Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - What to expect?

The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is the third generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander first introduced in Japan back in 2001. The compact crossover was originally named Airtrek but changed the nameplate to Outlander when Mitsubishi Motors offered the second generation by 2006. The third generation outlander with the PHEV variant was first unveiled in France during the 2012 Paris Motor Show and holds the title as the first compact crossover SUV to get electrified. It was an instant hit.

Though the Outlander was not launched in the Philippines in favor of the mid-sized Montero sport, the Mitsubishi hybrid topped sales for plug-in electric cars in most European countries. Since then, Mitsubishi has done very little to modify the Outlander. Ergo, it will be such a treat that Mitsubishi Motors has in store for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Here’s what we know and what you should expect from this iconic Japanese hybrid crossover.

Bigger is better

Expect the new 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to come with a bigger engine and bigger battery pack. It will come with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine capable of producing 126 hp of output. The engine will be paired with two electric motors that produce 93 hp.

Just for comparison, the current model of the Outlander PHEV runs on 2.0-liter MIVEC DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 117 hp of output and 186 Nm of torque. The battery pack will also get a booster shot. From the current 12.0 kW Lithium-ion to a 13.8 kW capacity.

Thus, expect also the exclusive electric driving range to increase from the current PHEV’s 35 km. In fact, Mitsubishi flaunts that the new Outlander with its twin-motor design could deliver 69 km of all-electric driving range. That’s almost double the current SUV’s range!

Modernized look

Speculations abound that the new Outlander will ride on the same architecture as the next-generation Nissan Rogue and X-trail after Mitsubishi was bout out by Nissan in 2016. Thus, we could expect a more muscular crossover SUV similar to that of the Engelberg Tourer Concept.

Based on some heavily-camouflaged Outlander spied on the road, the concept-to-production links are quite obvious. There’s the dynamic shield front grille design, the T-shaped headlamps with split main beams and high set LED daytime running lights that look barely there. Also noticeable on the exterior design features are the lower skid plate that adds a more robust off-road look to the Outlander.

On the rear, the new Outlander shares a strong resemblance to the Engelberg Concept lineage with its clearly defined LED taillights, tailgate, imposing roof rear spoiler, shark fin, and an imposing black cladding that wraps dominates the lower portion of the entire cladding which firmly cements its off-roading style. The side panels get a lower c-section with scalloped fender pressing, and blacked-out pillars to get a floating roof effect.

Chock-full of features

Besides the updated look, we expect the new Outlander PHEV to come up with a choke-full of new tech and features. Of course, nothing has been released yet on what the cabin will look like or what features would be included. As Mitsubishi Motors North America representative Jeremy Barnes commented, “Unfortunately, I can’t confirm at this time what you’ve found, as our policy is not to comment on future products.”

Some motoring enthusiasts expect the interior of the cabin to have improved materials, detailing, trims, and cabin space. Like piano-key switchgear on the center console just below maybe the center-mounted infotainment display to make the design more streamlined and less cluttered looking.

But we’d like to see maybe a new Sport and Snow driving modes to tackle more variant terrain with ease. And if we are basing the upgraded model from how the prior models evolved, we’d like to see a complete overhaul in both the hardware and software just like how the suspension and four-wheel drive lock were also modified on the current Outlander.

Expect the new 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to have enhanced safety specs too. Since it will obviously have an increase in size from its current dimensions of 4,695mm length and 1,810mm width, there will be an emphasis on acing the IIHS frontal small-overlap crash test for the safety of both the driver and front passenger sides.

Final word

There is yet any firm date on when and where the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander will be unveiled but we’re expecting it to arrive in some of the upcoming auto shows like the New York Auto Show. And when it does, the much-awaited, new Mitsubishi Outlander will be challenged by more formidable crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage.