Mitsubishi has confirmed the plug-in hybrid version of the 2022 Outlander midsize SUV will arrive in Australia in early 2022.
The fourth-generation Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be offered for the first time with seven seats and features more electric-only range and performance than the previous model.
Mitsubishi has confirmed the plug-in hybrid is coming to Australia early next year
Mitsubishi released a series of teaser images alongside the latest announcement, with exact range and performance figures expected to be confirmed later this year.
The ability to fit the hybrid system into the seven-seat layout has been credited to the newly designed platform underpinning the new Outlander and the incoming Nissan X-Trail midsize SUV.
It remains unclear whether the hybrid system will compromise interior space but it will mean buyers won’t have to pick between more seats or better fuel economy this time around.
The Outlander PHEV will be available with seven seats for the first time
The ability to option a hybrid with seven seats means buyers who might traditionally look to a hybrid Toyota Kluger large SUV can scoop up an Outlander PHEV for a potentially cheaper price.
The four-generation Outlander is expected to arrive in Australia towards the end of this year, fitted exclusively with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 135kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
The new Outlander is coming to Australia later this year
The Outlander PHEV has previously used a 2.4-litre four-cylinder making 94kW of power and 199Nm of torque, with an additional 60kW electric motor at the front and a 70kW motor at the rear.
The electric-only range was rated at 45 kilometres according to WLTP testing, which Mitsubishi says will be even longer in the latest generation.
