Mitsubishi Outlander

First generation (2001–2008)

The Airtrek was first introduced to the Japanese market on 20 June 2001, priced from ¥1.7–2.3 million. It offered a choice of either a 126 PS (93 kW) 4G63 2.0 L or a 139 PS (102 kW) 4G64 2.4 L GDI, mated to a standard INVECS-II 4-speed semi-automatic transmission. Both front- and four-wheel drive were available. The four-wheel drive version uses open differentials for the front and rear axles, with a viscous coupling unit for the center differential. A high performance model, using a detuned version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's 4G63T 2.0 L I4 turbo, was introduced in 2002. The engine produced 240 PS (180 kW) and 343 N·m (253 lb·ft), although in export markets the Outlander version's output was reduced to 202 PS (149 kW) and 303 N·m (223 lb·ft). The return of four-cylinder engines under 2.0 liters offered Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, however, the exterior dimensions exceed Japanese regulations for the "compact" designation.

The Outlander arrived in 2003 in North America, replacing the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, with a modified front grille and headlights which increased the overall length by approximately 130 millimetres (5.1 in), and the two models were manufactured in parallel thereafter. It shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Grandis, also introduced in 2003. A version of the 4G64 powerplant was offered first, while a 4G69 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC I4 producing 120 kW (160 PS) and 220 N·m (160 lb·ft), and the turbocharged 4G63T appeared in 2004. All had the option of front- or four-wheel drive.

In several South American markets it was known as the Montero Outlander, to benefit from an association with the strong-selling Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Second generation (2006–2012)

On 17 October 2006, Mitsubishi launched the second generation model, dropping the Airtrek in Japan in favour of adopting the global name. It features a new DOHC 2.4 L 16-valve MIVEC engine; INVECS-III continuously variable transmission (CVT), Mitsubishi's AWC system which features electronically controlled four wheel drive and stability control, on a stretched Mitsubishi GS platform. The North American version, powered by a newly designed 6B31 3.0 L V6 SOHC MIVEC was shown in April 2006 at the New York Auto Show prior to its release in October the same year. Due to the availability of a V6 engine, Mitsubishi returned to offering a shorter version of this vehicle, and reintroduced the Mitsubishi RVR 17 February 2010. The usage of a four-cylinder engine under 2.0 liters offers Japanese buyers a vehicle that was in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, which has tax advantages, giving buyers the ability to purchase a vehicle capable of seating seven people without paying the tax penalty of a larger engine.

The Outlander, which features Mitsubishi's RISE safety body, received a four star rating from the Euro NCAP car safety performance assessment programme. One of its unique features is something Mitsubishi calls a "Flap-Fold Tailgate"; it is a two-piece tailgate integrated into the rear bumper that folds down for easy loading, while serving as a bench when the tailgate is open, able to accommodate up to 180 kg (400 lb)

In its home market of Japan it was the best-selling SUV from October 2006 to March 2007, while in the U.S. market it achieved 1,694 and 2,108 sales in November and December 2006, the first two full months it was available; Mitsubishi ultimately hopes for at least 4,000 sales per month in the United States, and after the cancellation of the Mitsubishi Grandis in model year 2011, the Outlander is now Mitsubishi's only MPV capable of carrying seven passengers with all wheel drive. In Chile, where both generations were on sale simultaneously, the new model was badged Outlander K2.

Increased demand for the new Mitsubishi Lancer, and the consequent effects on the capacity of the company's Mizushima production facility, have obliged Mitsubishi to reassess production of the Outlander. In September 2007, they announced that from 2008, production of European market Outlanders would be transferred from Nagoya to its NedCar plant in the Netherlands, while the Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 would have their production transferred from Mizushima to Nagoya.

The model was facelifted for the 2008 model year, although the 2007 grille carried over in the United States and Canada for 2008-09 until another facelift in the 2010 model year.

At the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company displayed a Mitsubishi Evolander (now known as Mitsubishi Outlander Ralliart) concept, powered by a 240 kW (330 PS) supercharged version of the vehicle's 6B31 V6 engine and equipped with suitably uprated suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, body kit and interior. A second show car, an Outlander GT Prototype with a front grille based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, was exhibited at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, and formed the basis of the facelifted model introduced in late 2009.

Along with a major facelift for the 2010 model year, the top end Outlander XLS (GT in the US) introduced a new colour MFD dashboard display and the Mitsubishi S-AWC AWD system. The lower trims retain the previous MFD and the less advanced AWC AWD system. Likewise, the interior was also slightly revised to incorporate leather into the dashboard trim and doors.

