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 87 km according to the WLTC cycle. This is more than double compared to
its predecessor’s 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.
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.
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.