2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Gets Bigger Battery, Longer Range
After launching a new generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander for 2022, the Japanese automaker is now introducing the plug-in hybrid variant.
The new Outlander PHEV will roll out in Japan before the end of the first quarter of 2022 and in North America in the second half of the year as a 2023 model.
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Essentially identical to the gas-powered Outlander, at least when it comes to styling, the model will directly take on the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV.
Increased Range
The next-gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will trump all current competitors with a 20-kWh battery. EV range is estimated at 87 kilometres, but that number will be revised for Canada and should be closer to the RAV4 Prime’s 68 kilometres.
What about charging times? Mitsubishi says a full charge takes 7.5 hours using a level 2 (240V) power source. DC fast charging capability remains, with 38 minutes required to bring the battery back to 80 percent charge.
More Power
Once the battery is depleted, a 2.4-litre gasoline engine kicks in. It’s the same one found in the current Outlander PHEV. According to the company, the gas tank is larger now so total range is increased, as well.
While the combustion engine’s output is fairly unchanged at 98 kilowatts, the front electric motor gets a boost from 60 to 85 kilowatts, while the rear motor goes from 70 to 100 kilowatts.
In order to maximize performance, drivers can activate a Power Mode that helps achieve quicker acceleration by using the engine and motors to the fullest extent. Six other drive modes are accessible via the big rotary selector on the centre console.
Just like its predecessor, the new Outlander PHEV comes standard with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). However, the system has evolved, adding independent braking control to the front and rear wheels for much sharper handling and stability.
Another highlight is one-pedal driving capability, similar to many modern EVs. You can make the vehicle come to a full stop simply by releasing the throttle and letting the regenerative braking system do the work. The conventional brake pedal will always be there for emergency manoeuvres.
Bigger and Roomier
As mentioned above, the new 2023 Outlander PHEV is almost a carbon copy of its gas-powered sibling. That means it’s a few centimetres longer than the outgoing 2022 model. The wheelbase is 35 millimetres longer, while vehicle width is increased by 15 millimetres.
Designers were able to incorporate third-row seats in order to carry a total of seven passengers. At least that will be the case in Japan. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Mitsubishi Canada make the same decision, though. After all, the regular Outlander now comes standard with three rows.
We really like the new interior layout, which is superbly refreshed with quality materials and a fully digital instrument panel in front of the driver. Meanwhile, the centre stack is capped by a new nine-inch touchscreen. There’s also a host of advanced driver assistance technologies enhancing safety and peace of mind, not to mention an available Bose sound system that will please music lovers.
EV Incentives
Thanks to the new 20-kWh battery, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander will likely be eligible to the same federal and provincial rebates that apply to full EVs, representing total savings of up to $13,000 (if you live in Quebec). Of course, that’s assuming the base price stays under $45,000—and eligibility criteria don’t change.
Official pricing details will be announced closer to launch.