Mitsubishi Outlander Sport HEV confirmed for New Zealand launch

Mitsubishi has revealed the Outlander Sport HEV, the brand’s first conventional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to go on sale in New Zealand.

While Mitsubishi was among the first mainstream Japanese brands to embrace plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology with models such as the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV, the upcoming Outlander Sport HEV will become the company’s first non-plug-in hybrid sold here when it's launched in the third quarter of 2026.

The compact SUV, sold overseas as the 'Xforce', was revealed to dealers and staff during Mitsubishi’s Diamond Dealer awards event. It’s being positioned as a more accessible electrified option for buyers not ready to move to a plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicle.

Globally, the Xforce SUV has recorded more than 77,000 sales since launching in Indonesia in 2023. The model is now sold across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Outlander Sport HEV sits below the existing five- and seven-seat Outlander range in size. Measuring 4340mm long, it’s similar in footprint to rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Niro, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with Mitsubishi’s latest hybrid system, which can automatically switch between EV, hybrid, and engine drive modes depending on driving conditions and battery charge levels.

In overseas markets, the Xforce HEV uses a 1.1kWh battery pack that allows short-distance, low-speed EV driving. Mitsubishi claims fuel economy of 5.6L/100km and a driving range of up to 750km from the SUV’s 42-litre fuel tank.

The compact SUV also features 212mm of ground clearance and selectable drive modes including Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud. Mitsubishi says the suspension and platform tuning have been optimised to balance ride comfort and stability across both urban roads and rougher rural surfaces.

Inside, the Outlander Sport HEV features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital instrument cluster displaying energy flow and regenerative braking information.

A panoramic glass roof is standard across the range, while higher-specification variants add a Yamaha-tuned premium audio system and a surround-view camera with moving object detection.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and leading car departure notification.

The new SUV will also make its public debut at Fieldays, running from June 10-13.

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand says the Outlander Sport HEV is part of a broader product offensive planned for 2026, which will also include a new battery-electric vehicle and another yet-to-be-revealed model.

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand chief operating officer Tony Johnston said the SUV reflects growing local demand for electrified vehicles.

“We’re seeing more and more New Zealanders looking at electrified options, but not everyone is ready to make the jump to plug-in or fully electric vehicles,” said Mr Johnston.

“Outlander Sport HEV gives customers a highly efficient, practical SUV that delivers the benefits of electrification in a way that fits seamlessly into everyday life.”

The Outlander Sport HEV will expand Mitsubishi New Zealand’s lineup to five models, with the company confirming the existing ASX will remain on sale alongside the new SUV.

“ASX continues to play a key role in our lineup and remains a very popular option for customers,” said Mr Johnston.

“Outlander Sport sits alongside it, giving buyers another choice within the compact SUV segment.”