After several teasers and a design preview, Mitsubishi has officially unveiled the plug-in hybrid variant of the Outlander that is bringing more power, technology, refinement, and safety, plus a significantly increased electric range compared to its predecessor. Sales of the electrified SUV will start from Japan on Dec 15, followed by Australia and New Zealand in the first half of 2022, before it finally arrives in North America in the second half of 2022.
Starting from the most important updates, the battery has a capacity of 20 kW offering an all-electric range of up to 54 miles (87 km) according to the WLTC cycle. This is more than double compared to its predecessor’s 24 miles (39 km) WLTP all-electric range from a smaller 13.8 kWh battery pack. Additionally, the new Outlander PHEV’s combined range has been further increased thanks to an enlarged gas tank.
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Mitsubishi still hasn’t revealed the exact power and torque figures of the new-generation PHEV system nor the type of the gasoline engine, but it could be the same 126 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder that was also found in the outgoing Outlander PHEV. In any case, the company claims a 40 percent higher output for the front and rear electric motors. The power drive unit for the front motor comes with a “booster function” that raises the supply of voltage while improving the efficiency of the generator. The rear motor is unified with the control unit allowing for more cabin space and better noise insulation.
The driver has access to seven drive modes including Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Eco, and Power which makes the most out of the PHEV powertrain for the best possible acceleration. One-pedal drive is also possible thanks to the regenerative braking system.
Another important update is the evolved Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) that is managing the distribution of power in both axles, combined with the new Active Yaw Control (AYC) torque vectoring system for the rear wheels. Thanks to the new systems and the more rigid chassis of the new generation which is shared with the Nissan Rogue/X-Trail, the Outlander PHEV is a lot better in terms of handling and performance compared to the previous model.
In terms of design, the Japanese company had already shown us the exterior and the interior of the Outlander PHEV which looks identical to the regular Outlander setting aside the badges on the front doors and tailgate, plus the addition of a charging port mirroring the fuel cap. Even the 20-inch wheels are the same with higher trim levels of its ICE-powered sibling that was introduced in early 2021.
The dashboard retains the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen which get additional graphics for the plug-in hybrid system. The SUV also retains all three rows of seats thanks to the clever packaging of the plug-in hybrid system. However, Mitsubishi didn’t reveal data for the luggage space for us to compare. Speaking of the boot, there is an AC outlet that can provide power to electric devices.
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In terms of safety, the evolved MI-PILOT driver assistance technology combines the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) systems while it automatically adjusts the vehicle speed according to speed limits or the information coming from the navigation system (Navi-link). It can also automatically start the vehicle after 30 seconds of stopping in traffic.
Mitsubishi will announce pricing and trim levels of the Outlander PHEV for the U.S. market closer to the North American market launch which, as reported earlier, is scheduled for the second half of 2022.
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