The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD, with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. This isn’t the best in its class, but it’s a decent compromise for buyers who want all-weather capability and a surprisingly spacious three-row interior more than the absolute best fuel savings. The Outlander prioritizes family functionality with reasonable fuel costs, instead of aiming for Prius-level mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Outlander 4WD will get 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s tuning and the eight-speed automatic transmission’s shift patterns, which are designed to maximize efficiency in stop-and-go driving. The highway number is better, helped by the transmission’s ability to shift into a fuel-saving overdrive gear. Drivers should keep in mind that these numbers greatly depend on how you drive. Hard acceleration and frequent hard braking in the city will reduce the 24 MPG estimate. On the highway, steady speeds and careful use of cruise control will help you reach the predicted 30 MPG. The 2.5L engine and automatic transmission work together to give the Outlander enough power, but it’s not meant to be sporty. A moderate driving style will result in better fuel economy. The 2023 OUTLANDER MPG across all years shows a gradual improvement over previous generations.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will change depending on the price of gasoline where you live, how you drive, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. Someone who drives mostly in the city and drives aggressively will probably spend more than this amount per year. A driver who mainly uses the Outlander for highway commuting and drives efficiently may spend less. The $1,700 figure is a useful point of reference for comparing it to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates are a standard way to compare vehicles, actual fuel economy often varies. Many Outlander owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates. However, some report slightly lower mileage, especially in colder weather or when they often use the all-wheel-drive system in difficult conditions. Other things such as tire pressure, how much weight the vehicle is carrying, and accessories like roof racks can also affect fuel consumption. The type of terrain also matters; driving on rolling hills or mountains will result in MPGs closer to the city estimate, even on the highway. Owners who are happy with the Outlander’s fuel economy understand its limitations and drive accordingly. If you are seeking better fuel efficiency from Mitsubishi, you can find all Mitsubishi fuel economy data on our site.

How it compares

The Outlander’s fuel economy is competitive within its class. The Nissan Rogue, a direct competitor, gets a combined 30 MPG in its front-wheel-drive version, which is more fuel-efficient for those who don’t need all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4, another popular choice, gets 30 MPG combined in its standard gasoline model. The Subaru Forester, known for its standard all-wheel drive, achieves a solid 29 MPG combined. For buyers most interested in fuel economy, these might be better choices. However, the Outlander has available third-row seating, which the Rogue, RAV4, and Forester do not offer. This makes the Outlander a good choice for families who sometimes need to carry more passengers, even if there is a slight cost in fuel economy.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Watch the traffic and avoid accelerating or braking suddenly. The Outlander’s engine is most efficient at a constant speed. Look ahead, keep a steady pace, and let the car coast when you can. Accelerating quickly wastes gas.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with low air pressure increase resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and fill them to the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Use accessories that draw power from the engine as little as possible. Air conditioning, especially on high, puts a large load on the engine. Use it only when you need to. That goes for other accessories that use a lot of power, like heated seats and rear defrosters.

If your Outlander has an “Eco” mode, consider using it. This mode usually changes how the throttle responds and when the transmission shifts to focus on saving fuel instead of performance. It may make the car accelerate a little slower, but it can make a difference in fuel use, especially when driving in the city.

Regular maintenance is important for the best performance. Make sure your Outlander gets its scheduled maintenance, including oil and filter changes and spark plug replacements. An engine that is maintained well runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.