{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-se","audioUrl":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/talkingcarsmp3/2603CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_499.mp3?dest-id=212382","description":"We purchased a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE for our test program and share our first impressions of the updated compact SUV, including its new 48-volt mild-hybrid turbo engine, improved interior controls, and why the tiny third row and rough ride may give shoppers pause. We also discuss whether a hybrid system may harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?   Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - Overview: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 02:10 - What we liked 07:39 - What we disliked 18:16 - Would you buy it? 25:07 - Question: Could the hybrid system harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?   ----------------------------------  Test Results: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Which Brands Make the Best Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT"},"annotations":[{"startTime":81.0,"endTime":86.1,"type":"term","title":"mild hybrid","url":"/glossary/mild-hybrid","quote":"And if you don't know what a mild hybrid is, basically, so it used this 48-volt system as an integrated starter generator instead of a traditional alternator.","canonicalId":"term:mild-hybrid","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A mild hybrid is a hybrid system that assists the engine but doesn’t typically drive the car on electricity alone. It’s designed to improve efficiency by adding features like regenerative charging and start/stop assistance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A mild hybrid helps the gas engine work more efficiently, but it usually can’t run the car by itself on electricity. It mainly helps with things like turning the engine off when you’re stopped or coasting."}},{"startTime":107.9,"endTime":115.7,"type":"brand","title":"Yamaha audio systems","url":"/glossary/yamaha-audio-systems","quote":"So, and the third thing is Yamaha audio systems. And I know that's a weird thing to bring up, but it's just not something you see in, you know, obviously Yamaha has been around a long time with home audio systems, but you just don't see Yamaha audio systems that much in cars.","canonicalId":"brand:yamaha-audio-systems","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Yamaha is known for audio equipment, and when its name appears on a car, it usually indicates a tuned or branded premium sound system. It’s a differentiator because many vehicles use more common mainstream audio suppliers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Yamaha is a company that makes high-quality audio gear. If a car has “Yamaha” in the sound system, it usually means the speakers/amplifier setup is designed to deliver better audio than the basic system."}},{"startTime":145.4,"endTime":149.6,"type":"concept","title":"options","url":"/glossary/options","quote":"It did cost $42,680 and it's an SEO wheel drive, but keep in mind our test car, we didn't really want to necessarily have all these things, but it does have about $5,000 worth of options.","canonicalId":"concept:options","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Options” are add-on features that increase the vehicle’s price beyond the base trim. The speaker notes the test car had about $5,000 worth of options, which is important when comparing pricing between trims or versions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Options are extra features you can add to a car, like convenience or tech upgrades. They can add a lot of cost, so it matters when you compare prices."}},{"startTime":237.4,"endTime":242.6,"type":"term","title":"touch screen","url":"/glossary/touchscreen","quote":"It is refreshing to get into a redesigned or refreshed model and not have everything be all touch screen or capacitive touch panels...","canonicalId":"term:touchscreen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Touch screens are infotainment displays you control by tapping rather than using physical buttons. The speakers prefer physical controls here because they can be easier to use quickly and reliably while driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A touch screen is the kind of screen you press with your finger to control things. They’re saying they like real buttons better because they’re often quicker and easier to use."}},{"startTime":251.7,"endTime":257.7,"type":"term","title":"tachometer","url":"/glossary/tachometer","quote":"I guess, a digital analog tachometer. We're seeing fewer and fewer tachometers these days, or sometimes they're these little weird bars that aren't very helpful.","canonicalId":"term:tachometer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A tachometer measures engine RPM (revolutions per minute). It helps drivers understand how hard the engine is working and can be useful for smooth shifting and staying in the right power band.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tachometer tells you how fast the engine is spinning. It’s measured in RPM, and it can help you drive more smoothly and know when the engine is working harder."}},{"startTime":267.3,"endTime":271.8,"type":"term","title":"digital instrument clusters","url":"/glossary/digital-instrument-clusters","quote":"And that's the nice thing about the digital instrument clusters is that you can do that before, obviously, back in the day.","canonicalId":"term:digital-instrument-clusters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with screens that can display different information. It often allows customization and clearer layouts, depending on the vehicle’s software and settings.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of classic round gauges, a digital instrument cluster uses a screen to show your speed, RPM, and other info. Some cars let you change what you see."