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Outlander is a flagship model for the Japanese carmaker. Yes, Pajero and Montero are older, but the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander will be the only one at the major market in the world. Plus, the crossover SUV is offering the PHEV setup that makes it different from most competitors. Next season, we will see Toyota Rav4 Prime with a similar drivetrain. But, it shouldn’t worry fans of Outlander, since Mitsubishi is going to work harder to improve its vehicle.
The Japanese carmaker is part of the big alliance. Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Renault joined forces to develop more electric vehicles. Leaf is the best-selling EV of all time, and that is why we believe this group of automotive giants has the future. Mitsubishi is already in the hybrid market with a plug-in system. Well, it needs a lot of improvements and the first details claim the carmaker is going to boost outputs. Plus, the Outlander is presenting the new look. Spy photos are not unveiling details, but the big image is there.
Verdict: Outlander is Becoming a Competitive Crossover SUV
Thanks to the innovative approach by the Japanese company, their crossover is pretty popular in the US. The compact segment is the most demanding recently, and models from this tier record the best sales. Last year, there were 40,000 buyers of this model, and in the first two months in 2020, Mitsubishi sold 10,000 units. With the redesign planned for the next season, we can expect a significant jump of popularity. A more powerful PHEV system will add another dimension, while the company is going to keep the existing lineup of engines as well. A 2.4-liter four-pot mill is good for the base offer, while a V6 brings more juice to your ride. Another highlight of the crossover is its all-wheel drive, optional for all trim levels. We are strongly recommending a $2,000 investment into the S-AWC system.
More Power For the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Only 10 percent of buyers are opting for the PHEV unit. However, the reason is simple – 190 horsepower is not enough for the 185 inches long vehicle. You are probably expecting a huge boost in the fuel economy segment, but that is not going to happen since the system is returning 75 MPGe (25 mpg).
According to reports, the carmaker is planning to boost outputs of this system. We still don’t have precise info, but the new 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV might go up to 250 hp. Plus, drivers will get at least 30 miles of electric range, which is a 30% boost compared to the current edition.
Four-Cylinder and V6 Are Still There
Most of the lineup for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander will be available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable to produce 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The lack of power the crossover makes up with 27 mpg of combined fuel economy. Still, if you pick a Super All-Wheel Control system, the mileage drops to 26 miles per gallon. You don’t need premium gas and the towing capacity of the small SUV is just 1,500 pounds.
If you are about to purchase the GT version, then more power is waiting under the bonnet. A 3.0-liter V6 unit is paired with the AWD and it produces 225 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Instead of a CVT gearbox, a V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Still, the power boost makes the engine consume more fuel. The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander GT still manages to return 20/27 mpg and it can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Redesign (Spy Photos)
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has been spied on streets, but test mules are not unveiling too much about the vehicle. We see the new shapes and the crossover should become more aggressive. However, details are well-hidden behind the camouflage and Mitsubishi is not going to present the biggest changes until the release date. We believe that most of the lineup will remain the same. ES, SE, LE, and SEL are versions that use a four-cylinder engine. The base version will get more features and options, while top trims are already nicely packed with leather seats, cruise control systems, and rich details.
The top of the line model remains the GT with a V6 engine and S-AWC drive. This bundle of equipment is also available as optional to PHEV crossover, while the SEL is standard. The Outlander GT comes with a wiper de-icer and a premium Power Sound. The heated steering wheel is another cool addition to the cabin.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Release Date
The redesign seems to be serious, but prototypes are still under heavy panels. That means Mitsubishi means business, but the vehicle is not ready for production. Multiple sources say the carmaker plans the launch for the last quarter of the season. The PHEV drivetrain will be available later, with power and mileage improvements.
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