2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV revealed – 22.7 kWh battery; up to 86 km EV range; design, kit tweaks

The updated, fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been revealed and will go on sale in Japan this fall, with 20 European countries set to welcome to plug-in hybrid model later in spring next year. The non-PHEV version of the SUV will also be updated in 2025, with both powertrain types set to be offered in markets such as North America, Australia and New Zealand.

The most significant change involves the Outlander PHEV’s powertrain, which has been improved with a new battery that has an energy capacity of 22.7 kWh, up from the previous 20 kWh. According to Mitsubishi, the electric-only range is up to 86 km following the WLTP standard.

The larger battery pack is also able to deliver continuous output 108% higher than previously due to reduced internal resistance of the battery. A new liquid cooling system allows the pack to unleash its full potential, and a heat pump system optimises power consumption to sustain longer EV range in cold weather conditions.

There’s no change to the internal combustion engine, which remains a 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol unit serving up 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 203 Nm of torque. Similarly, the front electric motor continues to be rated at 116 PS (114 hp or 85 kW) and 255 Nm, while the rear unit makes 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 195 Nm and completes the AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system.

The total system output is 306 PS (302 hp or 225 kW), which enables a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds – the top speed in EV-only mode is 135 km/h. Mitsubishi says the fuel tank capacity has been increased to 53 litres and claims a tentative total hybrid range of up to 844 km. The company also claimed fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to be as low as 0.8 l/100 km and 18 g/km respectively.

Three drive modes will be available to users, including EV (pure electric drive), Series Hybrid (engine generates electricity when needed) and Parallel Hybrid (electric motors and engine work in unison). Power management is also possible with the Normal (automatically optimises EV/Hybrid drive), EV, Save (maintain battery charge level) and Charge (recharges the battery) modes.

The battery can be charged using either a Type 2 or CHAdeMO connection, with support for vehicle-to-home charging so power can be fed between the home and vehicle when needed, which is useful in the event of power interruptions.

Mitsubishi also confirmed a retuned suspension setup made from lightweight and high-rigidity aluminium to help reduce weight and deliver a better ride. Normal, Eco, Power, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud are selectable driving modes, and there’s a revised steering layout for easier management and increased feedback. Another change is larger ventilated brake discs measuring 350 mm applied to both the front and rear, mounted in the vehicle’s 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of dimensions, the new Outlander PHEV doesn’t differ much from before, measuring in at 4,719 mm long, 1,862 mm wide, 1,750 mm tall and with a wheelbase spanning 2,704 mm. The styling also remains largely familiar, with tweaks being a new pattern for the front grille that appears to incorporate active shutters.

A new six-spoke wheel design measuring 20 inches is also part of the update, along with a Moonstone Grey paint finish and taillights with a subtly-revised signature and clearer lenses. It’s much the same story on the inside, although the infotainment touchscreen system is larger at 12.3 inches instead of nine inches before.

The infotainment system gains wireless Android Auto in addition to the carry-over wireless Apple CarPlay, while a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system on higher-spec variants replace the previous Bose-sourced setup – a lesser eight-speaker system is also available.

Driver assistance systems on the Outlander PHEV include, forward collision mitigation with autonomous emergency braking, rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and a new driver monitoring system.

While Malaysia did get the third-generation Outlander in CKD form in the past, the fourth-generation model was never sold here. However, a fourth-gen PHEV unit was sighted here last year, fuelling speculation that the Outlander could make a return. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander here, as a second-gen model was sighted many years ago.

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