}},{"startTime":311.8,"endTime":318.9,"type":"concept","title":"tweener","url":"/glossary/tweener","quote":"The idea that this is a tweener, it's not a small SUV. It's not quite a three-row midsize SUV.","canonicalId":"concept:tweener","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Tweener” is a marketing and sizing term for a vehicle that sits between two common categories. In this case, the speaker says it’s not a small SUV and also not a full three-row midsize SUV, so it targets buyers who want something in the middle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “tweener” is a car that doesn’t fit neatly into one size category. It’s kind of in-between a smaller SUV and a bigger, three-row family SUV."}},{"startTime":325.3,"endTime":331.7,"type":"part","title":"bolsters","url":"/glossary/bolsters","quote":"A combination of pretty pronounced bolsters on both the bottom cushion and the seat back that holds you in place really well...","canonicalId":"part:bolsters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Seat bolsters are the raised side sections of the seat cushion and backrest that help hold you in position. Pronounced bolsters can improve lateral support, reducing how much you move during cornering or uneven roads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bolsters are the padded sides of the seat. They help keep you from sliding around and can make the seat feel more supportive."}},{"startTime":336.9,"endTime":339.3,"type":"term","title":"lateral supportive","url":"/glossary/lateral-supportive","quote":"they're both supportive in terms of laterally supportive and just comfortable for me.","canonicalId":"term:lateral-supportive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lateral support” means the seat provides support from the sides, helping keep your torso positioned. This is especially noticeable in turns, where side support can reduce fatigue and improve comfort.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Lateral support” means the seat supports you from the sides. That can help you feel steadier and less tired, especially when driving around corners."}},{"startTime":380.8,"endTime":382.4,"type":"term","title":"Seatback reclines","url":"/glossary/seatback-reclines","quote":"I still have good headroom back there. Seatback reclines. The seat moves forward and backward.","canonicalId":"term:seatback-reclines","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Seatback recline refers to how far the seat’s backrest can tilt backward. More recline range can improve comfort on longer trips, but it can also affect rear-seat space and how much room the front seats have.","simplifiedExplanation":"Seatback reclines means the back of the seat can tilt backward. That can make the ride more comfortable, especially for longer trips."}},{"startTime":382.4,"endTime":384.5,"type":"term","title":"The seat moves forward and backward","url":"/glossary/the-seat-moves-forward-and-backward","quote":"Seatback reclines. The seat moves forward and backward. Thought under leg support was pretty good.","canonicalId":"term:the-seat-moves-forward-and-backward","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fore-aft seat travel is how much a seat can slide toward or away from the front of the vehicle. In rear seats, it’s often used to balance legroom between front and back passengers, and it can also help accommodate different body sizes.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means the seat can slide forward or backward. In the back seat, that helps you adjust legroom for whoever’s sitting there."}},{"startTime":412.0,"endTime":416.6,"type":"term","title":"center console intrusion","url":"/glossary/center-console-intrusion","quote":"There is some center console intrusion. That's one of my pet peeves that people who watch the show know about. But this one's, again, well padded for a compact SUV.","canonicalId":"term:center-console-intrusion","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Center console intrusion is when the center tunnel/console takes up space that could otherwise be used for rear-seat comfort—often reducing shoulder room or making the middle seat less usable. It’s a common tradeoff in compact SUVs where packaging constraints limit how flat the floor and space can be.","simplifiedExplanation":"Center console intrusion means the middle area of the back seat gets crowded by the console/tunnel. It can make the middle seat less comfortable or make side-by-side seating feel tighter."}},{"startTime":421.4,"endTime":448.4,"type":"term","title":"hard plastic","url":"/glossary/hard-plastic","quote":"So even though your knee might be rubbing against it, sometimes at least it's not hard plastic. That makes all the difference in the world... But there's a lot of hard plastic everywhere.","canonicalId":"term:hard-plastic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speakers are talking about interior materials—specifically areas made from hard plastic. Hard plastics can feel uncomfortable when your body contacts them (like knees hitting the dash or door area), especially in shorts or tight seating positions.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re comparing interior materials. Some cars use hard plastic in places your knees or arms can touch, which can feel uncomfortable. Softer padding in those spots makes a big difference."}},{"startTime":450.7,"endTime":455.3,"type":"term","title":"padded dashboard","url":"/glossary/padded-dashboard","quote":"Besides the nice looking seats and really well padded dashboard and padded windowsills front and rear.","canonicalId":"term:padded-dashboard","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A padded dashboard refers to the dash top and surrounding surfaces being covered with foam or softer materials. This improves comfort and can reduce injury risk in minor impacts compared with fully rigid surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about the top of the dashboard being covered with softer material. That usually feels nicer and can be safer than bare hard plastic."