Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are all the craze right now. And, honestly, it makes sense as a great way for a skeptical consumer to transition from gas to electric, without the worries of range anxiety or concerns over a limited charging network. As such, it makes sense for Mitsubishi to update the PHEV variant of its best-selling vehicle and flagship SUV – the Mitsubishi Outlander.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which will be available midway through 2022 in North America, will see a 40% increase in range, with an estimated gas-free range around 54 miles (87 km). Mitsubishi says the end result will be an Outlander PHEV that has more power and has greater range.
PHEV could help Mitsubishi extend its stay
The 2022 Outlander has been redesigned, and we like it. We even like it better than the Nissan Rogue, its cross-town sibling.
While these two vehicles share a platform, there’s a stark difference in exterior design. And, frankly the biggest winner in this relationship is the Outlander, which retains its uniqueness while benefitting from shared technology. Now the redesigned Outlander will get an updated PHEV, and this could help the automaker stave off what seemed to be the inevitable just a few years ago.
Yes, many of us thought Mitsubishi was not long for the North American market. But with the updated Outlander and a better, more fuel-efficient PHEV system, it appears Mitsubishi plans on sticking around.
Do you have to plug it in?
So, do you have to plug it in? No, not technically. But then it’s nothing more than a hybrid and you will miss out on the 50+ miles of gas-free driving the 2023 Outlander PHEV offers. Therefore, you should plug it in.
Mitsubishi has updated the Outlander’s PHEV components, and it gets a high-output twin-motor equipped with 4WD. Additionally, as part of the redesign, the Outlander PHEV gets a large-capacity-drive battery, which gives it a 40% increase in the output of the front and rear motors and drive battery. This ensures that new Outlander PHEV can be driven in EV mode for longer periods of time, avoiding running the gasoline engine.
Horsepower and overall fuel rating are not yet available.
Super-All Wheel Control
Mitsubishi calls its all-wheel drive system Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Part of the new powertrain and the aforementioned twin-motor system is a new brake Active Yaw Control (AYC) function for the rear wheels. The automaker says this provides equal driving force to the front and rear wheels optimally according to road and driving conditions, while torque vectoring by controlling the brakes on the left and right wheels is also possible for the front and rear wheels.
The Outlander PHEV is equipped with seven drive modes. As such, the S-AWC and the AYC work in concert with the new hybrid system to provide a more enjoyable and safer driving experience, in a fuel-efficient manner.
The bottom line on 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
It’s easy to dismiss this SUV due to the Mitsubishi name alone. But thanks to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, this gets Mitsubishi exposure to other vehicle platforms, like the Nissan Rogue. That’s a good thing and will have a positive impact.
U.S. trim levels and pricing for the all-new Outlander PHEV will be announced with final on-sale timing in the second half of 2022. What are your thoughts on the Mitsubishi brand and would you consider the Outlander PHEV? Leave your comments below.
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