Mitsubishi Outlander Sport HEV: new hybrid SUV makes its public debt ahead of NZ launch

The first conventional hybrid vehicle to be offered from Mitsubishi New Zealand has made its public debut at Fieldays, ahead of its local launch later this year.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport HEV is on display at the brand’s Mystery Creek stand, giving the public its first opportunity to see the compact SUV that will expand the Japanese brand's electrified lineup.

It’s currently the only Outlander Sport HEV in New Zealand and is a pre-production example built from a mix of parts sourced from different overseas variants. Despite this, its exterior styling, proportions, and interior trim closely reflect the production model set to launch locally later this year.

Known as the Xforce in overseas markets, the Outlander Sport HEV is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand during the third quarter of 2026 and will become Mitsubishi’s first non-plug-in hybrid vehicle sold locally.

While Mitsubishi was an early adopter of plug-in hybrid technology through models such as the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV, the new SUV targets buyers who want improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions without needing to charge from an external power source.

The Outlander Sport HEV sits below the existing Outlander range and measures 4340mm long, placing it in the heart of the competitive compact SUV segment alongside rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Niro, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona.

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

The system is capable of operating in both series and parallel hybrid configurations, with regenerative braking helping recharge the battery while driving. In overseas markets, Mitsubishi claims fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km and a driving range of up to 750km from the SUV’s 42-litre fuel tank.

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand chief operating officer Tony Johnston said the vehicle reflects growing demand for electrified vehicles that don't require charging infrastructure.

“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.”

Mr Johnston said the hybrid system was designed to maximise efficiency without requiring owners to change their driving habits.

“The strength of this system is that it does the thinking for you. It’s constantly adapting to how and where you’re driving, so you get the efficiency benefits of electrification without needing to change your habits.”

While not a serious off-roader, the Outlander Sport HEV will offer 212mm of ground clearance and selectable drive modes including Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud.

Mitsubishi says suspension tuning, increased body rigidity and optimised weight distribution help deliver a comfortable ride on both urban roads and rougher rural surfaces.

Inside, the SUV features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a digital instrument cluster that displays hybrid system information including energy flow and regenerative braking data.

A panoramic glass roof will be standard across the range, while higher-specification models add a Yamaha-tuned 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 Outlander Sport HEV has already proven popular internationally, with more than 77,000 examples sold across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East since launching in Indonesia in 2023.

Its arrival is the first step in a broader product offensive for Mitsubishi in New Zealand, with the brand also confirming a new battery-electric vehicle and the Pajero nameplate will arrive during 2026.

Mitsubishi says the long-running ASX will remain on sale alongside the new hybrid 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.”

Pricing and full New Zealand specifications will be announced closer to the Outlander Sport HEV's launch later this year.