Special editions are rarely special and that’s clear with the unveiling of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV 40th Anniversary Editions.

We’ll get to the crossovers in a moment but, as the name suggests, the models are designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors North America.  However, the company turned 40 in 2021, so claims they “recently celebrated its 40th anniversary” are a stretch to say the least.

Furthermore, the automaker noted Mitsubishi vehicles had actually been sold in the United States prior to 1981, but they sported Dodge and Plymouth badging thanks to a partnership with Chrysler.  However, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America was born in 1981 and started selling vehicles from an initial network that consisted of 70 dealers.

Also: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Starts At $39,845 And Offers 38 Miles Of Electric-Only Range

Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late

Putting that history lesson aside, the Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition is based on the SEL Premium trim and features unique badging as well as a Black Diamond exterior with a contrasting Bronze roof.  Other special touches include an illuminated grille and scuff plates.

The Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition costs $39,995 and also comes equipped with semi-aniline leather seats with front and rear heating.  Buyers will also find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a 9-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.  Other highlights include a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque.  It’s paired to a continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.

The Outlander PHEV 40th Anniversary Edition is virtually identical, but it starts at $49,995 and has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 20 kWh battery pack, and two electric motors.  This setup enables the model to travel 38 miles (61 km) on electricity alone and have a combined output of 248 hp (185 kW / 251 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.

Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late
Mitsubishi Forgets What Year It Is, Introduces Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition Two Years Late