The Mitsubishi Outlander went from basic to luxury—and costs less than you’d think

The Mitsubishi Outlander first arrived in the United States in 2003, originally serving as a compact replacement for the more rugged Montero Sport. In its early years, it was a no-frills choice for families who prioritized utility. Over four generations, the Outlander transitioned from a simple family hauler into a pioneer of green technology with the 2013 launch of the Outlander PHEV, the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid SUV (it debuted in Japan first, followed by a European release later in 2013).