After introducing a new generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander for 2022, the Japanese manufacturer is now revamping its plug-in hybrid version.
The next-generation Outlander PHEV has been introduced to the Japanese market, and Mitsubishi Canada has confirmed to us that this model will make its way to our country in the second half of 2022, obviously for the 2023 model year. .
Aesthetically very similar to the gasoline-powered Outlander, this new plug-in hybrid version will directly tackle models like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and the Ford Escape PHEV.
Photo: Mitsubishi
Rising autonomy
The new Outlander PHEV will feature a 20kWh battery, better than any of its current rivals. The electric range announced by Mitsubishi is 87 kilometers, but this figure may be revised downwards for the North American market. We can still expect a range similar to that of the Toyota RAV4 Prime (68 km), whose battery is 18.1 kWh.
As for recharging, the Outlander PHEV will be able to regain a full charge in 7.5 hours on a level 2 terminal. Like the previous generation model, it can also be recharged at a fast terminal. The battery can then regain up to 80% of its electrons in 38 minutes.
Photo: Mitsubishi
More power
When the battery is depleted, a 2.4-liter gasoline engine (the same as the current model) takes over. Mitsubishi also claims to have increased the size of the fuel tank to allow greater total autonomy.
The power of this motor remains more or less the same (98 kW), but the two electric motors become more lively. At the front, the power goes from 60 to 85 kW while the engine associated with the rear axle goes from 70 to 100 kW.
In order to maximize performance, Mitsubishi has even integrated a Power mode (Power Mode). This makes it possible to obtain the best possible acceleration while maximizing the efficiency of the combustion engine and the two electric motors. Six other driving modes are also accessible from a large dial installed between the two front seats.
Photo: Mitsubishi
As with the outgoing model, Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel drive comes standard with the Outlander PHEV. This is an evolution of the current system, which relies on the fact that the front and rear wheels are driven by independent motors. Word of Mitsubishi, the maneuverability is clearly improved.
Another interesting point is that Mitsubishi is introducing one-pedal driving technology, which is now found on several electric models. It will thus be possible to come to a complete stop simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. A brake pedal obviously remains in place for emergency maneuvers.
Not badly bigger
This new iteration of the Outlander PHEV looks like two drops of water to the model equipped with a traditional gasoline engine. It thus gains a few centimeters compared to the older generation of the Outlander PHEV, which also continues to roll its bump for the 2022 model year.
Photo: Mitsubishi
The wheelbase of the vehicle gains 35 mm, and the total width is increased by 15 mm. This slight gain in space allows the Outlander PHEV to offer a seven-passenger configuration, while the outgoing model was limited to five. At least this is the case for the Japanese market. It remains to be seen whether Mitsubishi Canada will adopt the same strategy, which wouldn’t be surprising since the gasoline-powered Outlander comes standard with a third bench.
The interior presentation was the big weak point of the old Outlander, is it is nicely corrected with this new generation. The materials are of good quality and the general ergonomics are appreciable. A fully digital screen replaces the dials behind the steering wheel, while a nine-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard.
Photo: Mitsubishi
Like the regular Outlander, this new plug-in model will offer a host of driver assistance technologies designed to make it safer. A high-quality Bose sound system is also on the list of options.
Government discounts
With a 20 kWh battery, the Outlander PHEV could be eligible for full subsidies from the governments of Quebec and Canada, which currently total $ 13,000. To be eligible, the base price of the model would have to be below the $ 45,000 mark, which seems very plausible despite the fact that Mitsubishi Canada has not confirmed anything.
Of course, all this is conditional on the eligibility criteria for government credits not changing until the arrival of the Outlander PHEV on our roads.