We’ve written dozens of articles about vehicles made in the land of the rising sun, and for this one, we’re going to talk about the types of gas that you can and cannot use for the Mitsubishi Outlander.
If you’re in the market for such a compact crossover SUV, then it’s essential to know the various fuel requirements that each generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander has.
In addition, we’ll also be including other useful info about the Outlander such as its gas tank size and gas mileage, so be sure to have a good thorough read!
What kind of gas does a Mitsubishi Outlander take?
All Mitsubishi Outlander models can take regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline, though it’s recommended to use premium 91-octane gas for 3.0-liter V6 models and 3rd-gen PHEV models for optimum performance.
When it comes to the gasoline octane rating that you should use for the Mitsubishi Outlander, it’s pretty much the same story for all of its engine options, as every single one of them can take regular 87-octane gasoline.
But while it’s not required, Mitsubishi’s owner’s manual for the Outlander states that the 3-liter V6 models and 3rd-gen PHEV models, in particular, give out their best performance when using premium 91-octane gas.
Other than that, there’s no reason to spend a few extra cents more per gallon of premium fuel for the Mitsubishi Outlander. You’ll be totally fine with regular 87-octane gas (equivalent to 91 RON gas in other places).
However, there are still plenty of fuel-related things worth going over for the Mitsubishi Outlander, such as the use of ethanol, additives, and whatnot.
We’ve also included diesel variants of the Mitsubishi Outlander below for the sake of comprehensiveness, but do take note that such models are not sold in North America and thus will not be the main focus of this guide.
Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
All generations of the Mitsubishi Outlander require at least 87-octane unleaded gas. However, 3-liter V6 models and 3rd-gen PHEV models are recommended to be filled up with premium 91-octane gas for optimum performance.
1st-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander (CU/ZE/ZF) (2003 to 2006)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L 4G63 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.0L 4G63T Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Turbo R) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4G64 SOHC Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4G69 MIVEC Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4G64 GDI Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The debut of the first Mitsubishi Outlander started off as the “ASX Concept” in 2001 for North America, but it wasn’t until the 2003 model year that the production model actually started hitting the showrooms.
Several 2-liter and 2.4-liter I4 engines were offered for the 1st-gen Mitsubishi Outlander, though probably the most sought-after one of them all was the turbocharged 4G63T, the same engine used in the Lancer Evolution of that time, albeit having lesser power.
Popularity aside, all engine options of the 1st-gen Mitsubishi Outlander require at least 87-octane gasoline.
There is no mention of higher-octane gasoline being recommended for the 1st-gen Outlander in its owner’s manual, so filling it up with any gasoline higher than 87-octane is unnecessary.
2nd-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander (CW/ZG/ZH) (2007 to 2013)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4)(Japanese/New Zealand Market) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4B12 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane or Higher Recommended) |
| 2.0L VW TDI Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel(European Market) | Diesel Fuel |
| 2.2L PSA DW12 HDI Inline-4 (I4) Diesel(European Market) | Diesel Fuel |
| 2.3L 4N14 Di-D MIVEC Inline-4 (I4) Diesel(European Market) | Diesel Fuel |
The 2nd-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was unveiled in 2006 for the 2007 model year sporting a completely new lineup of engines.
The base engine for the 2nd-gen Outlander was the 2.4-liter 4B12 I4 equipped with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC technology (similar to Honda’s VTEC).
A 3-liter V6 option was also available and was actually the debut engine used in the 2nd-gen Outlander’s unveiling in North America.
A smaller 2-liter 4B11 I4 engine was only offered for both the Japanese and New Zealand markets, while three different diesel engine options powered European-sold models.
All gasoline engine options of the 2nd-gen Mitsubishi Outlander can take regular 87-octane gas, though Mitsubishi recommends using 91-octane gas or higher for the 3-liter V6 to optimally extract every single horsepower it has.
3rd-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL) (2013 to 2021)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L 4J11 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4B12/4J12 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane or Higher Recommended) |
| 2.0L 4B11 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Meiden S61/Y61 Electric Motor)(Outlander PHEV) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane or Higher Recommended) |
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Meiden S61/Y61 Electric Motor)(Outlander PHEV) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane or Higher Recommended) |
| 2.3L 4N14 Di-D MIVEC Inline-4 (I4) Diesel(European Market) | Diesel Fuel |
By the 2013 model year, Mitsubishi introduced the redesigned 3rd-generation Outlander, though it wasn’t until the following year that it was actually sold in North American dealerships.
The 4J11, a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, served as the base powerplant of the 3rd-gen Mitsubishi Outlander, while a bigger 2.4-liter 4B12/4J12 I4 option was also offered should you prefer more oomph.
But of course, both of these engines are easily beaten power-wise by the top-spec 3-liter V6 that was carried over from the last generation.
The 3rd-gen model also introduced the first plug-in hybrid version called the Outlander PHEV, which can come with either a 2-liter 4B11 or a 2.4-liter 4B12 engine equipped with a hybrid system.
