New Mitsubishi Outlander revealed for North American market

Initially intended for the North American market, where it will arrive as early as April, the new Mitsubishi Outlander has at last been unveiled. Its presentation took place on Amazon Live, a first for the motor industry.

Clearly drawing inspiration from the Engelberg Tourer PHEV concept shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the new Outlander uses the same platform as the Nissan Rogue, also known as the forthcoming X-Trail. It is the first Mitsubishi model developed under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Mitsubishi Outlander dimensions and platform

Compared with its predecessor, the Outlander is 51 mm wider and has a longer wheelbase, increased from 2.670 m to 2.706 m. Overall, it measures 4.71 m long, 1.862 m wide and 1.748 m high.

Seven seats and more technology

Like the Nissan Rogue with which it shares its platform, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers seven seats as standard.

Mitsubishi says its designers paid particular attention to the Outlander’s cabin, both in terms of its appearance and the quality of its materials and assembly.

Undeniably more contemporary than that of its predecessor, the new Outlander features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch central display, compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Inside, highlights also include the plentiful USB and USB-C ports and, depending on the version, equipment such as a Head-Up Display or Bose sound system. Adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping assistant are also available.

Just one engine… for now

Although it is virtually certain that the new Outlander will gain a plug-in hybrid variant, the Japanese SUV has, for the time being, been revealed with only one engine: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit already used in several Nissan models.

Paired with a CVT gearbox, this engine produces 184 hp at 6000 rpm and 245 Nm at 3600 rpm. Power is sent either solely to the front wheels or to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s dedicated “Super All-Wheel Control 4WD” system.

Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid for Europe

When it reaches Europe, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is expected to be offered as a plug-in hybrid. This is the powertrain behind the Japanese SUV’s commercial success on the “old continent”, where it was the best-selling plug-in hybrid for several years.