Looking at a Mitsubishi Outlander usually comes with a little daydreaming. You see a small camper behind you, a jet ski on the trailer, or an ATV strapped down for a weekend away. And if you’re exploring the outdoors around Boise, those plans get even more exciting. Once these ideas are in your head, it’s hard to make them go away. So what is the Mitsubishi Outlander towing capacity really? This guide breaks down the towing capabilities of the Outlander and Outlander PHEV, so you know what they can handle, what that looks like in the real world, and how to tow with confidence.
Towing by Model Type and Trim
When you search Outlander, you are going to see a diverse selection between model and trim. Here is how they break down for towing.
Gas Powered Mitsubishi Outlander
Current gas Outlander models use a four cylinder engine with a CVT transmission and available Super All Wheel Control all wheel drive. With the available towing package installed, the maximum towing capacity for recent model years such as twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four reaches two thousand pounds.
That rating applies across many trim levels including ES and higher, as long as you have the correct tow hitch, wiring harness, ball mount with a two inch ball, and other towing hardware from the factory or an approved kit. You get a compact SUV that seats up to seven in some trims and still has enough towing power for a light trailer behind it.
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug in Hybrid PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV combines a gas engine with electric motors and a battery pack for a plug in hybrid drive. This model focuses on fuel efficiency and quiet electric drive in town, so its towing capacity is lower than the gas-only version in many markets.
Recent guides show a typical rating of about one thousand five hundred pounds for the Outlander PHEV when properly equipped with a class II towing package.
That rating still works for a small utility trailer, bikes on a hitch mounted rack, or a light pop up camper for short trips.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Outlander Sport is a different compact crossover with its own specs. Some data sources list towing figures in the fifteen hundred to thirty five hundred pound range, while other dealer research pages point out that certain Outlander Sport models in the United States are not recommended for towing at all.
If you are comparing an Outlander Sport to a new Mitsubishi Outlander, talk with the dealership about the exact tow rating and warranty coverage for the specific Outlander Sport model year that interests you before you assume it can pull the same load.
What Can You Tow With an Outlander?
Now that we know the numbers, what do those pounds actually translate to in real life?
For a gas Mitsubishi Outlander with a two thousand pound rating you can look at things like:
- A small teardrop or lightweight pop up camper when loaded for a weekend
- One or two personal watercraft such as a jet ski on a single axle trailer
- A light aluminum fishing boat with gear
- A small utility trailer with yard equipment or moving boxes
- A couple of dirt bikes or a compact ATV
Towing guides give examples like small campers, fishing boats, and similar loads in that two thousand pound range.
For an Outlander PHEV with about one thousand five hundred pounds of towing capacity you are better off with:
- A very small camping trailer
- A single jet ski
- A compact utility trailer for home projects
- A snowmobile or two on a light trailer
- A hitch mounted bike rack and cargo carrier
As always, the total weight of the trailer and cargo must stay under the vehicle tow rating and you also need to keep an eye on tongue weight and payload inside the SUV.
What Hardware Supports Towing?
When you set up a Mitsubishi Outlander for towing, you have to think about the hardware along with the numbers. The hardware on the vehicle and the built in tech features all play a role in how confident you feel with a trailer behind you.
Many Outlander models can be equipped with a towing setup that usually includes a receiver tow hitch, a wiring harness for trailer lights, and a ball mount with a two inch ball. These parts give you a solid physical connection to your trailer. On top of that, the Outlander adds helpful technology that supports you while you drive, such as:
- Trailer Stability Assist, which works with the stability control system to help calm trailer sway in certain situations
- Super All Wheel Control (S A W C), which improves grip when you pull a trailer on wet pavement, light mud, or snowy roads
- Electric power steering, which makes it easier to guide a trailer at low speeds and back into a campsite or driveway
When you combine the right hardware, these support systems, and a careful driving style, the Outlander becomes a dependable towing partner for daily errands, weekend trips, and adventures around Idaho.
Towing, Fuel Economy, and Daily Use
One of the main reasons drivers consider a Mitsubishi Outlander instead of a larger truck is the balance between towing capability and fuel economy. The Outlander uses a four cylinder engine and a CVT with tuning that aims for good mpg in everyday driving.
That means your new vehicle can stay efficient during the work week, then still handle a small trailer for a family getaway. Outlander PHEV adds the benefit of electric only driving for short commutes and errands, so you save even more fuel when you are not towing.
It’s always important to remember that pulling a trailer always raises engine load, so you can expect real world mpg to drop during towing. Plan your gas stops with that in mind and give the powertrain regular maintenance so it stays strong.
Lets Break it Down
If you just want the short version, here it is. The Mitsubishi Outlander can handle light towing, and the exact number depends on the engine and model you are looking at.
For most drivers specifically in Boise, the basics look like this:
Gas powered Outlander (recent model years)
Rated to tow up to two thousand pounds when properly equipped with a factory towing package.
Older Outlander with V6 powertrain
Some V6 models are rated up to three thousand five hundred pounds, again with the right equipment and setup.
Outlander PHEV (plug in hybrid)
Many North American guides list around one thousand five hundred pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped with a class II style towing setup.
Towing specs can change from one model year to another and can also vary based on drivetrain and options, so it is always smart to double check your exact Outlander in the owners manual or official Mitsubishi resources.
Get Towing Help From Your Boise Mitsubishi Experts
If you are not sure how your Outlander is equipped right now or what you might need to add for towing, the team at Mitsubishi Boise can walk you through towing friendly options and help you pick a setup that matches the way you actually plan to use your SUV. Visit your local Boise Mitsubishi dealership or schedule a test drive today.