The Outlander is not built around a V4 or a V6 in today’s lineup. It relies on four-cylinder engines, and a V6 option existed only on some older generations in certain markets.
Current engine lineup
To understand what powers the modern Outlander, it helps to look at the two main contemporary configurations available today.
Gasoline-only Outlander
The gasoline-only Outlander uses a four-cylinder inline engine. This is the standard powertrain across most current markets and model years, with transmission and tuning varying by region.
- Four-cylinder inline engine (gasoline) is the baseline setup in recent generations.
In short, today’s gas-only Outlander is driven by a four-cylinder setup, not a V6 or any V4 configuration.
Outlander PHEV
The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors and a dedicated battery. This variant emphasizes electric driving ability and reduces gasoline use, rather than offering a V6 arrangement.
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with twin electric motors and battery for plug-in operation.
Overall, the PHEV is a four-cylinder hybrid, not a V6, and represents Mitsubishi’s current approach to electrified powertrains in the Outlander lineup.
Historical context: V6 option in older Outlanders
Several past Outlander generations did offer a V6 option in some markets, but that configuration is no longer available in the current lineup. Understanding this history can help when evaluating used models or older specifications.
- Early generations (approximately 2000s to early 2010s) offered a 3.0-liter V6 in certain regions as a performance option.
- Throughout the 2010s, some markets continued to offer the V6 alongside four-cylinder options, primarily in gas-only trims.
- In the modern generation, Mitsubishi phased out the V6 for the Outlander in favor of four-cylinder gas engines and the PHEV variant; there is no V6 in current production.
For buyers, this means a V6 is only a look-back option on older models or specific used vehicles, not a feature of today’s Outlander lineup.
What to consider when shopping
Choosing between engine types involves weighing efficiency, performance, and availability. The following points help clarify what to expect when shopping for an Outlander today.
- Fuel economy and emissions: four-cylinder gasoline engines and the PHEV setup emphasize better efficiency than a V6 would in older models.
- Market availability: some regions may have different engine offerings or trims; verify the exact powertrain for the model year you’re considering.
- Used-market considerations: if you’re seeking a V6, you’ll be looking at older, used examples rather than current production.
Bottom line: for the latest Outlander, plan on a four-cylinder powertrain—gasoline or plug-in hybrid—and note that the V6 option exists only in older generations, not in today’s lineup.
Summary
The Mitsubishi Outlander today is powered by four-cylinder engines, with the plug-in hybrid variant combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric motors. A V6 was offered in some older generations but is not part of the current lineup. If you need a V6, you would be looking at older models or specific used vehicles from previous generations. Always check the model year and market to confirm the exact engine configuration.
What year to stay away from the Mitsubishi Outlander?
With 169 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls, the 2016 version is undoubtedly one of the worst Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid. At the top of its list of issues, the 2016 model suffers from automatic transmission failure. Again, owners reported hearing whining or rattling noises coming from the engine bay.
Which Outlander has V6?
In its inaugural year, the second-gen was offered in Outlander ES, LS, and XLS trims. All models were powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 220 horsepower and 204 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose from front- or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander V4 or V6?
It was offered in 2 grades; the entry-level GLS and the top-spec GLS Sport. The GLS grade is powered by a 2.4L MIVEC inline-four engine, while the GLS Sport is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine both paired to an INVECS-III CVT with 6-speed sportronic mode and multi-select 4WD system.
Are Outlanders 4 or 6 cylinders?
The Outlander employs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT.