Mitsubishi increases the battery capacity and range of the Outlander PHEV

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will feature an improved lithium-ion battery with an increased total capacity of 22.7 kWh over the original 20 kWh battery.

Mitsubishi previously listed range figures in the more generous NEDC, which put the outgoing Outlander at 84km and the new model at 103km. According to the more conventional WLTP rating, the new version will be closer to 86 km.

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

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

“The updated Outlander PHEV exemplifies Mitsubishi’s renowned ingenuity with its latest generation PHEV powertrain with the best of both worlds. It’s also more powerful than ever while improving the efficiency and clean capabilities of an electric car.”

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

A total of four variants make up the updated PHEV line-up, starting with the familiar ES grade and then moving up through the Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer.

Inside, the audio system has been upgraded to include 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 model. The sound and navigation system with a 12.3-inch smartphone display is equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mitsubishi also highlighted a new steel hood and front fenders that are said to improve cabin sound insulation and address noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues, along with new Bridgestone summer tires that apparently increase performance and on-road refinement.

See below for full spec highlights. The company offers an eight-year, 100,000-mile drive battery warranty on top of the 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 emissions of plug-in hybrids are five times higher than official tests

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Model range and key specifications

EC degree, with key specifications including:

• Audio and navigation system with 12.3-inch smartphone display
• 8 Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium speakers
• Brand new drive battery with an increased capacity of 22.7 kWh
• Black fabric upholstery
• Air conditioning motor starting system
• Connected Car Service (CCS)
• Driver monitoring system
• Electrochromic frameless rearview mirror
• FCM haptic brake warning
• Improved blind spot intervention and lane departure prevention systems
• Improved propulsion battery cooling system
• LED interior lighting
• Rear LED turning and reversing lights
• Multi-wheel monitor – bird’s eye view
• New front and rear bumpers
• Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear automatic braking combined with a rear camera
• Steel hood and front fenders for better NVH
• Traffic sign recognition with ACC Speed ​​​​Limit Link
• Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto

Move up to Aspires degree brings additional equipment, including:

• 5+2 seats
  • Sliding and folding manual seat adjustment
  • ‘Walk-in’ system
• Black Granlux/PVC upholstery
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Improved wireless phone charger design
• Other features of Mi-pilot including:
  • Lane Keeping Assistant (LKA)
  • Steering vibration touch sensor
  • Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels

Tea EXCEED grade is characterized by a five-digit layout plus the below highlight above the ASPIRE:

• Aluminum design of gas and brake pedal
• Choice of black or gray leather upholstery
• Frameless interior rearview mirror with digital monitor
• Ventilated driver and passenger seats

Flagship EXCEED THE TOURER tier adds premium features including:

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