As mainstream rivals from Europe and tempting debuts from China touch down in Australia, the Outlander PHEV has stepped up its game
Mitsubishi has detailed the specifications for the facelifted Outlander PHEV with electric-only driving range now boosted to 86km (WLTP).
The core, petrol-only Outlander range was updated earlier this year, with similar spec changes such as the addition of a Yamaha stereo to top-spec trims and an Australian-specific suspension tune, said to improve the dynamics and comfort.
Pricing won’t be released until closer to the PHEV’s local release in the first quarter of 2026, but the line-up continues to include the ES, Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer.
The previous ES PHEV started at $57,290 before on-roads, climbing to $71,790 for the Exceed Tourer. Expect these figures to increase slightly.
No mention of the range-topping ‘GSR’ PHEV was made in the initial release but it’s expected to make a return in the future.
Bigger battery and more range
With cut-priced competition such as the GWM Haval H6 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, claiming 95 and 106km respectively according to the generous NEDC testing standard, Mitsubishi has looked to bolster the Outlander PHEVs previous 84km claim – also according to NEDC.
Electric-only range has been improved over the pre-facelift Outlander PHEV (shown)
Now held accountable by the more stringent WLTP standard, the predicted range figure has grown to 86km, courtesy of a larger 22.7kWh battery pack.
It’s a figure that falls slightly short of the incoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV – expected to pack around 100km – and the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV with a WLTP range of 112km.
Quieter and better to drive
Chasing Cars will conduct a full review when the model arrives to draw our own conclusions but Mitsubishi says it has improved the overall noise vibration and harshness levels (NVH) by fitting a new steel bonnet and front fenders, among other changes.
Along with a new steering and suspension tune, Mitsubishi has fitted summer-specific Bridgestone tyres said to improve driving engagement and lower noise levels.
The plug-in drivetrain continues to use 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a twin-motor AWD setup. Combined outputs are expected to rise above the previous 185kW/450Nm but full Aussie specs are yet to be confirmed.
Outlander PHEV grade-by-grade:
The ES now features a 12.3-inch multimedia display with an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system said to boost audio quality over the previous unnamed stock unit.
A stricter driver monitoring system and speed limit detection has also been introduced to help update its five-star ANCAP score, along with other incremental improvements to restraints and airbag performance.
Petrol Exceed Tourer shown
Other standard feature highlights include:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED tail-lights
Black cloth upholstery
LED interior lighting
360-degree camera
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Blind spot monitoring
Lane departure prevention
Now fitted with seven seats, rather than five, the Aspire adds the following:
Petrol Exceed Tourer shown
20-inch wheels
Slide and recline manual seat adjuster
Black Granlux and PVC upholstery
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Wireless phone charger
Lane keep assist
Touch sensor steering vibration
Low-speed adaptive cruise control
The new Exceed adds the following:
Black of grey leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Frameless rear-view mirror w/digital monitor
Aluminium finish for the pedals
The now flagship Exceed Tourer adds:
12-speaker Yamaha sound system
Brick Brown semi-aniline premium leather upholstery
Massage function for the front seats