Third generation (2012–present)

Mitsubishi unveiled the third-generation Outlander at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production version of the Outlander was debuted in Russia in July 2012, and was introduced in other European markets in September 2012. The vehicle was introduced to North America at the November 2012 LA Auto Show, and went on sale in early 2013.

The redesigned model has a new lightweight body that weighs approximately 90 kilograms (200 lb) less than the previous model due to extensive use of high tensile strength steel. With a lower drag coefficient of c_d 0.33, fuel economy has been improved over the previous model. Inside, the dashboard and front doors were covered with soft touch material, the seats were redesigned, and there is sound insulation to keep the cabin quiet.

The front suspension consists of MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a multi-link design with a stabilizer bar. Electric Power Steering reduces load on the engine compared to a hydraulic system and helps to improve fuel economy. Disc brakes are equipped on all four wheels, with 294 mm (11.6 in) vented rotors in front along with 302 mm (11.9 in) solid rotors in back.

New available safety features include a Forward Collision Mitigation system, a Lane departure warning system, a driver knee airbag to reduce leg injury in a crash, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, the Outlander has standard driver and passenger front airbags, front side torso airbags along with curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control Logic, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and a brake pedal that recedes to prevent leg injury in a crash.

In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Outlander received a top score of "Good" in every category. When equipped with the optional Forward Collision Mitigation system, the car received the Institute's Top Safety Pick+ award. The vehicle also received full five star overall ratings in the United States, Japanese, and European New Car Assessment Programs.

2015 update

At the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi debuted a heavily revised Outlander for the 2016 model year. The vehicle features new design language called "Dynamic Shield" that will be the basis for future vehicles in different segments. The revised headlights now include LED DRLs with the option of full LED headlamps. Inside the cabin, Mitsubishi made refinements to the steering wheel, headliner, rear folding seats, and door controls.

Besides cosmetic changes, the updated Outlander has somewhat reduced cabin noise via increased use of sound insulation, thicker door glass, dynamic suspension and differential dampers, and thicker weatherstripping. The suspension and steering were re-tuned and a new generation Jatco CVT8 transmission introduced for four cylinder models. The revised SUV first went on sale in Australia in June 2015 followed by the USA, Canada and the Caribbean in July.

Plug-in hybrid

The third generation includes a plug-in hybrid variant, called PHEV, and its production version was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Specifications

The plug-in hybrid has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC gasoline engine, coupled with an electric powertrain, derived from the electric systems used on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Two 60 kW electric motors independently power the front and rear wheels, while the gasoline-powered engine can be used as a generator for the motors, and/or power the vehicle directly. Located on the left side of the engine (positioned transaxle-style), the front motor is a smaller, lighter and higher output version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor used in the i-MiEV.

The Outlander PHEV has a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack capable of delivering an all-electric range of 52.3 km (32.5 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle. Under the Japanese JC08 test the all-electric range is 60 km (37 mi), with a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The battery pack is located in a dust- and waterproof encasement positioned beneath the passenger compartment subfloor and between the front and rear axles, with no intrusion into the passenger compartment. It consists of 80 cells configured in series. Mitsubishi's target was to achieve a combined fuel economy for Japan in "EV Drive" mode of 67 km/liter equivalent, or equivalent to about 157 miles per U.S. gallon (MPGe). Fuel economy in hybrid mode for Japan is 5.3 L/100 km (44 mpg_‑US).

The plug-in hybrid comes equipped with two charging sockets, regular and quick charging CHAdeMO. When charging at home the driver can choose between a standard 3-pin plug socket or via a dedicated EV charging point. The vehicle comes with a 5 m (16 ft) charging cable for connection to a standard plug socket. From a standard plug, charging from empty to full charge takes about five hours. From a dedicated charging point at home or at a public charging point, it takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge. The DC rapid charging socket can be used at CHAdeMO charging stations. Rapid charging allows for an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.

The U.S. version of the Outlander PHEV will not include the CHAdeMO fast-charging port. According to Mitsubishi, there are not enough compatible stations in the U.S. to warrant it. American drivers will have to use the SAE port for fast-charging purposes.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features three driving modes: "EV Drive", "Series Hybrid", and "Parallel Hybrid". The drivetrain automatically selects one of three drivetrain modes for optimal performance and efficiency. In "EV Drive" mode the vehicle is driven in an eco-friendly performance mode by the two electric motors, with energy being supplied exclusively by the lithium-ion battery pack, and becomes a 100% electric-powered zero-emission vehicle. In Series or Parallel drive modes, the generator produces electricity from the engine and stores it in the battery pack.

