Outlander PHEV Story & History

Learn about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s heritage, philosophy and awards.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV History

Launched in 2013, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the world’s first Plug-in Hybrid SUV and is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the world. The Outlander PHEV offered three strong benefits in one package: the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and the on road/off-road performance of an SUV.

SUV know-how

Sharing the same DNA as the Shogun

The Outlander PHEV’s heritage can be traced back to the Shogun, which we launched, back in 1982. This was a pioneer of a new generation of SUVs.

The Outlander PHEV’s 4WD heritage

We developed our first 4WD in 1936

We’ve been working on 4WD vehicles for a long time. In fact, the heritage stretches right back to the PX33, which was the first ever 4WD we ever developed, way back in 1936.

The PHEV System

Twin electric motors are better than one

The Outlander PHEV has twin technologically advanced EV drive motors on both front and rear axles, they offer quiet, more economical driving. The Super All Wheel Control S-AWC 4WD system ensures excellent driving stability and intuitive, linear handling.

The PHEV System

New economical 2.4 Litre engine

The highly-efficient Atkinson-cycle petrol engine is for conventional power when needed. Because the Outlander PHEV is so advanced, it switches seamlessly between them both to offer the most efficient performance. The 13.8 kWh large capacity battery and 2.4 litre fuel-efficient petrol engine enables it to travel a significant range on one charge and one tank.

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Philosophy behind the car 

At Mitsubishi Motors, our philosophy is to create more sustainable driving. In order to achieve this, we’ll continue to introduce electric-powered vehicles and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles).

Outlander PHEV Innovations

Twin motor hybrid SUV – a world first

We weren't just way ahead of our competitors, the Outlander PHEV represented more than that. The worldwide attention it received helped to firmly establish the importance of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as the way forward. It's now the world's best-selling PHEV SUV.
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Outstanding Achievements and Awards

Car of the year in Japan

The Outlander PHEV won the RJC Technology of the Year Award in 2014. It also won Car of the Year Japan 2013-2014’s Innovation Award, which recognises the car with the most innovative technologies that contribute to environment, safety, and other mobility issues.

Superior 4WD

Completing the Australasian Safari

In September 2014, the Outlander PHEV completed the Australasian Safari, proving its outstanding all-terrain performance thanks to its twin motor powertrain and Super All-Wheel Control 4WD system.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV range

Discover all the models in our Outlander PHEV range, from the Outlander PHEV Verve, to the stylish Outlander PHEV Exceed Safety

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