Double the win, double the green! 🏆 Mitsubishi’s Outlander and Outlander PHEV just made history, co-earning the 2026 Family Green Car of the Year award. With impressive eco-friendly upgrades and family-focused features, these vehicles are setting new standards. Are you ready for a greener ride without compromise?
In a landmark achievement for the automotive industry, the Mitsubishi Outlander and its advanced sibling, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, have been jointly crowned the 2026 Family Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal. This unprecedented recognition marks a significant milestone, being the first time in the award’s 21-year history that sister models have shared the prestigious overall title. It also extends the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid’s remarkable winning streak, securing its fourth consecutive major Green Car Award.
The highly esteemed Family Green Car of the Year Award is bestowed upon vehicles that not only demonstrate exceptional environmental performance but also offer the style, versatility, and reliability essential for modern family vehicles. This dual victory underscores Mitsubishi Motors’ unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable and practical mobility solutions to a broad consumer base.
Both Outlander variants earned top honors on the strength of their forthcoming enhancements. The 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is set to receive substantial upgrades, including a larger battery capacity designed for increased all-electric range, ensuring longer emission-free journeys. Additionally, it will feature revised front and rear styling, an updated interior for enhanced comfort, improved driving dynamics, and the integration of a premium Yamaha audio system, elevating the driving experience.
Further expanding its eco-conscious offerings, Mitsubishi will also introduce a new mild-hybrid version of the Outlander. Green Car Journal’s editor and publisher, Ron Cogan, emphasized that “Adding a mild-hybrid powertrain in the Outlander is viewed as an important evolutionary step toward improving efficiency and decreasing carbon emissions.” This strategic move provides consumers with more options for eco-friendly driving without compromising on performance or utility, solidifying Mitsubishi’s position in the evolving automotive landscape.
These upcoming models build upon the strong foundation of the current lineup. The 2025 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid already boasts an impressive 38 miles of all-electric range and a total hybrid range of up to 420 miles. The 2025 Outlander has also recently benefited from extensive interior and exterior updates, alongside retuned steering and suspension, and the innovative inclusion of America’s first automotive Yamaha audio system. Both vehicles proudly feature Mitsubishi’s renowned Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, providing drivers with superior confidence and control in diverse driving conditions.
The president and CEO of MMNA expressed immense pride in the joint recognition, stating that “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.” This sentiment highlights the brand’s dedication to meeting the real-world needs of drivers and families while championing environmental responsibility.
This double win also aligns seamlessly with Mitsubishi Motors’ ambitious “Momentum 2030” business plan, which promises a new or revised vehicle annually until 2030. This strategy is focused on developing environmentally friendly innovations that balance sustainability with practical functionality. Every Mitsubishi Motors vehicle is backed by a robust 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, among other comprehensive assurances, underscoring the brand’s commitment to quality and customer peace of mind.