Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV powered up for 2020

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for 2020 has dumped the 2.0-litre engine previously sitting under the bonnet in favour of a 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder.

Part of a subtle upgrade for the new model year, the larger engine produces more power and torque: 94kW and 199Nm. While the increased output is only 7kW and 13Nm more than the 2.0-litre engine, it improves overall driveability, according to Mitsubishi Australia.

Another improvement to the plug-in SUV is the adoption of a larger-capacity lithium-ion battery – now 13.8kWh (previously 12kWh) – but the vehicle's electric-only driving range remains pegged at 54km. The rear electric motor now produces 70kW of power (previously 60kW) and also develops 195Nm. Mitsubishi has stayed with a 60kW output for the front motor, which is rated at 137Nm of torque.

Changes inside comprise new upholstery for seats and doors, power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, seat heating for both front seats, a new dome light, an electro-chromatic mirror, a new eight-inch infotainment display in the centre fascia, relocation of the seatbelt reminder to the overhead console, minor changes to the instrumentation and recontoured rear seats for added comfort. The Outlander PHEV Exceed gains standard satellite navigation, speed limit information and an eight-speaker premium sound system.

These changes – plus forward-collision mitigation (AEB) for the base-grade Outlander PHEV ES and snow/sport driving modes – come with a price increase of $1000 for the entry-level model and $2000 for the flagship Outlander PHEV Exceed. The pricing now starts at $46,990 for the Outlander PHEV ES and rises to $55,990 for the Outlander PHEV Exceed flagship. Mitsubishi also offers the basic model with the ADAS safety option pack (lane departure warning, active cruise control and auto high-beam headlights) for just $1000 extra.

"Since its introduction, the Outlander PHEV has retained its DNA as the first PHEV to market, but it has improved a number of safety and technical features, as well as a number of efficiency and performance measures, all in response to customer feedback," says Owen Thomson, Senior Manager of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Australia.

"It doesn't hold owners back, or ask them to buy a second family car; it enhances the overall driving experience and improves their fuel expenditure, without them having to worry about driving range."

Our review of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be published at carsales on Wednesday, December 11.