26 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s what you get with a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for top-tier efficiency. It’s often a practical choice for families who need three rows of seating on a budget, or for people who want all-weather capability without spending too much. Fuel economy is a consideration, but it’s often less important than price, space, and how reliable the vehicle is.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Outlander 4WD 2.4L are 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The relatively small difference between city and highway figures suggests this engine and transmission combination isn’t much more efficient at sustained speeds. The automatic (AV-S6) transmission, while providing smooth shifts, also contributes to the overall fuel consumption. Expect the city figure to drop further with frequent stop-and-go traffic, and the highway number to suffer if you regularly drive above 70 mph.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this version of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and fuel prices where you live. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, or fuel prices are higher where you live, adjust your expectations.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Driving style, terrain, and even tire pressure can change your MPG. Expect numbers slightly below the EPA estimates if you often carry passengers or cargo, or if you live in a hilly area. Hard acceleration and braking will also hurt fuel economy. On the other hand, careful driving and regular maintenance can help you achieve results closer to the EPA figures. Many owners report getting around 25 MPG in mixed driving conditions, a reasonable expectation given the vehicle’s size and 4WD system. Check the OUTLANDER MPG across all years for more information about this vehicle.

How it compares

The Outlander’s fuel economy is decent within its class, but not outstanding. A Honda CR-V with AWD gets a better 29 MPG combined. The Subaru Forester, another popular AWD compact SUV, also gets around 29 MPG combined. Even some larger, three-row SUVs, such as the front-wheel-drive Kia Sorento, can match or slightly beat the Outlander’s fuel economy. The Outlander has advantages in price and available third-row seating, but it’s not the most fuel efficient. If you want to save on gas, check all Mitsubishi fuel economy data to understand the trade-offs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Look at the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Accelerate and brake smoothly to save fuel. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel and strain the engine and brakes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo in the vehicle adds weight, which hurts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area to improve efficiency.

Plan your trips efficiently by avoiding unnecessary idling. Idling uses fuel, so if you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently. There’s no need to let them idle.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed can help improve fuel economy, especially on long road trips. Be careful using cruise control in hilly terrain, though, as the vehicle may downshift often, undoing some of the fuel-saving benefits.