Outlander plug-in hybrid is the third best-selling electric model after Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf. It is the best-selling PHEV. Still, the SUV is getting competition in the upcoming season, so the next edition must bring improvements if it wants to stay competitive. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is going to improve its range and efficiency, which is the most important thing for these kinds of vehicles.
Changes for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are not big. But, suspension tuning is definitely very important to upgrade. Last season we saw the minor facelift of the crossover SUV. But, compared to the standard editions with petrol engines, the PHEV variant was left out from the revisit of the drivetrain. Now, in 2020, engineers are fixing the mistake and we can expect the smoother ride.
Outlander PHEV USA Sales
Outlander is outdated. For the crossovers, it is too long to wait seven years between new generations. However, last year the vehicle managed to achieve the best-selling records in the USA with 41,000 units sold. This is the largest Mitsubishi model in this part of the world and it uses the most advanced technologies. The plug-in hybrid system is among them. So, there is no surprise why Outlander PHEV is so popular.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2020 vs 2019
Final numbers are not out yet, but the new 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is going to improve the current range. A model for 2019 season is using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder drivetrain and combines it with electric motor that adds 80 hp, and 12 kWh battery pack. The total output of this system is 197 hp and 22 miles of range by using only the electric power.
Specs of the new 2020 Outlander PHEV will just go up. Engineers are testing a larger battery pack that is going to provide at least 30 miles of electric range. However, other specs are going up as well, so the new crossover SUV can reach 200 hp.
Outlander Specs
The standard version of the Mitsubishi Outlander is using a 2.4-liter four-cylinder drivetrain that is capable to deliver 165 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque. This is not enough for the vehicle of its size, so the company is installing a 3.0-liter V6 unit under the hood of the GT model. Well, this is the only trim level that will offer you 225 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of twist. A six-speed gearbox is a power router for the V6, while the four-pot unit uses a CVT transmission that sends power either to the front or all wheels. The GT and V6 are using the AWD only.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is Going Through Final Tests
Sources from the Japanese company are confirming the tests are going well and the new version is arriving soon with improved numbers. However, we didn’t see the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on streets yet. The vehicle is very popular in the United States, UK, and Canada, so the company could run tests anywhere.
The new, improved version of the Outlander PHEV is probably getting a bogger battery pack, which can take more electricity. Currently, 12 kWh is enough for 22 miles, and for longer range, Mitsubishi needs more capacity.
The company is part of the alliance with another Japanese carmaker, Nissan, whose LEAF is the best-selling EV ever. So, there is a mutual interest in the development of new units, especially in this segment. In the future, we will see more and more PHEVs and EVs, and the Outlander takes an excellent position by delivering such a unit already.
Release Date, Competition
The new 2020 Outlander should be out by the end of this year. However, the ongoing tests could delay the premiere and the plug-in hybrid model for the first or second quartal of 2020. It will be worth of waiting. Extra miles and fuel-saving technologies are evolving every day, so a few months can mean a lot if you are looking for a budget-saving vehicle.
Volvo XC60 will offer a good alternative to the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. You will have to pay more, but the outputs of the Swede car are magnificent – 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Still, Mitsubishi offers a seven-seat layout. Subaru Crosstrek is way smaller to compete with Outlander, while the Subaru Outback still doesn’t offer hybrid system.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Price
Updates will increase the price of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. More miles – more money. The base edition comes with the SEL package that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch rims, and Super All-Wheel Drive Control. The price for this model starts at $37,000 for the new Outlander PHEV. The other package includes the GT suite with LED lamps, moonroof, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking… and the price tag of $44,000. With some options, you can build a $50k vehicle.
