All-new Mitsubishi Outlander here next year

An all-new Mitsubishi Outlander will be revealed in early 2021 ahead of first Australian deliveries late next year – and it’ll be a game-changer if you believe the SUV specialist’s PR hyperbole.

Mitsubishi says its redesigned mid-size SUV will bring a “bold, aggressive and distinctive” new exterior design, as previewed by the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer concept (pictured) at the 2019 Geneva motor show, and subsequently confirmed via spy shots late last year.

Continuing its tradition of offering five- and seven-seat configurations, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is likely to be based on the same platform as the new Nissan X-TRAIL due here in 2022 (after Nissan and Mitsubishi joined forces in 2016), which will bring a range of new driver-assistance tech including semi-autonomous steering.

The new chassis will presumably bring improved ride and handling, and an update to the brand’s AWD system is all but guaranteed too.

New engines are likely to feature as well, with base-grade Outlander SUVs expected to get a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) hooked up to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Another engine option could be the upgraded 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the Nissan X-TRAIL (135kW/245Nm), but it remains to be seen whether diesel power remains available.

A new PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version will also be on the menu and will almost certainly get improvements to the current model’s official EV driving range of 54km. There’s been talk of a bigger 20kWh lithium-ion battery that will offer 70km of silent, emission-free driving per charge.

We understand the global premiere of the new Mitsubishi Outlander will take place in early 2021 via live-stream.

Along with the contemporary new design and updated powertrains, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander will also get an upmarket interior not commonly associated with Mitsubishi product.

“The all-new next generation Outlander will be bigger, bolder and better than ever before, and will be the quietest and best-equipped Mitsubishi ever sold in Australia,” said the Japanese car-maker’s local branch in a press statement today.

“Loaded with technology and significant interior refinements, this game-changing vehicle will surprise many,” says Mitsubishi’s PR machine, adding that more details will be announced during the global launch event in 2021.

The upgraded interior is expected to borrow some of the high-end elements seen in the new Nissan X-TRAIL (aka Nissan Rogue), including a sophisticated all-digital cockpit with large LCD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system.

It will almost certainly be offered with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention wireless smartphone charging.

Safety tech is expected to be given a big upgrade too.

“This is proof of our commitment to deliver high quality, leading-edge SUVs to Australian owners and their families,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott.

Before the all-new 22MY Outlander arrives in Australia in late 2021, the current range will get improved equipment and spec levels from around September 2020.

The minor 21MY update will be rolled out across the range – including the PHEV variant – and will carry the current Outlander through its runout phase next year.

Upgrades are expected to include new active safety features in addition to the range-wide standard fitment of AEB for the 20MY Mitsubishi Outlander in September 2019.

Mitsubishi Australia is expected to announce these details in the next few weeks.