2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Gets Minor Range Boost

One week after introducing the all-new 2022 Outlander, Mitsubishi is announcing the technical changes it made to the plug-in hybrid variant… for the 2021 model year.

That’s right: as previously reported, the Outlander PHEV will continue in its current shape and form for a little while.

• Also: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Undergoes Complete Transformation
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The upgraded powertrain features a more powerful and efficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 126 hp and 149 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the 60kW rear-axle-mounted electric motor has been replaced with a more powerful 70kW unit. Combined, total system output is increased to 221 hp, up 31 hp from the previous model.

The Outlander PHEV’s main drive battery capacity also grows from 12.0 kWh to 13.8 kWh. Don’t get too excited, however, as the resulting increase in all-electric range is just 4 km—up from 35 to 39 km. The total combined range is 509 km.

Mitsubishi says updated software enables improved synchronization between battery and engine. Elsewhere, engineers have improved the chassis to reduce overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Also new for 2021 are Sport and Snow driving modes available with the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.

Now, what about pricing? The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is scheduled to arrive in dealerships at the end of March with a base MSRP of $44,198—just $200 over the 2020 model. The top-line GT S-AWC will relieve you of $52,198.

Of course, the 2021 Outlander PHEV continues to be eligible for federal and provincial incentives where applicable. Federal incentives are $2,500, while provincial incentives that are layered onto the federal incentives are $4,000 in Quebec and $1,500 in B.C.