Mitsubishi’s popular plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander PHEV, is getting quite a few upgrades with the 2019 version, including a slight increase in battery capacity for a little more range.
When I say “slight”, I mean it.
The battery pack capacity increased by 10% to 13.8 kWh.
It’s enough for an all-electric range of 28 miles (45 km) based on the WLTP standard.
But the increased range is not the only thing that Outlander PHEV’s new battery pack is enabling, the top speed in ‘Electric Vehicle’ mode is now “up from approximately 78mph (125km/h) to 84mph (135km/h) where legally permitted.”
Like the battery pack, the electric motor, which powers the rear wheels of the Outlander PHEV, also saw a 10% increase in output to 95hp.
Here are a few other improvements that Mitsubishi listed:
- New 2.4-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine – more power and torque
- Increased EV motor, generator and battery capacity
- Overall greater efficiency as well as improved driving performance
- Steering, chassis, brakes tuned for more driver appeal
- Enhanced S-AWC system with new Sport and Snow modes
- Exterior styling and interior cabin enhancements
- Quietness, refinement and ride quality also improved
The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes on sale in Europe in September with more pricing and specifications announced closer to its launch.
Technical Specification of the new Outlander:
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | ||
| Petrol engine | Inline 4-cylinder 16V MIVEC Atkinson cycle | |
| Engine capacity | 2,360cc (Bore/Stroke 88x97mm) Compression Ratio 12.0:1 | |
| Maximum output | 135hp @ 4,500 rpm / 211Nm @ 4,500rpm | |
| Petrol storage | 45 litres | |
| Electric powertrain | Dual electric motor – one per front and rear axle | |
| Maximum output | Front: 82hp/137 Nm Rear: 95hp/195 Nm | |
| Battery storage | 300V Lithium ion battery pack, 13.8 kWh capacity | |
| Charging | AC 230V 16A: 4.0 hours / CHAdeMO ~80% in 25 minutes | |
| Top speed | 106mph / 170 km/h (where permitted) | |
| Top EV speed | 84mph / 135km/h (where permitted) | |
| 0-62mph | 10.5 seconds | |
| 25–37mph | 2.5 seconds (40-60km/h) | |
| 50-62mph | 3.7 seconds (50-100km/h) | |
| EV Range (miles) | 28 (WLTP) / 33 (NEDC) | |
| Combined Cycle MPG | 141.2 (WLTP) / 156.9 (NEDC) | |
| CO2 Emissions | 46g/km (WLTP) / 40g/km (NEDC) | |
| Dimensions (mm) | L:4,695 X W:1,800 X H:1,710 WB:2,670 Tracks F&R 1,540 | |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | |
| Off-road angles | Approach 21°/ Breakover 19.0°/ Departure 22.5° | |
| Towing capacity | 1,500kg (braked) | |
| Kerb weight | 1,880kg | |
| Cargo volume | 463 – 1,602 (+35L under floor cargo box) | |
| Turning circle | 10.6m | |
| Suspension | F: MacPherson struts R: Multi-link | |
| Brakes | F: Ventilated discs R: solid discs | |
| Wheels & Tyres | 225/55 R18 | |
Electrek’s Take
Due to its late and often delayed launch in North America, the vehicle is not as popular on this side of the world, but it is very popular in several European and Asian markets.
They delivered over 100,000 units since the vehicle’s launch in 2013.
At Electrek, we are not big fans of PHEVs, especially if they don’t offer over 30 miles of range on a single charge, but they can be a way for car buyers to dip their toes in the EV ownership world. The Outlander PHEV did a good job at that.
It will have a little more competition as an electric SUV with the all-electric Audi e-tron quattro and Jaguar I-Pace coming to market.
But with a $35,000 price tag, the plug-in hybrid still has a place on the market.
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