Mitsubishi announced a PHEV version of its recently launched 2022 Outlander, with a 54-mile electric-only range and 4WD.
The Japanese automaker is very well known in enthusiasts and rallying circles thanks to the legendary Evolution and Tommi Mäkinen duo. Unfortunately, the Evo has long been out of sight due to the constantly evolving shift towards crossovers and EVs. Hence, today, Mitsubishi’s bread and butter model is the Outlander, a compact crossover/SUV with three seating rows.
The origins of the Outlander PHEV date back to 2014 when plug-in hybrid technology was still relatively nascent in the segment. The PHEV version was quite popular among buyers, both in North America and Europe; however, declining demand for the brand in recent years forced Mitsubishi to get into an alliance with Nissan and Renault. As a result, the all-new 2022 Outlander shares most of its components with the Nissan Rogue.
The Outlander PHEV is largely similar to the regular model outside, with some minor differences. The front fascia starts with a large and intimidating SUV-like stance, courtesy of two identical slim DRLs contrasting with the signature Mitsubishi intake grille with chrome strips and hexagonal openings. Mitsubishi enhanced the appearance with all-LED headlamps and large C-shaped chrome elements along with the radiator grille.
The exuberance continues down the sides, too, with the 18’ or 20’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, redesigned windows, and prominent body lines visible from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. Over to the rear, the Outlander PHEV receives split LED taillamps that hint at some older Mitsubishi’s. Finally, a black roof and spoiler contrast the rest of the body, bringing a character to the crossover.
Download every Mitsubishi Outlander manual you might need here!
The main differentiating factor between the regular and the plug-in boils down to the addition of an electric battery and motor. For context, the Outlander PHEV receives a larger 20 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, providing 54 miles (18-inch wheels) and 51.1 miles of range (20 inches) on a single charge. That’s quite competitive; for instance, the Toyota RAV4 Prime boasts an 18.1-kWh battery, enough for a 42-mile range (EPA). It’s important to note here, though, that Outlander’s range was tested on the more forgiving WLTC standard.
Mitsubishi kept all other numbers under wraps, so we still don’t have the power figures. There are also no details on the ICE, although sources mostly suggest that the PHEV will pack by the same 2.4-liter i4 engine pushing out 126 hp. When combined with the two electric motors, the power figures jump up to a reasonable 224 hp.
Still, it claimed that the overall power went up by 40%, meaning it should be north of 300 hp. Augmenting this setup is Mitsubishi’s very own Super All-Wheel Control 4WD System and Active Yaw Control (AYC) on the rear wheels, distributing power to the front wheels in case of a slip. In addition, torque vectoring and booster functionalities individually control each wheel to ensure maximum available traction in any situation.
Trying to make its mark on the North American market once more, the Japanese carmaker also emphasized creating a comfortable and spacious cabin in the Outlander PHEV. Thus, the crossover gets a third seating row. Additionally, Mitsubishi replaced the outdated infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch driver’s cockpit display with compatibility for navigation and standard phone connectivity features.
Furthermore, the center dashboard and seats are finished in eye-catching dual-tone orange and black accents, although other colors will be available. Last but not least, drivers get to choose from seven different driving modes (Normal, Sport, Rock, Snow, etc.) with the backing of MI-Pilot’s suite of driver assistance systems (active cruise control, lane centering, emergency braking, collision warning).
Overall, the Outlander PHEV seems to be a big step forward over its predecessor and should be very competitive. It will be unveiled in phases starting from Japan by the end of this year, in Australia and New Zealand at the beginning of Q1 2022, and in mid-2022 for the North American market.
Gallery: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (JDM Version)
