Mitsubishi Outlander and PHEV Earn Prestigious Family Green Car Award
In a remarkable recognition for its commitment to eco-friendly mobility, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has made headlines once again by co-naming the Mitsubishi Outlander and its Plug-in Hybrid version as the 2026 Family Green Car of the Year according to the prestigious Green Car Journal. This honor is particularly significant as it marks the fourth consecutive year that the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has received this accolade, a first in the award's 21-year history to have sister models honored simultaneously.
The Green Car Journal's Family Green Car of the Year award is awarded to vehicles that excel in sustainability while also offering style and versatility. The Mitsubishi Outlander variants triumphed due to a range of forthcoming enhancements to the Plug-in Hybrid, which include a larger battery capacity that elevates its all-electric driving range, revamped exterior styling, updated interior features, enhanced driving dynamics, and the incorporation of an advanced Yamaha audio system. The new mild-hybrid version of the Outlander adds to the model’s appeal as it embraces the latest in powertrain technology.
Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, emphasized the significance of these updates, stating, "Adding a mild-hybrid powertrain in the Outlander is viewed as an important evolutionary step toward improving efficiency and decreasing carbon emissions." These enhancements not only add to the Outlander PHEV's reputation but also align with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly family vehicles.
Both the rejuvenated Outlander Plug-in Hybrid and the new mild-hybrid variant will be introduced in the near future, showcasing Mitsubishi's state-of-the-art engineering capabilities. The existing 2025 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid already impresses with an all-electric range of 38 miles and an impressive hybrid total range of 420 miles. Recent updates for the 2025 model also include extensive refinements to the interior and exterior, along with retuned steering and suspension systems, plus the introduction of the Yamaha audio system — a first in the automotive world.
In addition, both models feature Mitsubishi's innovative Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which significantly enhances control and confidence during varying driving conditions. Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of MMNA, expressed the company’s excitement over this recognition: "We are thrilled that both Outlander and Outlander Plug-in Hybrid are being recognized together. These vehicles reflect Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to sustainable, practical mobility solutions."
Chaffin further elaborated on the company's ambitious goals under the ‘Momentum 2030’ plan, which promises to introduce a new or revised vehicle each year until 2030. This initiative underscores Mitsubishi's commitment to balancing sustainability with the real-world needs of drivers and families. The lineup is set to expand significantly, illustrating their forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility.
This accolade builds on Mitsubishi’s legacy of delivering vehicles that do not compromise on performance while meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. Previous winners of the Green Car Journal awards have included a variety of vehicles with different powertrain choices, but this is a historic event highlighting the recognition of two closely related models.
Mitsubishi continues to demonstrate that sustainable driving is within reach for families looking for vehicles that prioritize eco-friendliness without sacrificing practicality. For further insights into their complete vehicle lineup, interested consumers can explore MitsubishiCars.com, while additional corporate news can be found at media.mitsubishicars.com. Excellence in customer service is assured as all Mitsubishi vehicles come with substantial warranty coverage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, signifying the brand’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.