Every California smog check term and question, plainly defined
What should I know about Mitsubishi smog checks in California?
Mitsubishi vehicles pass California smog reliably in most cases. The most notable watch point is the Outlander PHEV — it is not smog-exempt and must complete a combustion drive cycle before testing. The Mirage 1.2L three-cylinder is one of the cleanest naturally-aspirated engines in the fleet.
Outlander PHEV 2.4L (2018+): plug-in hybrid — not exempt from smog inspection; combustion mode drive required for 30+ miles before testing to set readiness monitors
Eclipse Cross 1.5T (2018-2021) and 2.4L PHEV (2022+): direct-injection turbo; moderate carbon buildup risk at 80,000+ miles; PHEV variant not exempt
Mirage and Mirage G4 1.2L three-cylinder: naturally-aspirated low-displacement engine with excellent emissions compliance and rare smog failures
Outlander 3.0L V6 (2014-2021): reliable compliance record; EVAP system aging on older examples causes P0441/P0442
Older Mitsubishi (Galant, Eclipse, Lancer 2001-2012): catalytic converter aging after 150,000+ miles on 2.4L engine is the primary watch point
Mitsubishi no longer sells the i-MiEV BEV in the U.S. — if one is encountered, it is BEV-exempt
Per BAR inspection data and Mitsubishi TSB documentation.