Update: ‘Powertrain’ and ‘Price & Release Date’ sections updated and ‘TopElectricSUV says’ section added. Show
The plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi Outlander is heading to the U.S. this November. Here’s our preview of the plug-in hybrid SUV, which will replace the first-gen model that arrived in the U.S. in 2016. DesignThe new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has all the same recognizable features as the gasoline model, but not without slight changes. Seeing how good the original design is, this approach will likely please most customers. It keeps the next-gen Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield front face and bold proportions.  The new Outlander PHEV has a special two-tone exterior with a contrasting roof and a ‘PLUG-IN HYBRID EV’ badge on the front fenders. Sure, there’s the customary lid on the left shoulder hiding the charging port, but visual differences end there. Like on the gasoline variant, single-color paint options will be available, and the 20-inch alloy wheels look the same. Adaptive LED headlights, LED DRLs with sequential turn indicators, LED front fog lights, roof spoiler, and LED rear combination lamps are other exterior highlights of the all-new Outlander PHEV in Japan. The redesigned plug-in hybrid SUV is available in Mitsubishi’s home market in ten color options, two dual-tone and eight mono-tone:
InteriorLike on the outside, no drastic changes are observed in the interior. The instrument cluster allows the driver to check the functioning and status of the plug-in hybrid system. It indicates the electric motor and petrol engine’s outputs, the level of charging being achieved from regenerative braking, the charging level, and more. 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, three-zone automatic climate control system, 10-speaker Bose audio system, and MI-PILOT Assist (for semi-autonomous driving on single-lane highways) are some of the equipment highlights of the all-new Outlander PHEV in Japan. On the safety front, Mitsubishi equips its new plug-in hybrid SUV with features like Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). 7-seat layoutA major drawback of the previous-generation Outlander PHEV is that it cannot leverage its large dimensions and accommodate seven passengers like the gasoline or diesel models. The all-new Outlander PHEV, however, has this covered. Three-row seating is optional, though, with a five-seat version ensuring a lower entry price and suitability for customers who need cargo volume. However, in the U.S., three-row seating will be standard.
PowertrainThe 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV clubs a 2.4-liter MIVEC gasoline engine with a 114-hp electric motor at the front and a 134-hp electric motor at the rear. This combination gives 248 hp of combined power and 332 lb.-ft. of combined torque. The electric motors’ energy source is a larger, 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack operating at 350 volts. Mitsubishi has mounted it below the floor and between the wheels to give the 2023 Outlander PHEV a low center of gravity without affecting the ground clearance much. 38 miles of pure electric driving range The 20 kWh battery pack provides an EV mode range of up to 38 miles. That’s a significant improvement over the 2022 model’s 24-mile EV mode range. In addition, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers an extended combined range, as it has a bigger, 14.8-gallon gas tank. While the 2022 model can travel up to 320 miles, the 2023 model offers up to 420 miles of electric-gasoline range. The combined fuel economy, however, is 10 MPGe lower than that of the (five-seat) 2022 model – 64 MPGe. The 2023 Outlander PHEV is the only PHEV from a non-luxury brand in the U.S. that supports DC fast charging. Charging the battery pack to 80% SoC with a DC fast-charger takes approximately 38 minutes. Mitsubishi hasn’t disclosed the full charging time with a Level II AC charger yet, but we think that could be around 7.5 hours. Booster Like in Japan, Mitsubishi may have equipped the front motor’s power drive unit with a booster function, which increases the supply of voltage to the front motor, offering improved performance, while also improving electricity consumption by raising the generator’s efficiency. The company may have unified the rear motor with the control unit so that there’s enough room to add the extra row of seats. Expect the control unit to be on the outside of the passenger compartment, which should provide superior quietness inside the cabin. S-AWC Mitsubishi has likely applied an “evolved” or improved version of its S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) 4WD system in the 2023 Outlander PHEV. In addition to a braking control system for the front wheels, the updated S-AWC has a braking control system to control the brake forces of the rear wheels. It reduces the load on the front wheels and allows extracting the maximum performance from all four wheels in a more balanced manner. The driver can select from Normal, Gravel, Snow, Power, Eco, and two more drive modes.
A new feature many customers may appreciate in the new generation Outlander PHEV will likely be one-pedal driving. This feature could prove to be particularly useful during off-road driving or on snow-clad roads. In optimal driving conditions, customers could be able to use the company’s improved MI-PILOT single-lane ADAS technology on the highways like in Japan. MI-PILOT integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, and it takes into account the navigation data to adjust the vehicle speed. It works even on curves. Announcing FY2020 results in May 2021, Mitsubishi revealed that it is bringing back the Ralliart brand. On August 31, 2022, the company revealed plans to launch Ralliart variants of Outlander PHEV and various other models in the U.S. in early 2023. These models will have unique body effects, graphics, and other rally-style touches, and will be available in a two-tone color scheme with a White Diamond base color and contrasting black roof paint. The official details indicate that the Outlander PHEV Ralliart’s exterior could be similar to the Outlander Ralliart Style showcased at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. Outlander PHEV vs. RAV4 PrimeCompared to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a smaller car from a lower segment. However, Minnesota-based dealer White Bear Mitsubishi has compared the two top-selling PHEVs, and many customers may consider the Japanese SUVs as competitors. Richard Herod from White Bear Mitsubishi says that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an exterior with more rugged and athletic styling and an interior with higher quality materials. The rear doors of the Mitsubishi model open about five inches wider, allowing easy entry and exit. A big advantage over the Toyota PHEV is the standard third-row seats. Moreover, unlike the RAV4 Prime, it allows DC fast-charging. Video Source: YouTube/whitebearautos Price & Release DateMitsubishi has priced the 2023 Outlander PHEV USD 39,845 onwards in the U.S. The MSRP doesn’t include the destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, etc. The destination/handling charge is USD 1,470 in Alaska and Hawaii and USD 1,345 in all other states. The U.S.-spec 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will debut on October 12, 2022, and go on sale in November 2022. Initially, it will be available in select locations, but later, it will become available nationwide. Source: Youtube/White Bear Mitsubishi TopElectricSUV saysThe 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be seen as a great value-for-money family SUV in the U.S. With its seven-seat interior, it will be a unique segment offering and possess an edge over rivals. The family-friendly interior will be in addition to a 40% improvement in the all-electric range and DC fast-charging support. The 2023 Outlander PHEV, with all-round improvements, can become a popular choice for compact plug-in hybrid SUV buyers in the U.S. once it is available nationwide. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV FAQsWhat is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV release date?The all-new Outlander PHEV is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in November 2022. What will be the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV price?The base 2023 Outlander PHEV costs USD 39,845 (excl. destination/handling charge tax, title, license, etc.) in the U.S. Which models will the new Outlander PHEV challenge?Featured Image Source: Mitsubishi With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles. How long does an Outlander PHEV battery last?When you elect to drive the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Canada's Best-Selling Plug-In Hybrid SUV, or a pre-owned EV vehicle, it is equipped with a rechargeable battery to help make your drive eco-friendly. This battery generally lasts anywhere between 8 to 10 years.
How many miles can a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV last?With an electric range of 28 miles, you can cover the everyday journeys like the school run or commute on electric power alone, while you also have a high efficiency petrol engine that provides the perfect balance of fuel economy and performance on longers trips, with a combined range of over 400 miles.
What is the range of a 2022 Outlander PHEV?The 2022 Outlander PHEV combines hybrid power and performance with incredible fuel economy. Stretch your dollars and leave a smaller footprint with a range of up to 24 city miles on a full charge.
What is the real MPG of Outlander PHEV?Find and Compare Cars. |
