More range for new Outlander
Mitsubishi has updated its Outlander plug-in hybrid EV with specification and performance enhancements including increased battery capacity and range.
More range for new Outlander
Mitsubishi has updated its Outlander plug-in hybrid EV with specification and performance enhancements including increased battery capacity and range.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has been one of the brand’s strongest performers in recent years and has now benefitted from a suite of upgrades designed to further enhance its appeal against a growing number of Chinese rivals.
Launch timing and key enhancements
Expected in dealers in the first quarter of 2026, the updated SUV’s specification and performance enhancements include increased battery capacity, higher power outputs and Australian-tuned suspension and steering.
Chief among the changes is the adoption of an upgraded lithium-ion battery pack with an increased total capacity of 22.7kWH. The new battery delivers up to 103km of range on the NEDC standard, versus 86km for the old model, or 84km on the more achievable WLTP cycle.
Powertrain and hybrid modes
In addition to the upgraded battery pack it is expected the Outlander will continue to use two high-power electric motors and an Atkinson cycle 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
The engine acts primarily as an on-board generator (or range extender) in series hybrid mode but is also capable of driving the front wheels directly in parallel hybrid mode, at cruising speed or under high load driving.
There is no official fuel consumption figure yet available but the larger battery should help deliver an improvement over the current model’s impressive combined cycle average of 1.5L/100km (NEDC).
Australian-tuned suspension and steering
Like ICE-powered Outlanders which adopted a locally developed suspension tune in late 2024, the updated Outlander PHEV’s ride and handling have also come in for attention, with springs, dampers and steering all now tuned specifically for local conditions.
Mitsubishi said the Australian-specific suspension and steering tunes, and a new Bridgestone tyre specification are aimed at enhancing the Outlander’s steering, ride and handling to provide greater connection for the driver and improved occupant comfort.
As before, the Outlander PHEV is expected to use Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control AWD (S-AWC) system, with twin electric motors located at either axle.
No performance figures have yet been released but expect to see a bump on the current generation’s combined maximum power and torque outputs of 185kW/450Nm.
Charging and regeneration features
Also expected to be carried over and perhaps upgraded is the Outlander PHEV’s bi-directional charging capability which allows it to be used as a mobile battery storage system, and Vehicle-to-Load which allows users to draw electricity from the vehicle’s battery to power equipment such as camping gear or domestic appliances.
The soon-to-be-superseded model has six levels of braking regeneration which can be adjusted by the driver pulling a steering-wheel mounted ‘gear’ paddle, or by using the centre-console button for maximum energy regeneration and single-pedal driving.
A growing number of manufacturers are moving away from such paddle-shift systems and/or reducing the number of modes, so Mitsubishi may look to simply its system with this update.
Interior and feature upgrades
Other notable confirmed changes for the MY26 Outlander PHEV include the adoption of a Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio system, plus a new steel bonnet and front fenders designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration.
Model grades and pricing
The new Outlander PHEV will continue to be offered in four model grades, ES, Aspire, Exceed, Exceed Tourer with full pricing and specification details to be confirmed closer to the Q1, 2026 launch date.
The current Outlander PHEV range starts at $57,290 (MRLP) for the entry level ES and rises to $71,790 (MRLP) for the Exceed Tourer.
There’s also a $73,790 GSR variant in the current line-up which is not mentioned in the official information on the new model, so this variant may have been killed off or may arrive after the launch as a special edition.
Competitive landscape
The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since the Outlander PHEV’s launch in 2021 and there are now several rivals providing stiff competition.
These include the BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD, Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate, Geely Starray EM-i Super Hybrid, GWM-Haval H6 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 Design REEV Ultra Hybrid, and the MG HS Super Hybrid.
Warranty advantage
But one area where the Outlander PHEV still has a distinct advantage is Mitsubishi’s 10-year vehicle warranty program, with 10 years’ capped price servicing, provided scheduled servicing is done through the company’s authorised dealer network, and its eight-year, 160,000km drive battery warranty.
“The Mitsubishi Outlander has resonated with Australian customers since its market launch in 2021, and we’re confident this next PHEV model range will be no exception,” MMAL GM of Product Strategy, Bruce Hampel said.
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