The plug-in electric vehicle world is getting more competitive. Ahead of its next-gen launch, Mitsubishi has announced the its 2021 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has been significantly upgraded to include a revised powertrain, enlarged battery pack, and better performance. There’s a also a new trim level.
This comes as the company has revealed the redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander will go on sale this spring.
Mitsubishi will sell the Outlander PHEV in three trim levels for 2021: SEL, Limited Edition (LE), and GT. The LE trim is new and adds a standard sunroof, Mitsubishi Power Sound System, black grille, dark chrome dual-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and black front and rear bumper design to the model.
The Outlander PHEV can be charged to make use of all-electric range or run as a traditional hybrid.Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
The 2021 version of the Outlander PHEV now comes with a 2.4-liter engine with the ability to achieve 126 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a 70-kilowatt electric motor, upgraded from a 60-kilowatt unit. The total system output has now increased to 221 horsepower, up 31 horsepower from the previous model.
For the new model year, the SUV’s main battery drive capacity has grown from 12.0 kilowatts per hour to 13.8 kilowatts per hour, increasing the SUV’s all-electric range from 22 to 24 miles. It’s all-electric top-speed has increased from 79 mph to 83 mph.
Mitsubishi says that the Outlander PHEV has also received software updates that improve the synchronization between the SUV’s battery and engine, which is meant to reduce overall noise, vibration, and harshness.
Every Outlander PHEV comes equipped with all-wheel drive. It now has Sport and Snow driving modes as well.
The Mitsubishi has increased range for the 2021 model year.Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
Efficiency upgrades, combined with the new powertrain, lead the Outlander PHEV to achieve 74 MPGe and 26 mpg. Those are respectable numbers for a three-row SUV.
Forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with assist, and automatic high beam headlights are standard on every Outlander PHEV model.
Mitsubishi backs every Outlander PHEV with a fully transferrable five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, as well as a fully transferable 10-year /100,000-mile limited warranty on PHEV components and the Main Drive Lithium-ion battery. These limited warranties are in addition to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty to the original retail purchaser and a seven-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty. Every Outlander PHEV also comes standard with a 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $36,295. The Outlander PHEV LE is priced at $37,995 while the top-tier Outlander PHEV GT comes in at $41,995.
Outlander PHEV is now eligible for $6,587 in federal tax credits, an increase of $751 compared to the 2020 model year.
