26 MPG combined isn’t going to win the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander any hypermiling awards. But that figure obscures a key point: this is a spacious, three-row SUV with available all-wheel drive at a price that’s lower than its competitors. For families who value practicality and affordability over absolute fuel efficiency, the Outlander’s MPG is an acceptable tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl at 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects how the Outlander’s engine and transmission are tuned. In cities, stop-and-go traffic and slower speeds reduce the effect of the Outlander’s size and weight. On the open road, the smooth-shifting Automatic (AV-S8) transmission helps the engine settle into a more efficient cruising speed. The 2.5L inline-four isn’t a powerhouse, but it provides enough power for everyday driving, which also helps it achieve reasonable highway mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl at $1,700. This number assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will depend on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of gasoline you use. However, $1,700 gives potential buyers a way to estimate their fuel expenses and compare the Outlander to other SUVs of its kind. Understanding this baseline helps families budget and assess the financial impact of owning a three-row SUV. You can also see OUTLANDER MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard way to measure fuel economy, but real-world MPG often differs from those numbers. How you drive, the traffic, and the terrain can have a big effect on how much gas you use. Owners who often use the all-wheel-drive system, especially in difficult conditions, might see their average MPG drop. Quick acceleration and high-speed driving also tend to reduce fuel efficiency. However, drivers who accelerate gently, keep their speed steady, and don’t use all-wheel drive unless necessary can often get MPG numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires properly inflated and changing the oil regularly, is also important for getting the best possible fuel economy.

How it compares

The Outlander’s fuel economy is average for the three-row SUV class. For example, the Toyota Highlander AWD gets slightly better combined MPG at around 24-25 MPG, but it costs more. The Kia Telluride, another popular choice, gets similar fuel economy to the Outlander, around 23-24 MPG combined. Those vehicles often cost more upfront, however. The Nissan Rogue, though smaller, gets much better fuel economy in its front-wheel drive version, close to 30 MPG combined, but it doesn’t have a third row. The Outlander offers a good balance of practicality, features, and affordability, accepting slightly lower fuel efficiency to achieve that balance. Don’t forget to also view all Mitsubishi fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Outlander’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is designed for efficiency, and it works best with a light touch. Avoid hard acceleration and sudden braking, which make the engine work harder and use more fuel. Instead, accelerate smoothly and gradually, and watch the traffic to avoid having to stop suddenly.

All-wheel drive adds weight and complexity to the vehicle, reducing fuel economy. Unless you’re driving in slippery conditions or on rough terrain, keep the Outlander in two-wheel drive mode to get the best mileage. Only turn on all-wheel drive when you need it, like in heavy rain or snow.

Tire pressure is critical for good fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, so the engine has to work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure to save gas.

Extra weight in the vehicle also reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the Outlander’s cargo area to reduce the load and improve MPG. A lighter vehicle is easier to move, which means better fuel efficiency.