2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Teased in Madrid

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is still going and continues to be a popular choice for the Japanese automaker. Although the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance promises new electric choices with Ampere, and Nissan and Mitsubishi are working on a new electric vehicle entry, Mitsubishi hangs onto the Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The Outlander PHEV is a great choice for families, and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was just teased overseas, but there doesn’t seem to be any change.

Currently, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20 kwH lithium-ion battery powering two electric motors. The gasoline engine has been optimized with Mitsubishi Motors MIVEC timing system, a variable valve timing system that helps improve engine performance and fuel economy. Together, the powertrain generates 244 horsepower. The gasoline is capable of generating 144 lb-ft of torque, whereas an additional 188 lb-ft of torque can be generated from the front motor and 143 lb-ft of torque from the rear. The fuel economy for the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 64 MPGe, with a combined 26 mpg for the gasoline engine alone, and an all-electric range (AER) of 38 miles. The total driving range is 420 miles.

According to the media website, the European crossover will first debut in Madrid, Spain. Many automakers are skirting around Europe because of the ever increasing limits the European Commission puts on carbon dioxide emissions. Mitsubishi Motors almost pulled out of Europe entirely before Renault stepped and helped it develop the new Mitsubishi Colt with a hybrid option, a rebadged Renault Clio Hybrid. As for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the powertrain specs are the same – a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, a 20 kwH lithium-ion battery twin motor system, a fuel economy of 26 mpg, AER of 38 miles, and a total driving range of 420 miles. There are suspected changes to the horsepower, but only slightly, able to generate 248 horsepower on a good day.

That might be the saving grace. There seems to be some change going on that isn’t explicitly stated. The small change in horsepower also lends itself to a change in torque – 332 combined, compared to the 475 lb-ft of torque when combined for the current model. Maybe somewhere in the engineering, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has made just enough changes to slide under the EU limits for carbon dioxide emission.

Basically, the reveal in Madrid is the first step Mitsubishi Motors is taking to re-enter Europe with more vehicles in its lineup. First announced for the 2022 model year, that was before the automaker all but pulled out of Europe and released the Mitsubishi Colt. Confirmed for Europe for the 2025 model year, we’re not sure what the difference is to meet the high demands of the European Union if all of the specs are the same. The latest generation did come with some upgrades, such as all-wheel drive, and an improved engine, but is it enough for the EU?

When will Mitsubishi realize it’s time to retire the Outlander PHEV? Maybe in 2026.  As EU limits get tighter, more and more automakers will be releasing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to make the cut, and so far, the Outlander PHEV is the only electrified option Mitsubishi has. Stay tuned with news about Mitsubishi and the mysterious BEV when you follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Motors