The engine is fitted with what Mitsubishi calls Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC), which claims to maximize power production, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce exhaust emissions. The system works by continuously varying the timing of the intake valves, according to engine speed, when operating in "Parallel Hybrid" mode. The engine functions solely to generate electricity in "Series Hybrid" mode and is mainly used to provide motive force in "Parallel Hybrid" mode.

The drivetrain switches to "Series Hybrid" when the energy level remaining in the battery pack is low or when the need arises for additional acceleration. In this mode the two electric motors are powered by the battery pack and the gasoline-powered generator. The vehicle can also switch to parallel hybrid mode. In this drive mode, the plug-in hybrid uses its full complement of available resources: the gasoline engine, the two electric motors and gasoline-powered engine generator. The "Parallel Hybrid" mode is the most commonly utilized when driving in a long-haul/high-speed steady-state cruise manner, such as on the open road or freeway. This is the most efficient drivetrain mode under these types of driving circumstances.

The Outlander PHEV features regenerative braking during normal deceleration (braking or coasting), with the front and rear electric motors working as generators so that electricity can be generated and fed back into the main battery pack. In addition, the plug-in hybrid has a set-up that allows the driver to control the strength of the engine braking with paddles behind the steering wheel. The driver switches on regenerative braking by sliding the central selector to the "B" position.

Variable regenerative braking is achieved by tapping the paddles, the strength of the regenerative braking system could be stepped through six different settings, allowing the driver to adjust how much power is restored into the battery, and to balance the amount of braking carried out with the amount of momentum the driver wants to maintain. For example, down a long but shallow slope it is better to keep rolling with a small level of recuperation, while down a steep hill, the driver can set the system to maximum regeneration. At its most aggressive setting, the regen system would easily hold the Outlander at 80 km/h (50 mph) down a moderate downhill slope. With minimum regen, the car would conserve momentum and coast a great distance without any power draw.

The Outlander PHEV features three driver-activated modes:

Sales

Sales began in Japan by late January 2013, becoming the first SUV plug-in hybrid in the market. Retail prices vary from ¥3,324,000 (US$36,650) to ¥4,297,000 (US$47,380). The engine displacement of the largest version is kept below 2.5 litres so as to avoid having Japanese buyers having to pay more annual road tax which would affect sales.

The European version was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The European version is similar to the Japanese model except for minor adjustments to comply with EU requirements, and Mitsubishi expected an emission rating of 44 g/km. Retail deliveries began in Europe in October 2013. Sales in Australia were originally scheduled for June 2013, but began only in 2014. The introduction in the United States was initially scheduled for January 2014.

Because of initial production battery problems, European deliveries to retail customers started in October 2013, beginning by the Netherlands and followed by the Nordic countries, and the introduction in the United States was initially delayed until 2015. Due to California's regulations that require a battery-monitoring unit, Mitsubishi delayed the market launch in the US for the last quarter of 2015. This unit conducts onboard diagnosis of the Outlander's lithium ion battery capacity and output and alert the driver to possible degradation. which might affect the vehicle's emissions. In January 2015 it was rescheduled again. Mitsubishi plans to introduced a redesigned versions as a model year 2017. The latest delays are due to production constraints of the lithium-ion battery pack. As of January 2016, US deliveries were scheduled to begin by August 2016. In July 2016, the release in the US market was postponed one more time, being rescheduled to mid-2017. Mitsubishi expects to sell about 6,000 units in its first year on sale in the American market.

As of August 2015, the Outlander plug-in hybrid was available for retail sales in 48 countries. The Outlander PHEV ranked as the world's top selling plug-in hybrid in 2014, and also as the third best-selling plug-in electric car after the all-electrics Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf. Global sales totaled about 42,400 units in 2015, representing 24.6% of worldwide sales of the Outlander lineup, making the plug-in hybrid for a second year in a row the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid, and also the third top selling plug-in electric car. As of December 2016, the Outlander P-HEV ranks as the all-time second best-selling plug-in hybrid, behind the Chevrolet Volt family, and the fourth top selling plug-in electric vehicle in the world ever.

