2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV shown in Europe

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has debuted in Europe with a new enlarged battery pack, reworked interior, mildly updated design and some new chassis settings.

Yet to be confirmed officially for Australia but largely expected to arrive sometime next year, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the new model apart from its predecessor save for the new alloy wheels, but look closely and you’ll also spy a subtly updated grille and tail-light clusters.

Things are far more drastic inside the cabin where the frumpy 9.0-inch infotainment display has been replaced by the Nissan X-TRAIL’s more elegant 12.3-inch unit, bringing with it wireless smartphone mirroring a ‘Hey Mitsubishi’ voice recognition.

Other new appointments – for the flagship versions – include ventilated front seats, a Yamaha-sourced premium sound system with up to 12 speakers, a heat pump and connected services.

Onto the mechanicals, and it’s here we learn of the Outlander PHEV’s biggest upgrades – a new 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, new integrated motor control unit, retuned springs, dampers and steering, and new tyres.

The new battery is said to offer up to 86km of electric range on the WLTP cycle compared to the current 20kWh unit’s ADR-certified 84km.

No changes have been detailed for the 2.4-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine or the two electric drive motors, however Mitsubishi Europe is quoting a power increase of “approximately 20 per cent” over the current model, pointing to a combined output of about 222kW, up from 185kW.

It’s also promised sharper throttle response and a combined fuel consumption of just 0.8L/100km thanks to a combination of the bigger battery and an increased reliance on the e-motors for propulsion, thereby easing the load on the petrol engine.

“Updates for the gasoline model is planned to follow in 2025, and both PHEV and gasoline models will be refreshed in markets including North America, Australia, and New Zealand in due course,” a company spokesperson said.

The current Outlander PHEV is one of just two plug-in hybrids currently circulating in the mainstream medium SUV market alongside the BYD Sealion 6, however GWM-Haval will soon be joining the party with a plug-in version of its H6 GT.

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