SPY PICS: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander outed

The next-generation 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander has been caught testing in the US ahead of its launch in early 2020.

Set to make its debut at the Geneva motor show this March, or possibly at New York a month later, the Outlander mule spied testing clearly shows off the bold new design language that the popular Mitsubishi SUV will sport.

Almost certain to borrow styling cues from the weirdly-named Engelberg Tourer that was unveiled earlier at the 2019 Geneva show, the prototype possesses the car-maker's latest interpretation of a 'Dynamic Shield' grille that will be flanked by two large 'C' shaped LED running lights.

Looking less boxy that the original concept, it's thought the next-gen Outlander will adopt some of the concept's clever thinking, including its active grille shutters that close at speed to cut drag.

Following Mitsubishi joining the Renault-Nissan alliance back in 2016, the Outlander is tipped to switch to the same platform that will be used for the third-generation Nissan Rogue sold in the US.

That means the Outlander will grow in size and finally become a proper seven-seat rival for cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Under the bonnet, not a single powertrain will be carried over from the current car, says our spies.

Instead, the entry Outlander will come with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder that currently powers the Eclipse Cross. Expect the most basic Outlanders to make do with at least 110kW.

The popular plug-in hybrid versions, meanwhile, is expected to lift its advanced powertrain from the Engelberg Tourer show car.

That means it will blend a heavily-revised version of the 2.4-litre that acts as a generator with a pair of electric motors to provide drive to the front and rear axles.

Featuring a larger 20kWh lithium-ion battery the next Outlander will offer a more generous 70km pure-electric range and a 700km total range.

Thanks to the new platform, the new Mitsubishi will place its battery pack low within the platform beneath the floor providing for a lower centre-of-gravity.

Improving handling, the Outlander will get an advanced torque vectoring that uses both its brakes and electric motors to channel torque virtually between the axles (front to rear) and across to the wheel with most grip.

Another benefit of the new Alliance tie-up is the next Mitsubishi SUV is also primed to benefit from Nissan's ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving aids.