Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) - 2025 facelift

Launched at the end of 2021, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) was a game-changer that promises to turn Mitsubishi's fortunes around with its PHEV drivetrain. Sadly, only a few are taking notice of it. Now is the ideal time to reintroduce the Outlander PHEV to the world in a revamped approach.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now starting at 5,263,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, a huge price hike compared to the previous model, the updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GN0W promises to be an even more game-changer than before with its recalibrated PHEV drivetrain along with some retouches in store for this minor change.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior

The 2025 model features some slight retouches, such as the front grille to accommodate its front shutters, revamped wheel designs, the new 12.3-inch touchscreen sat-nav system with smartphone connectivity, and the available Yamaha 12-speaker sound system, which replaces the Bose unit from the pre-facelifted model. It's still offered with the choice of a five-seater or a seven-seater and can carry up to 1404 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. Ideal for various walks of life from business to leisure.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now's the ideal time to talk about its recalibrated PHEV powertrain. While the 4B12 2.4L petrol engine remains unchanged, the electrical bit is now powered by the 22.7 kWh lithium battery with a new liquid cooling system and a heat pump system, making greater efficiency to its twin motors that supplement its Super All-Wheel Control system. Overall, it now produces over 300PS of power, and mated with a single-gear automatic, it sprints from 0-100kph in less than eight seconds and flat-out in 170kph.

Its fuel efficiency is now 17.6 km/L, and its EV driving range is now 106km based on WLTC Mode standards.

Mitsubishi also recalibrated the Outlander PHEV's dynamics using lightweight and high-rigidity aluminum on its suspension setup to make it slightly more enjoyable to drive everywhere as well as its revamped steering layout and larger ventilated disc brakes.

The new Outlander PHEV prioritizes safety with its MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology. This system combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to help keep the vehicle centered while navigating Tokyo's highways. Additionally, it features the capability to read speed limit signs, which may surprise other drivers on the road.

Now that we’ve had a chance to get acquainted with the new features of the refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, let's discuss whether or not this refresh has successfully made it the ideal time to take notice of this improved model.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W)

Mitsubishi Motors used to be the rising star of the automotive industry because of its blockbuster hits such as the Pajero and the Lancer Evolution. Now, it became a struggling Japanese carmaker that couldn't keep up with the challenges of the new normal despite the fact that it's part of the alliance with Renault and Nissan. As the Japanese carmaker is on the brink of becoming the one that time forgot, they've recently launched the all-new Outlander PHEV crossover, a game-changer that promises to turn Mitsubishi's fortunes around as it seeks through the brave new challenges it will come across.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Starting at 4,621,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Outlander PHEV promises to wake the company up from its deep slumber with its game-changing PHEV powertrain, strong design, a fully functional interior, and dynamics honed from Mitsubishi's greatest hits. Although it's hard to question this latest regeneration, there is so much to talk about it but for now, let's be quick about the new model.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Beginning with the design, the new Outlander borrows its styling cues from the Engleberg Tourer Concept, giving this new model a rather dramatic flair fit for a crossover that promises to tackle the new normal at ease while delivering a strong atmosphere lurking through its exterior design. Dramatic and strong the new exterior design is, the new Outlander is surprisingly bigger than its predecessor, posing a challenge to those who owned the previous Outlander PHEV.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior

Thanks to its added size, the new interior is roomier and more functional than before. Step into the driver's seat and thankfully, Mitsubishi went for the user-friendly route for the new model because common sense is what the new model's built for. 

Speaking of common sense, because of its larger dimensions, the new Outlander is slightly roomier than its predecessor, giving everyone plenty of reasons to get accommodated with it. The five-seater variant is fine but the seven-seater variant is also fine as well as long as you don't want Mom and Dad telling you to sit in the third-row seats while the rest of the second-row seats are fully occupied with child seats. There goes its sweet spot. Because the second and third-row seats are foldable, you can turn it into an express van if you're trying to deliver heavy cargo or a nice little sleeper while in the woods.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV's powertrain remains the same 4B12 2.4L petrol engine from its previous model but the two electric motors connected to it are now more powerful than before. Combined with the Li-ion battery and the CVT gearbox, the new model delivers 16.6km/L of fuel economy as well as 87km of EV range based on WLTC Mode standards.

