From ES to NOIR: How to Choose a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander gives every buyer a strong foundation, no matter which trim they pick. All seven trims share...
The 2026 Mitsubishi RVR is a compact, easy-to-park SUV with seating for five and up to 1,402 litres of cargo space behind the front seats. Most of the lineup comes with Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, and that system turns into the RVR’s most useful feature once the first snowfall arrives.
So what does AWC actually do, which trims have it, and how should you use its three drive modes when the roads turn white? Here is a friendly walk-through of the system and the winter features that come with it.
What All-Wheel Control Does
All-Wheel Control gives the driver a choice in how engaged the all-wheel drive system is. Three settings sit at the touch of a button, letting you balance fuel economy against all-wheel drive capability depending on the day.
On a dry highway, you can keep things efficient. When snow covers the road, you can send power to all four wheels. That flexibility is the core idea behind AWC: the driver decides how much traction help the RVR uses, and can change that choice with one button as the weather changes.
The Three AWC Drive Modes
Each mode has a clear job:
- 2WD keeps the RVR in front-wheel drive regardless of driving conditions, for economical driving on normal dry roads and highways.
- 4WD AUTO provides on-demand all-wheel drive, adjusting to road and driving conditions for traction, high-speed stability and predictable handling.
- 4WD LOCK is an always-on, full-time setting that sends an even split of the engine’s power to all four wheels, helping on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads.
In practice, 4WD AUTO is a sensible everyday choice through the winter months, since it responds to changing conditions on its own. Switch to 4WD LOCK on unplowed side streets, snowy driveways or slick parking lots, where steady power to all four wheels helps the RVR get moving. Once the roads are dry again, 2WD keeps fuel use down.
Which 2026 RVR Trims Include AWC?
The 2026 RVR lineup includes six trims. The base ES FWD uses front-wheel drive only. Every other trim comes standard with AWC and the drive mode selector:
- ES AWC: 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque
- SE AWC, SEL AWC, NOIR AWC and GT AWC: 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine, 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque
All trims use a continuously variable transmission. Mitsubishi rates the ES FWD at 8.8 L/100 km combined, the ES AWC at 9.2 L/100 km combined, and the 2.4 L AWC trims at 9.4 L/100 km combined. The 2WD mode helps keep consumption in check on clear days, so AWC owners only use full all-wheel drive when the road calls for it.
For buyers who face snow every winter, the ES AWC is the most affordable way into an RVR with all-wheel capability, and the SE AWC adds the larger 2.4 L engine for more power.
Winter Features Beyond the Drivetrain
AWC handles traction, but the RVR also comes ready for cold mornings. Every 2026 RVR includes heated front seats, heated power side-view mirrors, auto LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic climate control. Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control Logic (TCL) and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard across the lineup.
The SE AWC adds LED fog lights, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The SEL AWC brings a heated steering wheel, heated and power-folding side-view mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels. The GT AWC includes a remote starter as standard equipment, so the cabin can warm up before you step outside. On the other trims, a remote starter is a Mitsubishi Genuine Accessory.
Winter Accessories Worth a Look
Mitsubishi offers several genuine accessories for the RVR that suit a snowy season. The list includes a block heater, a remote starter, all-weather floor guards, a cargo liner, front and rear mudguards and side window deflectors. These parts are designed specifically for the RVR and are covered under a Mitsubishi Motors warranty.
Pair AWC with a set of winter tires and a few of these accessories, and the RVR is well prepared for the months ahead. Every RVR is also backed by Mitsubishi’s 10-year/160,000 km powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.
Key Takeaways
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Which RVR trims have AWC? |
ES AWC, SE AWC, SEL AWC, NOIR AWC and GT AWC |
|
Which trim is front-wheel drive only? |
ES FWD |
|
What are the AWC drive modes? |
2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK |
|
Best mode for snow-covered roads |
4WD LOCK |
|
Engine on ES trims |
2.0 L 4-cylinder, 148 hp / 145 lb-ft |
|
Engine on SE and above |
2.4 L 4-cylinder, 168 hp / 167 lb-ft |
|
Heated front seats |
Standard on every trim |
|
Heated steering wheel |
SEL AWC and above |
Learn More at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi
Curious how AWC feels on a winter road? Visit our team at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi in Thunder Bay to learn more about the 2026 RVR and try the drive mode selector for yourself.
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