}},{"startTime":450.7,"endTime":458.2,"type":"term","title":"padded windowsills","url":"/glossary/padded-windowsills","quote":"...really well padded dashboard and padded windowsills front and rear. Quite often in this, you either don't get any windowsill padding up front, but you definitely don't have any in the rear.","canonicalId":"term:padded-windowsills","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Padded windowsills are the lower trim areas beside the windows that your arm or elbow may rest against. More padding generally improves comfort and reduces the chance of rubbing or soreness during longer drives.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are the areas by the windows that you might touch with your arm. If they’re padded, they feel more comfortable than hard trim."}},{"startTime":470.2,"endTime":474.4,"type":"term","title":"perforated steering wheel","url":"/glossary/perforated-steering-wheel","quote":"I like the perforated steering wheel. I know some people might think it's a little thick.","canonicalId":"term:perforated-steering-wheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A perforated steering wheel has small holes in the wheel’s leather or synthetic surface, usually to improve grip and airflow. It can also change the feel—some people find it thicker or more textured than non-perforated wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a steering wheel with little holes in the covering. It can feel grippier and more comfortable, but some people think it feels thicker than other wheels."}},{"startTime":622.4,"endTime":629.2,"type":"term","title":"RPM","url":"/glossary/rpm","quote":"But I noticed like above 3500 RPM, it definitely when that's when the noise really has an uptick. And that's when the buzziness comes about.","canonicalId":"term:rpm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RPM (revolutions per minute) is how fast the engine is spinning. They note that above a certain RPM (around 3500), the noise increases, which helps pinpoint when the engine becomes less refined."}},{"startTime":644.1,"endTime":649.1,"type":"term","title":"wind and road noise","url":"/glossary/wind-and-road-noise","quote":"Also, speaking sort of speaking of noise, I actually thought wind and road noise were pretty well controlled.","canonicalId":"term:wind-and-road-noise","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wind noise is sound from airflow around the body (mirrors, windows, seals), while road noise is tire/road surface sound transmitted into the cabin. Separating them helps evaluate NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) refinement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wind and road noise are the sounds you hear from outside—airflow and tires/road texture. If they’re well controlled, the cabin feels quieter and more comfortable."}},{"startTime":827.54,"endTime":835.3,"type":"term","title":"body roll","url":"/glossary/body-roll","quote":"And I thought the suspensions tuned well in terms of body roll. There's not that much body roll when you kind of pick up the pace on a back road.","canonicalId":"term:body-roll","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Body roll is how much the vehicle leans to one side when cornering. Less body roll usually feels more stable and controlled, especially on back roads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Body roll is when a car leans outward as you turn. If it leans a lot, the ride can feel less stable; if it leans less, it feels more planted."}},{"startTime":990.7,"endTime":997.8,"type":"term","title":"second row slides","url":"/glossary/second-row-slides","quote":"But so then the second row, now it's nice that the second row slides. Now you slide the second row all the way forward.","canonicalId":"term:second-row-slides","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"When the second row “slides,” the seat track allows the entire second-row seat to move forward or backward. This is a common way to improve third-row access and adjust legroom for different seating positions.","simplifiedExplanation":"If the second-row seats slide, you can move them forward or backward to make more room in the back. It helps people get into the third row and can improve legroom."}},{"startTime":1000.7,"endTime":1004.54,"type":"concept","title":"headroom","url":"/glossary/headroom","quote":"That being said, my head is jammed into the ceiling. There is no headroom.","canonicalId":"concept:headroom","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Headroom is the vertical space between a person’s head and the roof. In third-row seating, headroom is often limited due to the vehicle’s roofline and packaging, which can lead to passengers’ heads touching or nearly touching the ceiling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Headroom is how much space you have above your head. In the third row, it can be tight, so taller people may feel like their head is pressed up against the roof."}},{"startTime":1085.3,"endTime":1141.6,"type":"concept","title":"third row seat","url":"/glossary/third-row-seat","quote":"But if you're interested in a third row, then you probably should consider other vehicles... And it has that third row seat if you can make some use of it.","canonicalId":"concept:third-row-seat","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A third row seat is the extra seating behind the second row, typically found on larger compact or midsize SUVs. The tradeoff is usually reduced cargo space or less room/comfort in the third row compared with vehicles designed around three rows.","simplifiedExplanation":"A third row seat is the extra row of seats in the back. It can be great if you truly need it, but it often comes with compromises in space or comfort."