In terms of dynamics, the new Outlander PHEV drives better than before because of its CMF platform derived from the alliance, allowing this crossover to behave with a European feel. Coupled with the rear multilink suspension, front MacPherson struts, and a Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering, it feels as civilized as a good honest senior citizen who cares about everybody more than himself.

Being a 4WD crossover, the Outlander PHEV offers various driving modes that can be selected at the turn of the dial. You can even engage Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes as well if you are in the mood for offroading or a weekend at Hannibal's. Although it doesn't mimic the capabilities of the late Pajero, it's still good to drive even on the dirtiest roads. After all, it's all about quality time with you and the road ahead.

As for safety, the new Outlander PHEV comes with an improved MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance tech which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to keep it centered while driving through Tokyo highways like a commoner. It even reads speed limit signs as well, which is a bit of a shock for those behind the wheel.

The Outlander PHEV may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive this year but in the interest of common sense, it's all about getting the job done from start to finish. So, is this the crossover that promises to turn around Mitsubishi's fortunes? Although it's too late to say it, there's still a chance for Mitsubishi to redeem itself with this new model. Who knows, with such a reputation the new model possesses before its launch, this could be the Japanese equivalent of the Hail Mary this company is looking for.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Couple of months ago, Mitsubishi launched a full model change on the Outlander which features the most obvious styling a Mitsubishi fan couldn't think of. It's available in 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines and that's it. Period. However, Mitsubishi plans something big for this new model and it promises to be more of an eco car that you can go further through the extra mile. There is now an Outlander that promises to get you through places further...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Here it is, the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid vehicle made from Mitsubishi Motors. It's called the Outlander PHEV. Although it looks nearly the same as the latest model, this new model took the lessons that came from the Chevy Volt, which means that as a PHV crossover, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. Thanks to being a full fledged PHEV crossover, the all new Outlander PHEV sure comes in handy if you want to bring your family on a winter vacation on Hokkaido because with an electric range of 67 kilometers per charge and fuel economy of 18.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, this is a perfect cruiser that can get you through the next prefecture up to another. Might be come in handy for your next adventure to Japan's most beautiful landscapes.

All that power output comes from the dual 60kW electric motors coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and the 2.0L 4B11 engine that generates 118PS of power and 186Nm of torque. As for the batteries, Mitsubishi's going the right way around because they've placed Lithium ion batteries, the kind of batteries that powers your trusty laptop PC or your new cellphone. These batteries are much lighter than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries that most hybrids have, increased amount of power that can be transferred on the low current, and its self discharge rate is about 5-10% per month. As for the recharging rate, it takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge the batteries via a 220-volt outlet but if you overdo it, the batteries will about to suffer and the EV range will drop so you better need some careful planning when will you charge the batteries. Well, if you're getting nervous about the batteries, kindly switch on the petrol engine and you'll have as much thinking time to think about the battery charging.

Here in Japan, the PHEV version of the Outlander arrives on late January 2013 and priced at 3,324,000 yen. After much praise, it should be ready for the world market sooner than you can say "you will be upgraded".

Available colors: White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Mica, and Technical Silver Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 12kWh E - 3,324,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G - 3,569,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G セーフティパッケージ - 3,664,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G ナビパッケージ - 3,978,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G プレミアムパッケージ - 4,297,000 Yen

Mitsubishi Outlander GF8W/GF7W

Right, it is now time to check out an all new Mitsubishi model and this one's rather different than what you've expected to be...

It's a crossover, it's Mitsubishi's answer to the Subaru Forester, and it's a seven seater. Yes. It's called the Outlander. When it was launched in Japan in 2005 as a replacement to the Mitsubishi Airtrek (2001-2005), this crossover is somewhat a Lancer with some extra seats, and made for family use. That was been around for seven years now with absolutely no further changes whatsoever. Yep, the Outlander though, is the only Japanese SUV that had few significant changes for several years, I think...until now....

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Because, yes, it's a full model change. This really is it. The all new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, the crossover redefined to be safer, fuel efficient, and more practical. One thing that I didn't noticed it that it kinda looked like a whale. Yep, the new Outlander's exterior design kinda looks like a whale of a blubber. Seems that the design are gone for a little "Free Willy". Get it? Free Willy! Anyway, enough of the whale stuff because someone's going to get mad about this story. Let's check out a few pointers between the new generation Outlander.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander interior

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander interior

Joy of joys, the interior is all new, unlike the previous model's interior which is a bit dull, pointy, and feels like there's nothing to do. You can fit up to seven people, there's the Rockford Fosgate PRemium Sound System (DTS Neural SurroundTM, 9-speaker), Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) on more expensive models, a well-mannered speedometer (that reads up to 180kph, much like most Japanese cars of today), 4WD mode can be engaged at the push of the button, and then the gear lever that takes advantage of its INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT. Oh wait! There's some paddle shifters on the new Outlander as well! What Mitsubishi just did is made the new Outlander a premium blend of luxuriousness and sportiness in a crossover.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

4WD models of the Outlander comes with the 4J12 2.4-liter MIVEC engine while 2WD models come with the 4J11 2.0-liter MIVEC engine. Both of these engine types come with the Auto Stop & Go feature as featured in the new Mirage, Galant Fortis, RVR, and Delica D:5, therefore the one with the 4J12 engine will have a fuel economy of 14.4km/L while the one with the 4J11 engine on it has 15.2km/L. They're all based on JC08 Test Cycle so if you are asking what's the true fuel economy for this one, it's the JC08 that matters. That's it. JC08. In the past, the 10-15 Mode was used to measure the fuel economy of Japanese vehicles but in 2011, the term JC08 was used to measure a Japanese car's fuel economy.

4WD models of the Outlander do come with Mitubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), the feature that you got from the current Evo X. It integrates management of its Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS components, while adding braking force control to Mitsubishi Motors' own AYC system, making the new Outlander a little less complicating to drive.

If safety is what matters, the new 2013 Outlander now comes with something that is similar to Subaru's Eyesight system and that name, not to be confused with General Motors' eco-car stuff applied on the Buick LaCrosse, Alpheon, Buick Regal, and Chevrolet Malibu Eco, is called e-assist. How does e-assist work? It's simple, e-assist uses millimeter-wavelength radar as well as a camera to further increase driving safety and peace of mind. It also acts like a Volvo S60 because of its braking system from the e-assist, which halts the car automatically when it's near collision. That's very simple, and very clever, but be careful though. This auto-braking feature from the Outlander's E-assist may sometimes not work so driving concentration and alertness is needed.

I like to be deadly serious for a moment. This is the most well-mannered Outlander ever made despite the design that looks like a whale. However, there is a problem. It's not a mechanical problem, it's Mitsubishi Motors Philippines. They said they have no plans to bring the all new model yet. Back then, the previous models been offered but because of its strong yen, Mitsubishi Philippines axed the Outlander and focus on the ASX and the Montero Sports. Which means, that if you're a kid, you'll never have a thrill of having yourself at the back seat, enjoying this new model. Good thing, it's not as sad as the previous model we have.

Available colors: Copper Metallic, White Pearl, Titanium Metallic, Cool Silver MEtallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic and Black Mica.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 20G - 2,427,000 Yen

2.4 24G 4WD - 2,692,000 Yen

2.4 24G Safety Package 4WD - 2,787,000 Yen

2.4 24G Navi Package 4WD - 3,100,000 Yen

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation