Mitsubishi reveals next-gen Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Motors’ north American division has launched the new Outlander PHEV, a popular plug-in SUV that has been one of the brand’s most successful models on both sides of the pond. It is in fact the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV. This time round there is an all-new hybrid electric drivetrain with more power, more torque and more all-electric range than previous generations. Mark Chaffin, Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO, says that the brand is “resetting the standard by which all PHEVs should be measured.”

Visually, the Outlander PHEV shares the same ‘Bold Stride’ design language as the standard Outlander, which was updated in 2022. An evolution of the previous generation, it bears Mitsubishi’s distinctive X-shaped front grille known as the “Dynamic Shield”, which can be seen on other models like the L200 and even its tiny new Kei car).

It is quite busy at the front end, with a mish mash of air intakes, lights and bumper bulges. The new oval-shaped headlights in particular have become a dominant feature, shifting from the lower to upper mask. The low and high beams sit lower down than before, with those razor thin headlights now housing only DRLs. A familiar shoulder line runs through to the rear, meeting the taillights that wrap around into the rear quarter panel. Slightly flared arches help to create stance where previously there was very little, and it is altogether more muscular than before.

On the inside, there is an attractive mix of tan and black leather, with gloss black and chrome accents throughout. Contrast stitching and the seats and door cards create more of a premium feel. In terms of HMI, the industry standard duo of digital displays – one on the IP and another behind the steering wheel – combine with various physical buttons mounted on the IP, steering wheel and drive selector on the centre console.

Strangely, Mitsubishi boasts that the interior is “virtually identical” to the 2022 Outlander, perhaps leaning on the mantra of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It is a little busy, but perhaps understandable given the array of tech on offer. Mitsubishi says this is the “best-equipped, most connected vehicle” it has ever sold in the US.

Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in SUVs, and is drawing on the success of the Pajero and Shogun (embarrassingly renamed as the Montero in Spanish-speaking countries due to a rude translation) with the new Outlander PHEV.

Compared to those sold in the 1980s and 1990s, the latest generation of plug-in SUV is perhaps a little less rugged in terms of styling, but Mitsubishi emphasises that they are still capable off the beaten track thanks to an updated version of its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system. The body has also been designed to safeguard the battery pack when off-roading, and there are seven different drive modes, including tarmac, gravel, snow and mud.

The 2023 model will offer 38 miles of electric driving on a full charge (although this can vary wildly depending on driving style, of course.) That 20kWh battery pack can be charged from zero to 80% in about 38 minutes, again depending on the charger being used. A 2.4-litre petrol engine combines with the electric motors to produce 248bhp and 332lb-ft of torque. Like other BEVs and PHEVs hitting the market, that battery can be used as a portable power source, particularly useful when camping. A 1500w AC power supply means it can power portable cookers and lights, but also serve as a stop-gap at home during a power outage.

For the design community the livestreamed event (consisting primarily of B-roll footage) gave very little to work with. The pre-recorded presentation was led by an actor and offered no input from executives or the design team. There was plenty of flowery language (the Outlander’s combined 420-mile range is described as “nearly unlimited” for some reason) that suggests this was a launch for the consumer as opposed to the motoring press.

At any rate, the latest generation of the Outlander PHEV appears to promise more than it ever has, so should be a hit with those in the market for a plug-in SUV. It will hit North American showrooms from November 2022.