Key Takeaways
- Mitsubishi teases the updated Outlander ahead of its official reveal in the fall.
- The Outlander will receive styling updates, including a new wheel design and paint color.
- Plug-in Hybrid variant getting a bigger battery for improved all-electric range.
- Interior improvements include a Yamaha premium audio system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, among other things.
The Outlander is the most competent vehicle in Mitsubishi’s lineup, so it makes sense that the automaker will want to keep it looking and feeling fresh. Ahead of an imminent reveal in the fall, Mitsubishi has teased the updated model which will receive an upgraded plug-in hybrid system, a new audio system, and revised styling. It will certainly need these updates if it’s expected to go up against the revised Toyota RAV4 which is due shortly.
Design-wise, the Outlander will retain its familiar exterior styling with minimal changes to keep it looking fresh. Not much is known, but Program Design Director, Naoki Akita, says the front end “has evolved to a more refined and sophisticated face.” Based on the teaser image, the slim LED daytime running lights appear slimmer than before. We also anticipate additional changes to the front/rear bumpers.
Minor Styling Revisions Will Keep Outlander Looking Fresh
Aside from that, Mitsubishi will also introduce new wheel designs, such as the six-spoke 20-inch wheels with a silver and black finish. A new premium paint called Moonstone Gray Metallic will also be introduced to the color palette. Mitsubishi describes it as a “solid base color with blue highlights that run through it when the light hits it.”
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The plug-in hybrid variant will also receive mechanical upgrades. A new (and bigger) battery will be introduced, with Mitsubishi claiming it will offer greater power output, resulting in greater all-electric driving range and more spirited acceleration. Aside from that, the engine start-up procedure is smoother than before, making the transition from EV to ICE less obvious. The battery will also be able to serve as an energy storage device, allowing owners to power external electrical devices, or provide power “in times of disaster;” Ford F-150 owners benefited from a similar feature during Texan blackouts in 2021.
The Outlander PHEV was launched as a reliable crossover SUV that combines “power” and “quality” with a product concept of “majesty” and has been well-received by many customers. As a result of market research in the product planning of the new Outlander PHEV, we received many voices calling for a higher quality feel, so we updated the project concept to “Majesty Phase 2 – Refinement and further quality” and aimed for a legitimate evolution from the current model. The new Outlander PHEV is a product that has been thoroughly refined on the inside, I think you will feel that the interior is a particularly high-quality space, and I am confident that once you step on the accelerator, you will feel a remarkable improvement in terms of power performance. Please look forward to it.
– Atsushi Gomi, Mitsubishi Product Strategy Division Chief Product Specialist
Interior To Receive More Luxurious Touches
There’s no word yet on whether the Outlander or Outlander PHEV will receive a power upgrade, but the latter offers combined outputs of 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the all-electric range is rated at 33 miles. Mitsubishi has listened to customers and implemented feedback to make the crossover better than before. As a result, the automaker claims the new Outlander will boast superior ride comfort and steering feel. The improvements don’t end here. The interior will adopt a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate premium audio system with high-end speaker grilles.
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The teaser also makes mention of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. Currently, the Outlander is available with an eight- or nine-inch touchscreen. The new screen is devoid of physical buttons or controls, which will lend the interior a cleaner look. Lastly, Mitsubishi notes that the Outlander will be made available with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a ventilation function. However, these features are already available in the USA. With the Japanese reveal due to take place in the fall, we expect the refreshed Outlander to arrive in the USA next year as a 2025 model. Hopefully, these changes will help Mitsubishi save itself in the United States.
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