All of the above-mentioned engine options can run on regular 87-octane gas, though the 3-liter V6 and both of the PHEV engines are recommended to be filled up with premium 91-octane gas for the best power delivery.
4th-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander (GM/GN/ZM) (2022 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.5L PR25DD Inline-4 (I4) (GM4W) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV (GN0W)(S91/YA1 Electric Motor)(Outlander PHEV) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The newest Mitsubishi Outlander model is the 4th iteration of the nameplate, seemingly taking design cues from the latest Pajero/Montero mid-size SUV sold worldwide and primarily powered by two new inline-4 engines.
The standard engine of choice goes by the “PR25DD” code, which is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s actually made by Nissan for the Rogue compact crossover SUV and several other models.
The PHEV version of the 2.4-liter 4B12 engine also makes its return for the newest Mitsubishi Outlander with two new electric motors (S91 at the front and YA1 at the rear).
Even when talking about the latest engines for the 4th-gen Mitsubishi Outlander, the minimum fuel requirements for both of them still remain at regular 87-octane gasoline.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander can be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline, reformulated gasoline, and up to 10 or 15% ethanol blends (E-10/E-15) while also maintaining the minimum 87-octane requirement.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
The use of TOP TIER detergent gasoline is recommended by many major automakers for their vehicles, and this includes Mitsubishi with its Outlander models.
TOP TIER fuel has been around since 2004, and over 60 different fuel brands have adopted its formulation in the gasoline (and diesel) that they sell.
The reason for its popularity is that TOP TIER fuel has a higher concentration of detergent additives, which are primarily targeted toward cleaning your engine from the buildup of any debris or gunk.
With the help of such additives tidying up your engine internals, optimum engine performance is maintained every time you push the pedal down.
Spotting fuel that’s been manufactured according to TOP TIER standards is as easy as looking for its respective label at your local gas pump.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Aside from TOP TIER fuel, Mitsubishi also recommends the use of reformulated gasoline for the Outlander due to its environmental benefits.
Reformulated gasoline is a relatively modern type of gasoline that contains less toxic ingredients than conventional gasoline, enabling it to burn more cleanly and reduce the emission of ozone and other air toxins.
At the time of this writing, over 30% of gasoline sold in the states is reformulated gasoline, so it’s quite a common type of fuel that’s safe to use for the majority of vehicles on the road.
And of course, don’t forget to stick to the minimum 87-octane requirement for the Mitsubishi Outlander when you do fill up with reformulated gasoline (or any sort of gas at all).
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15)
The Mitsubishi Outlander is capable of taking gasoline blended with the oxygenate “Ethanol”, though the exact percentage will vary depending on the generation of the SUV.
The owner’s manuals of 1st to 3rd-gen Mitsubishi Outlander models state that they are capable of taking up to 10% ethanol, otherwise known as “E-10”.
On the other hand, newer 4th-gen Outlander models had their ethanol limitations raised to 15% content, or “E-15”.
Vehicles that can take either E-10 or E-15 fuel are not considered Flex-Fuel vehicles (FFVs), so they will come equipped with a regular black gas cap instead of a yellow one.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Mitsubishi Outlander
Avoid filling up the Mitsubishi Outlander with gasoline containing MMT, E-85/Flex-Fuel, methanol, metallic or silicon-based additives, and any gasoline with a lower octane rating than 87.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
MMT has been used for decades as an octane booster in gasoline, though stricter and more modern regulations point out its detrimental effects on both your vehicle and the environment.
The use of MMT is not recommended by the manufacturer for the Mitsubishi Outlander, as it’s notorious for causing damage to your spark plugs and other emission system components.
Furthermore, MMT, being a manganese-based additive, is toxic when emitted from your exhaust system, so you and everybody else’s lungs will thank you if you choose not to use it.
E-85/Flex-Fuel
As we’ve discussed earlier, the Mitsubishi Outlander is limited to 10 or 15% ethanol content depending on the generation. Anything above that, especially E-85/Flex-Fuel, is completely out of the question.
E-85 or “Flex-Fuel” can contain up to 85% ethanol, and using excessive amounts of ethanol in a non-Flex-Fuel vehicle can corrode and damage all sorts of plastic and metal parts in the engine and fuel system.
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to spot a vehicle that’s capable of using E-85/Flex-Fuel, as it will come equipped with a special yellow fuel cap, something that the Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t have.
Methanol and Metallic/Silicon-Based Additives
Part of the list of fuels that you shouldn’t use for the Mitsubishi Outlander is methanol, otherwise known as “wood alcohol”.
Mitsubishi doesn’t recommend using methanol for the Outlander, as it can potentially damage fuel system components and hinder the vehicle’s normal performance.
Methanol is also commonly used as a race fuel in motorsports, so unless you’re turning your Mitsubishi Outlander into some sort of rally car, there is no reason for you to use it at all.
In addition to methanol, any metallic or silicon-based additive is also off-limits for the Outlander, as it can also cause damage to fuel system components, much like the MMT additive that we’ve already touched upon.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type, such as using gasoline with too low of an octane rating than what’s required, can result in decreased engine performance, the presence of engine knock, and potential damage to the engine internals.
Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a combined gas mileage of 20 to 26 mpg (1st gen), 19 to 27 mpg (2nd gen), 21 to 28 mpg (3rd gen), and 26 to 27 mpg (4th gen) depending on the engine option.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models can achieve 25 to 26 combined mpg (gas only) and 74 combined MPGe (gas+electric).
1st-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage (CU/ZE/ZF) (2003 to 2006)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.0L Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 19 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg |
| 2.0L Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 19 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg |
| 2.4L Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 18 to 19 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg |
| 2.4L Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 18 mpg | 23 to 25 mpg | 20 to 21 mpg |
2nd-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage (CW/ZG/ZH) (2007 to 2013)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.0L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4)(2WD) | 23 to 25 mpg | 29 to 30 mpg | 26 to 27 mpg |
| 2.0L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4)(4WD) | 23 to 24 mpg | 28 to 29 mpg | 25 to 26 mpg |
| 2.4L 4B12 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4)(2WD) | 20 to 23 mpg | 25 to 28 mpg | 22 to 25 mpg |
| 2.4L 4B12 DOHC MIVEC Inline-4 (I4)(4WD) | 20 to 22 mpg | 25 to 27 mpg | 22 to 24 mpg |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6(2WD) | 17 to 19 mpg | 24 to 26 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6(4WD) | 17 to 19 mpg | 23 to 24 mpg | 19 to 21 mpg |
3rd-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL) (2013 to 2021)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.0L 4J11 Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 23 to 25 mpg | 29 to 32 mpg | 25 to 28 mpg |
| 2.0L 4J11 Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 23 to 24 mpg | 29 to 30 mpg | 26 to 27 mpg |
| 2.4L 4B12/4J12 Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 22 to 25 | 28 to 30 | 25 to 27 |
| 2.4L 4B12/4J12 Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 22 to 24 mpg | 27 to 29 mpg | 24 to 26 mpg |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6 (2WD) | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| 3.0L 6B31 SOHC MIVEC V6 (4WD) | 19 to 20 mpg | 24 to 27 mpg | 21 to 23 mpg |
| 2.0L 4B11 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Gasoline Only) | 25 mpg (Combined) | ||
| 2.0L 4B11 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Gas + Electric) | 74 MPGe (Combined) | ||
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Gasoline Only) | 25 mpg (Combined) | ||
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV(Gas + Electric) | 74 MPGe (Combined) | ||
4th-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage (GM/GN/ZM) (2022 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.5L PR25DD Inline-4 (I4) (GM4W)(2WD) | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg |
| 2.5L PR25DD Inline-4 (I4) (GM4W)(4WD) | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg |
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV (GN0W)(Gasoline Only) | 26 mpg (Combined) | ||
| 2.4L 4B12 Inline-4 (I4) PHEV (GN0W)(Gas + Electric) | 74 MPGe (Combined) | ||
Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Tank Size/Capacity Per Generation
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a gas tank size of 15.7 gallons (1st gen), 15.8 to 16.6 gallons (2nd gen), 11.3 to 16.6 gallons (3rd gen), and 11.3 to 14.8 gallons (4th gen) depending on the trim level.
| Mitsubishi OutlanderGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
1st Generation(CU/ZE/ZF)(2003 to 2006) | 2.4L I4 (LS) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) |
| 2.4L I4 (XLS) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 (SE) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 (Limited) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
2nd Generation(CW/ZG/ZH)(2007 to 2013) | 2.4L I4 FWD (SE) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) |
| 2.4L I4 FWD (ES) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 FWD (LS) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 FWD (XLS) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 FWD (ES) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 FWD (GT) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (SE) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (ES) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 AWD (LS) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 AWD (XLS) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 AWD (GT) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
3rd Generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL)(2013 to 2021) | 2.4L I4 FWD (SE) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) |
| 2.4L I4 FWD (SEL) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 FWD (ES) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 FWD (LE) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 FWD (SP) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 FWD (GT) | 16.6 gal (62.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (SE) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (SEL) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (ES) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (LE) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 AWD (SP) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 AWD (GT) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.0L I4 Hybrid (SEL) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.0L I4 Hybrid (GT) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (SEL) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (LE) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (GT) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
4th Generation(GM/GN/ZM)(2022 to 2023/Present) | 2.5L I4 (SE) | 14.5 gal (55 l) |
| 2.5L I4 (ES) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 (SEL) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SE Launch Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SE Special Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SEL Launch Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SEL Special Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SEL Black Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(SEL 40th Anniversary Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(Black Edition) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.5L I4(Ralliart) | 14.5 gal (55 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (SEL)(2022) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (LE)(2022) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (GT)(2022) | 11.3 gal (42.8 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (SEL)(2023) | 14.8 gal (56 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (LE)(2023) | 14.8 gal (56 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid (GT)(2023) | 14.8 gal (56 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 Hybrid(40th Anniversary)(2023) | 14.8 gal (56 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
