Mitsubishi unveils second-gen Outlander PHEV

MITSUBISHI has taken the covers off its second-generation Outlander PHEV with the new mid-sized seven-seat SUV due on sale in Australia from April next year.

Topping the MY22 Outlander line-up, the plug-in hybrid variant is identified by a two-tone paint scheme, PHEV badging, and a second ‘fuel flap’ for its electric charging point. 

Inside, the model’s infotainment system incorporates PHEV-specific content, the model otherwise identical to its conventionally powered siblings.

Under-bonnet details of the new Outlander PHEV – which shares its underpinnings with the next-generation Nissan X-Trail – are being kept under wraps until the model’s world premiere later this month. 

However, it is known that the petrol-electric drivetrain features an electric motor front and rear in addition to a larger battery pack promising greater electric-only range, potentially up to 100km.

For reference, the current model is powered by a 94kW/199Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine which is then boosted by two electric motors – one at the front (60kW/137Nm) and one at the rear (70kW/195Nm) – with a quoted electric-only range of 54km.

The new Outlander PHEV shares its ‘bold stride’ design language with the remainder of the line-up. 

Its prominent front fascia leads to a sharply defined character line running the length of the body with its 20-inch alloy wheels being framed by muscular fender flares which Mitsubishi says denote “powerful and dependable road performance”. 

T-shaped tail-lights and a distinctive PHEV badge dominate the tailgate. The Outlander PHEV is available in 10 paint colours and two interior shades.

Inside, the seven-seat SUV receives a horizontally sculpted dashboard and instrument panel its maker says improves forward visibility. Padded and stitched soft panels feature on the door cards and centre console, while all the Outlander’s instrumentation and displays are designed to be easier to read at a glance.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2022 Outlander PHEV will be revealed closer to the model’s local release in April. 

As before, the new model is expected to compete with the Toyota RAV4 eFour Hybrid range and and Ford’s delayed Escape PHEV.

The petrol-powered Outlander range is already available for order locally and is priced from $34,990 (plus on-road costs). 

Available in both five and seven-seat guises, the mid-size SUV is powered by a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine developing 135kW/245Nm. Front and all-wheel drive variants are available, all matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

“Mitsubishi’s all-new flagship boasts a newly developed platform and powertrain, bold and distinctive exterior styling and a refined and serene interior with high-end finishes and thoughtful engineering touches throughout,” a local Mitsubishi spokesperson said.

“Outlander also features more standard driver connectivity and driver assistance features and a re-engineered, upgraded version of the brand’s signature Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system.”

In addition to the extra surety of the all-wheel-drive system – on some variants – all Outlanders come with the latest suite of airbags and driver assist systems including driver attention alert, forward collision mitigation with cyclist detection and junction assist. 

The model range is also equipped with blind spot warning with brake assist, emergency lane change alert with brake assist, trailer stability assist, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention with more features added at each trim level.