2021 Mitsubishi Outlander — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) / 27 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–32 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A plug-in hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 31 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Mitsubishi Outlander workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2021 listings: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Compared with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 32 mpg (UK) combined. No longer listed: 3L 6-cyl. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 32 combined / 29 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 27 combined / 24 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 206 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 27 mpg (US), or 30 to 32 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/29) | 214 | $2,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/30) | 206 | $2,500 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (26/26) | 103 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/28) | 219 | $2,700 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/29) | 220 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Running Costs: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander at 32 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,136 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 22V563000, reported 2 August 2022. Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (6), Engine (5), Unspecified (4). That is well below the median of 60 complaints across the 17 Mitsubishi Outlander model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 3 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (6 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (5 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mitsubishi Outlander compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 32 mpg figure is 5 mpg better than that average. Its 206 g/km CO₂ figure is 47 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 32 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Mitsubishi models in our database.
Of the 17 Mitsubishi Outlander model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (32 mpg UK combined, against a high of 34 mpg). See every Mitsubishi Outlander year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander: 2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The most efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, or 27 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 32 mpg. The plug-in hybrid version returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Among the 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (6 complaints), Engine (5 complaints), Unspecified (4 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.