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)27 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (6)

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · Apr 20, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V252000 · 108,046 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Risk
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · Aug 7, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V507000 · 121,529 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Risk
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Jul 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V403000 · 177,000 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Risk
An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Software › Pedestrian/Cyclist/Object/Obstacle/ Recognition · Sep 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V620000 · 9,166 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
Risk
If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control · Sep 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V621000 · 58,916 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
Risk
If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Sep 5, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V591000 · 14,791 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

93Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
25,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System20
Air Bags15
Unknown Or Other14
Engine14
Power Train13
Service Brakes10
Vehicle Speed Control7
Exterior Lighting6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/12: 123/01: 223/02: 223/05: 123/06: 123/08: 123/11: 223/12: 324/01: 124/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/10: 124/11: 124/12: 125/02: 225/04: 125/06: 125/08: 325/10: 325/12: 226/02: 226/03: 226/09: 222/1223/0523/1124/0524/1025/0225/0826/02max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Outlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Outlander27–Not rated00
2026 Outlander28185.4 inNot rated16
2025 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★218
2024 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★127
2023 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★258
2022 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★10229
2021 Outlander27185 in★★★★★319
2020 Outlander27185 in★★★★★458
2019 Outlander27185 in★★★★★656
2017 Outlander27185 inNot rated678
2016 Outlander27183.5 inNot rated11171
2015 Outlander28183.5 inNot rated12233

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →