Mitsubishi increases battery capacity and range of Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi has confirmed details for its updated Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), including increased battery capacity and a greater electric range of up to 86 kilometres.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will feature an upgraded lithium-ion battery pack with an increased total capacity of 22.7 kWh, up from the outgoing 20 kWh battery.

Mitsubishi previously provided range figures in the more generous NEDC, which put the outgoing Outlander at a range of 84km and the new model at 103km. In the more conventional WLTP assessment, the new version will be closer to 86 kms.

Two high-power electric motors and an efficient 2.4-litre petrol engine can apparently act as either a generator for the battery or supply power directly to the front wheels.

“The Mitsubishi Outlander has resonated with Australian customers since its market launch in 2021, and we’re confident this next PHEV model range will be no exception,” Mitsubishi’s head of product in Australia  Bruce Hampel said in a statement.

“The updated Outlander PHEV exemplifies Mitsubishi’s renowned ingenuity with its latest-generation PHEV powertrain featuring the best of both worlds. It’s also more powerful than ever before, while simultaneously improving efficiency and pure EV capability.

Improvements have also been made to the Outlander PHEV’s ride and handling, developed in conjunction with the internal combustion engine (ICE) model, that are intended to suite Australia’s unique conditions and buyer requirements.

A total of four variants make up the updated PHEV lineup, starting with the familiar ES grade, and then stepping gradually up through the Aspire, Exceed, and Exceed Tourer.

Inside, the audio system has been upgraded to include an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha technology across the range, or a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system for the top-of-the-line Exceed Tourer. A 12.3-inch smartphone-link display audio and navigation system features both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mitsubishi also highlighted the new steel bonnet and front fenders which are said to improve cabin noise insulation, addressing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues, alongside new summer specific Bridgestone tyres that apparently bolster on-road performance and refinement.

Full specification highlights can be found below. The company offers an eight-year, 160,000km drive battery warranty on top of a 10-year vehicle warranty program.

The updated Outlander PHEV will hit Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2026, but full pricing and specification details will be confirmed closer to the launch date.

See also: Real-world emissions from plug in hybrids are five times higher than official tests

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Model range and specification highlights

ES grade, with specification highlights including:

• 12.3-inch smartphone-link display audio and navigation system
• 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium
• All new drive battery with increased 22.7kWh capacity
• Black cloth upholstery
• Climate Control Engine Start System
• Connected Car Service (CCS)
• Driver Monitor System
• Electrochromatic frameless rear-view mirror
• FCM Haptic Brake Warning
• Improved Blind Spot intervention and Lane Departure Prevention systems
• Improved drive battery cooling system
• LED interior lighting
• LED rear turn and back up lamps
• Multi around view monitor – Bird’s eye view
• New front and rear bumpers
• Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear automatic braking linked with rear view camera
• Steel bonnet and front fenders for improved NVH
• Traffic Sign Recognition with ACC Speed Limit Link
• Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto

Moving up to the ASPIRE grade brings additional equipment, including:

• 5+2 seating
  • Slide and recline manual seat adjuster
  • ‘Walk-in’ system
• Black Granlux/PVC upholstery
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Improved wireless phone charger design
• Mi-pilot additional features including:
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • Touch sensor steering vibration
  • Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels

The EXCEED grade features a five-seat layout, plus the below highlights above ASPIRE:

• Aluminium accelerator and brake pedal design
• Choice of black or grey leather upholstery
• Frameless interior rear-view mirror with digital monitor
• Ventilated driver and passenger seats

The flagship EXCEED TOURER grade adds premium features including:

• 12 speaker Dynamic Sound YAMAHA Ultimate Audio System
• Brick Brown semi-aniline premium leather upholstery
• Massage function for driver and front passenger