Mitsubishi has officially unveiled an updated Outlander PHEV, showcasing some serious improvements beneath the surface coupled with some minor cosmetic tweaks. Currently, only the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV variant has been revealed, with a petrol-only update expected to follow in 2025. Production for the updated PHEV is slated to start in late 2024, with a European launch planned for March 2025. The Australian market can expect availability in mid-2025, with local-specific details to be released soon by Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
Headlining the improvements is that the 2025 Outlander PHEV now boasts an improved electric range, achieving 86 km on the more rigorous WLTP cycle compared to the outgoing model’s 84 km under the much more relaxed NEDC standard.
This is thanks to a slightly larger 22.7 kWh battery, which replaces the previous 20 kWh unit and is complemented by a new heat pump for added efficiency when wanting to heat the cabin in cold weather.
The powertrain has also been tinkered with to improve driveability. The front electric motor now delivers 85 kW and 255 Nm, while the rear motor provides 100 kW and 195 Nm, and is now more efficiently packaged with an integrated motor control unit. The internal combustion engine soldiers on as a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 100 kW and 203 Nm. The total system output is 225 kW, up 40 kW from the previous model, and it achieves a faster 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, with electric-only driving capabilities up to 135 km/h.
Fuel efficiency sees a significant improvement, with a claimed 0.8 L/100 km compared to the outgoing model’s 1.5 L/100 km. As always with PHEVs, fuel consumption with vary depending on the battery’s state of charge. Drivers can toggle between a full EV mode, a normal hybrid mode, as well as modes designed to save the state of charge or charge the battery while driving.
Mitsubishi has also made improvements to the way the 2025 Outlander PHEV rides and handles with new tyres, redesigned shock absorbers, and revised spring rates for improved comfort. The revised electric power steering is designed to make parking easier, while providing better feedback at higher speeds. The exterior features minor updates, including new alloy wheel designs available in 18- and 20-inch options, refreshed tail lights, a revised grille, and a new Moonstone Grey metallic finish.
Inside, the Outlander PHEV offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with slimmer bezels, up from 9.0 inches, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice-activated assistant, “Hello Mitsubishi.” This touchscreen complements the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which appears to feature new graphics.
New features also include a digital rear-view mirror, front seat ventilation (in addition to existing heating and massage functions), and a Dynamic Sound audio system available in configurations with eight or 12 speakers, featuring speed-dependent volume adjustment and sound compensation for rain and air conditioning.
The European model also includes Mitsubishi Connect services, allowing remote control of vehicle functions like locks and climate settings through a dedicated app.
Mitsubishi pioneered the plug-in hybrid SUV segment in Australia, with the Outlander PHEV consistently ranking as the top-selling model in its category. In the first half of this year, Mitsubishi sold 2,422 Outlander PHEVs, representing about 17% of total Outlander sales and a whopping 29.4% of all PHEVs sold in Australia.
The competition in the PHEV world is fierce however, with the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV facing increasing competition, notably from BYD which has recently introduced its first PHEV model in Australia. MG and Chery are also preparing to launch their own PHEV offerings in 2025.
Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for more updates on the Outlander PHEV as its release date approaches.
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