New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2022 launch) to come with a 7-seat option

The plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi Outlander that went on sale in the U.S. has been revealed online. Pictures and a few details of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are available, with the reveal scheduled on October 28, 2021. The second-gen Outlander PHEV will replace the first-gen model that arrived in the U.S. in 2016.

Design

The 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 the bold proportions.

The new Outlander PHEV has a special two-tone exterior with a contrasting roof and slapped a ‘PLUG-IN HYBRID EV’ badge on the front fenders. Sure, there’s the customary lid on the left-side shoulder hiding the charging port, but visual differences end there. Even the alloy wheels look the same. Like on the gasoline variant, single-color paint options will be available.

The interior also has the same design as the gasoline variant. The instrument cluster has some additional functions, as the battery pack charging indicator in the image below suggests.

20-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, 10.8-inch full-color HUD, 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 gasoline-powered Outlander which should be available on the PHEV.

7-seat option

A major drawback of the present-day 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 should be optional, though, with a five-seat version ensuring a lower entry price and suitability for customers who need cargo volume.

Powertrain

Mitsubishi hasn’t disclosed details about the internal combustion engine of the next-gen Outlander PHEV, but it has talked about how it gets electrical assistance. Like the current vehicle, the all-new model has two separately mounted electric motors, one at the front and another one at the rear. The plug-in hybrid system optimally distributes the driving force between the axles as per the road and driving conditions.

Another commonality with the current Outlander PHEV is the application of the Lancer Evo-derived S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) 4WD system. However, the next-gen model uses an “evolved” or improved version of S-AWC. 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.

Video Source: YouTube/MitsubishiMotorsTV

Mitsubishi says that the new Outlander PHEV has improved motor output and increased battery capacity, and it delivers a greater range, but it hasn’t released numbers. The driver can select from Normal, Gravel, Snow, Power, Eco, and two more drive modes, which the company is yet to reveal. Reports say that the all-new Outlander PHEV could deliver an all-electric range of 100 km/62 miles (WLTC) and beat the Toyota RAV4 Prime’s electric range of 95 km/59 miles (WLTC). More details are to follow on October 28.

Release Date

Mitsubishi plans to launch the next-gen Outlander PHEV in Japan between October 2021 and March 2022 and then in the U.S. between July 2022 and December 2022.

Mitsubishi has started listing the next-gen Outlander PHEV online in some markets, but the U.S. is not among them. In New Zealand, for instance, customers can register their interest online and make a reservation with a deposit of NZD 500. The launch will take place in early 2022. According to a report from Performance Drive, Australia will receive the all-new Outlander PHEV in the first half of 2022. Perhaps while left-hand drive markets received the Outlander gasoline variant earlier, right-hand drive markets will get the plug-in hybrid variant first.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Ralliart

Announcing FY2020 results in May 2021, Mitsubishi revealed that it is bringing back the Ralliart brand. Though the company said it wants to develop accessories and participate in motorsports with the rejuvenation of Ralliart, it is clear that their plan is to launch new Ralliart variants of their passenger models again.

In July 2021, a report from Best Car said that Mitsubishi planned to relaunch the Ralliart brand with a sporty variant of the new Outlander PHEV at the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show. With the show canceled, the company could be looking at alternatives to showcase the product. The Japanese publication reporting the sportier Outlander has come up with a stunning rendering if you want something to ogle in the meantime. Aero parts, large wheels, body-colored brake calipers, hood vents, larger air intake grille, side air inlets, it’s got it all!

2021/2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (current model)

Since the new Outlander PHEV is a while away, Mitsubishi launched a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, based on the older generation, in the United States in February 2021. A few months later, the company quietly brought it into the 2022 model year. The base price of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the same as that of the earlier Outlander PHEV – USD 36,295, despite the updated engine. The 2022 Outlander PHEV is USD 400 more expensive, costing USD 36,695 in the base trim.

Compared to last year’s Outlander PHEV, the MY2021 and MY2022 models are more advanced. Mitsubishi has introduced a 2.4-liter engine (in place of the 2.0-liter engine) and a 13.8 kWh battery pack (in place of the 12.0 kWh battery pack).

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (current model)

The MY2021 update that brought a performance upgrade and a minor improvement in the EV range isn’t helping the aging Outlander PHEV increase its appeal in the U.S. market. Between January and September 2021, the Outlander PHEV registered 1,647 units in U.S. sales, a minor increase from 1,579 units in January-September 2020. Numbers may not get considerably better until the new generation with extensive improvements to the design, features, and EV range hits the dealer showroom next year.

Production of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander takes place at the company’s Okazaki plant in Japan. Mitsubishi has priced the 2022 Outlander in the U.S. from $25,795, and the 2023 Outlander PHEV could start at around USD 38,000.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mitsubishi