}},{"startTime":1160.2,"endTime":1172.9,"type":"term","title":"destination charge","url":"/glossary/destination-charge","quote":"You got to look at the destination charge because on this Outlander, it's $1,745, [1166.1s] which is really expensive for a compact SUV.","canonicalId":"term:destination-charge","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A destination charge is a fee added to the vehicle price to cover shipping the car from the factory to the dealership. It’s often non-negotiable and can materially change the “out-the-door” cost compared with the advertised base price.","simplifiedExplanation":"A destination charge is the cost to ship the car to the dealer. It gets added on top of the advertised price, so you should include it when comparing deals."}},{"startTime":1224.7,"endTime":1239.0,"type":"concept","title":"rebates","url":"/glossary/rebates","quote":"people paying pretty close to sticker even though there are huge rebates available. [1227.7s] So to me, that suggests people slow down, do a little research,","canonicalId":"concept:rebates","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rebates are direct cash discounts offered by the manufacturer, typically tied to eligibility requirements. In this segment, rebates are described as “huge” and potentially underused by shoppers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rebates are cash-back discounts that reduce the price. The point is that shoppers may not realize they qualify, so they miss out on savings."}},{"startTime":1233.4,"endTime":1235.2,"type":"brand","title":"Mitsubishi","url":"/glossary/mitsubishi","quote":"you can go right to the Mitsubishi [1233.4s] website to find this information.","canonicalId":"brand:mitsubishi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mitsubishi is the automaker behind the Outlander and the source of many manufacturer incentives discussed in the segment. The speaker recommends using the Mitsubishi website to find current rebate and incentive details.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mitsubishi is the company that makes the Outlander. They’re saying you can check Mitsubishi’s website to see what discounts and offers are available."}},{"startTime":1274.7,"endTime":1303.8,"type":"concept","title":"warranty","url":"/glossary/warranty","quote":"And what about the warranty? I think you said the warranty is quite long as well... A big warranty addresses that at least for a certain number of years.","canonicalId":"concept:warranty","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to cover repairs for a set time and mileage. The segment highlights how a long warranty can reduce buyer anxiety about long-term reliability, especially when a vehicle or powertrain is new or unproven.","simplifiedExplanation":"A warranty is the agreement that the company will pay for certain repairs for a period of time. The host is saying a longer warranty can make people feel safer about buying the car."}},{"startTime":1390.0,"endTime":1400.0,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Santa Fe","url":"/cars/hyundai/santa-fe","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/2024_Hyundai_Santa_Fe_%28MX5%29_IMG_5295.jpg","quote":"“...looked at the Hyundai Santa Fe. So now if you're actually looking to get a third road that you want to use…”","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:santa-fe","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row midsize SUV that’s commonly cross-shopped with other family-oriented SUVs. Here, it’s used as the pricing and value comparison point against the Mitsubishi Outlander, especially when considering third-row seating.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Santa Fe is another family SUV option. The speaker is basically saying: if the price difference is small, the Santa Fe might be the easier choice.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1529.6,"endTime":1531.52,"type":"company","title":"consumerreports.org","url":"/glossary/consumerreports-org","quote":"So look for that in hopefully a couple months. It'll be up on consumerreports.org.","canonicalId":"company:consumerreports-org","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Consumer Reports is an automotive publication known for structured testing and scoring across many vehicles. The speaker is directing listeners to consumerreports.org for the upcoming Outlander road test results.","simplifiedExplanation":"Consumer Reports is a site that tests and rates cars. They’re saying the full results will be posted on their website."}},{"startTime":1639.8,"endTime":1647.2,"type":"term","title":"cold temperatures","url":"/glossary/cold-temperatures","quote":"The benefit of the thin oil is that it flows easily even at cold temperatures. That way, you can get to all the important engine bits and pieces that needs to protect in time to do its job.","canonicalId":"term:cold-temperatures","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Cold temperatures increase oil viscosity, which can delay lubrication during startup. Using low-viscosity oils helps ensure oil reaches key engine components quickly so protection begins immediately.","simplifiedExplanation":"When it’s cold outside, engine oil doesn’t flow as easily. Thin oil is chosen so it can still lubricate the engine right away."}},{"startTime":1799.9,"endTime":1801.8,"type":"term","title":"cold start","url":"/glossary/cold-start","quote":"Yeah, it's not like cold start every single time. Exactly.","canonicalId":"term:cold-start","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A cold start is when the engine is started from a fully cold condition, before it reaches normal operating temperature. Cold starts can increase wear and emissions because the engine runs differently until it warms up.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cold start is when you start the car before the engine has warmed up. It can be harder on the engine and uses more fuel until things get up to temperature."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Consumer Reports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-se/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}