Outlander PHEV is Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model. Since its launch in January 2013 as the world’s first plug-in hybrid electrified SUV, it has been the world’s best-selling 4WD PHEV SUV. Read this report to check the highlights of its recent model refresh.

Mitsubishi Motors has updated the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model of the Outlander crossover SUV (Outlander PHEV). The new model was first rolled out in Japan on October 31, 2024. In other regions, it will be made available from spring 2025 in sequence, starting in Europe, followed by Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

The recent update has enhanced the PHEV performance by improving powertrain functions, including boosting the EV range to more 100 kilometers, as well as refining interior and exterior design and functionality.

Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model, launched on the market in January 2013 as the world’s first plug-in hybrid (PH) EV SUV. Being an EV powered by the large-capacity underfloor battery, with the hybrid mode flexibly deploying according to battery charge remaining and driving conditions, the car is clean and powerful at the same time. This has been made possible by bringing together the best of the brand’s electrification and all-wheel control technologies. Since its launch in 2013, it has been the world’s best-selling 4WD PHEV SUV in terms of cumulative shipments. In 2021, a fully redesigned model was launched under the product concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” (authentic and majestic).

Atsushi Gomi, Chief Product Specialist in the Product Strategy Division’s CPS Team (Global Vehicle), described the recent update of Outlander PHEV:

“The ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’ concept was created when I was a manager. The recent model refresh constitutes the development of the second chapter of the concept story. That’s deeply dramatic. While maintaining its original appeal comprised of a stately exterior appearance, high-class interior design, and smooth and strong powertrain performance, the update has focused on improvement of the already highly acclaimed design and driving performance as well as enhanced ride comfort and sense of luxury, achieving the highest-ever performance Outlander PHEV model.”

Outlander PHEV underwent a full model change in December 2021, and the result received acclaim for its exterior design, PHEV powertrain performance, high steering stability supported by the twin-motor 4WD and Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, and highly convenient three-row seven-seater format.

While maintaining these strong aspects of the previous model, the new Outlander has been updated with a focus on sophistication and luxury. The following story details key highlights of the update.

The first is that the driving battery system has been upgraded to extend the EV range by 20 km to exceed 100 km. Specifically, the in-vehicle lithium-ion batteries have been renewed to expand the battery capacity by 10% and improve the maximum output power achieved by the PHEV system by 20%.

“This improvement has enhanced the EV’s characteristic smooth yet powerful continuous acceleration, which helps reduce driver stress, particularly when merging into a lane or changing lanes on the expressway, as well as diminishing the engine start frequency. This will deliver a quieter and more comfortable driving experience unique to EVs.” (Gomi)

Other related steps were taken to moderate motor torque characteristics related to accelerator operation in order to stabilize vehicle behavior to offer greater comfort.

Also, in order to raise fuel economy, measures were taken to increase aerodynamic performance, reduce travel resistance, and raise PHEV system efficiency. Additionally, the battery charging rate has been increased in alignment with the expanded battery capacity. While the full charging time for the standard charging mode (AC200V/15A) remains unchanged from the previous model at about 7.5 hours, the 80% charging time for the fast-charging mode has been shortened by 6 minutes to approximately 32 minutes.

The second is a higher-quality and more stable ride provided by promoting suspension optimization and adopting new tires. The previous suspension tuning function was reviewed and newly developed tires employed to enhance vibration abatement and shock absorption effect. At the same time, to improve the vehicle attitude stability during turning operation, optimization of the electric power assisted steering system was promoted and the S-AWC system reviewed to respond to output expansion. A suite of technologies have been deployed to realize the above conditions to offer a higher-quality ride and securer and higher steering stability.

The third is the partial renewal of interior and exterior designs for the purpose of enhancing appearance quality. The new exterior design features a front upper grille with a smooth shape and front and rear skid plates coming in a three-dimensional form and titanium gray.

Also, in order to emphasize the overall sense of presence, the aluminum wheels were redesigned so as to represent luxury and robustness more strongly. The body color selection has been broadened to include Moon Stone Gray Metallic, a special color designed to have the sought-after solid gray tone base occasionally highlighted in blue due to the effect of light reflection.

“For the interior, we redesigned the highest-grade semi-aniline leather seats and applied a new brick brown color to the seat cover, instrumental panel, and other items, in such a way as to provide a modern, luxurious, and elegant appearance to the interior.” (Gomi)

The fourth is interior convenience and comfort improved chiefly by installing a larger car navigation display, enhancing connectivity features, and introducing a seat ventilation function.

“We installed a smartphone-link Display Audio navigation system equipped with a 12.3-inch display, replacing the previous 9.0-inch model. We’ve also enhanced connectivity features to establish accessibility to the Places API (destination search function provided by Google), and Street View and Aerial View photos.” (Gomi)

A seat ventilation function has been installed on the front seats in order to reduce heat buildup on the seat surface in contact with the back of the driver and the passenger. As another measure to support comfortable driving experience, a digital rearview mirror have been adopted to ensure a constantly good rear view.

And that’s not all. Jointly with Yamaha Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors developed two types of audio systems dedicated to Outlander PHEV to be installed in all grades. Firmly committed to sound quality, the system is designed to deliver real sound representation, even catching the sound of the performers’ breath, across the entire range from medium and high- to low-frequency. The hollow space inside each door panel is effectively utilized to create a built-in speaker box and the stiffness of the structure for fitting speakers has been improved to reduce the occurrence of unwanted noise to be able produce deep, dynamic bass sounds.

“The highest-grade P Executive Package is equipped with an audio system comprising a total of 12 speakers and dual amplifiers. In addition, an automatic sound corrector for controlling audio volume and quality according to the vehicle speed to minimize the effect of road noise, aiming to offer the best-possible music experience at all times regardless of the driving conditions. The other grades are fitted with an eight-speaker system capable of producing excellent sound representation across a broad range from high to low frequency.” (Gomi)

The suggested list price for the new Outlander PHEV ranges from 5,263,500 to 6.685,800 yen (including tax). The product is eligible for government purchase subsidies (550,000 yen in 2024). Outlander PHEV represents an electrified SUV that serves as an EV for daily use and a hybrid for long trips, and offers the quiet, smooth yet powerful acceleration unique to electrified vehicles, along with a safe, secure ride regardless of weather or road conditions.

“In a nutshell, the new Outlander PHEV has been enhanced robustly from within. You can recognize the difference immediately even from the first ride. I hope many fans will experience that real difference.” (Gomi)