Cumulative global sales passed the 100,000 unit milestone in March 2016, becoming the fourth plug-in electric car to pass that mark. Europe is the leading market with 80,768 units sold by the end of 2016. The plug-in version represented 51.7% of Outlander total sales in Europe in 2014, and 55% of the nameplate sales between January and November 2015. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ranked in 2014 as the top selling plug-in electric vehicle in Europe with 19,853 units sold, ahead of the Nissan Leaf, the previous year top selling plug-in car, by more than 5,000 units. During 2015 the Outlander plug-in hybrid surpassed the Leaf as the all-time top selling plug-in passenger car in Europe, and for the second year in a row was the top selling plug-in electric car with 31,214 units sold. Sales totaled 21,446 units in 2016, down 31% from 2015 and representing 41.5% of total Outlander sales in Europe, but enough to make the Outlander Europe's best-selling plug-in hybrid car for the fourth year running.

The Outlander PHEV's largest country market is Japan with 34,830 units sold through August 2016. In 2015 the Outlander plug-in hybrid was the top selling plug-in electric car in Japan with 10,996 units sold. Between January and August 2016, a total of 4,162 Outlander PHEVs were sold in Japan. Sales of the Outlander plug-in hybrid fell sharply from April 2016 as a result of Mitsubishi's fuel mileage scandal.

European sales are led by the UK with 26,600 units sold through December 2016, followed by the Netherlands with 25,984 units registered by the end of 2016. As of November 2015, other top European markets were Sweden (4,433), Norway (3,797), Germany (3,015) and France (1,594), together representing 24% of sales. Australia ranks among the top selling countries with 2,015 units sold through March 2016. Combined sales of the three top selling countries, Japan, the Netherlands and the UK, represent 78% of the 101,533 Outlander PHEVs sold globally through the end of March 2016. Cumulative global sales totaled about 119,500 units as of December 2016.

The Outlander PHEV topped the Dutch monthly ranking of new car sales during November 2013, representing a market share of 6.8% of new passenger cars sold that month, and for the first time in the country, a plug-in electric vehicle was listed as the top selling new car. In December 2013, the Outlander plug-in hybrid ranked again as the top selling new car that month in the Netherlands, representing a 12.6% market share of new car sales. The Outlander PHEV ended 2013 as the best-selling plug-in electric car with 8,039 units sold. Dutch sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV reached the 10,000 unit milestone in April 2014, and the plug-in hybrid, with 7,712 units registered, ended 2014 again as the best-selling plug-in electric car in the country. With 8,757 units registered in 2015, the Outlander plug-in hybrid was the top selling plug-in electric car in the Netherlands for the third year running. As of December 2016, the Outlander PHEV continued to rank as the all-time top selling plug-in electric car in the country.

Four months after its market launch, the Outlander PHEV became the top selling plug-in hybrid in the UK, with about 1,200 units sold through August 2014, and ended 2014 as the top selling plug-in electric car in the UK that year with 5,370 units sold. Sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the British market reached the 10,000 unit milestone in March 2015, passing the Nissan Leaf to become the all-time top selling plug-in electric vehicle in the UK. The Outlander PHEV, with 11,681 units registered in 2015, up 118% from 2014, was the top selling plug-in car in the UK for the second year running. During the first three quarters of 2016, the Outlander plug-in hybrid continued to lead the sales of the British plug-in electric segment with 7,770 units registered. Cumulative sales passed the 25,000 unit mark by mid-October 2016, accounting for about 50% of all plug-in hybrid sold in the UK since 2010. At the end of 2016 the Outlander PHEV remained as the all-time best selling plug-in car in the UK.

The plug-in hybrid was the top selling plug-in electric car in Sweden for two years in a row, in 2014 with 2,289 units registered, and in 2015 with 3,302. Registrations fell 44.9% in 2016 to 1,819 units, making the Outlander the second best selling plug-in car in the Swedish market after the Volkswagen Passat GTE (3,804). As of December 2016, the Outlander PHEV remained as the all-time top selling plug-in car in Sweden with 7,506 units registered. In Norway, the Outlander PHEV was the plug-in hybrid segment's leader for two years running with 1,485 in 2014 and 2,875 units in 2015. The Outlander PHEV was the best selling plug-in car in Norway in 2016 with 5,136 units sold, the first time ever a plug-in hybrid topped the Norwegian list of top selling plug-in electric cars. As of December 2016, the Outlander PHEV remained as the all-time top selling plug-in hybrid car in Norway with 9,496 units registered.

It was also the top selling PEV in both Australia and New Zealand in 2014, with combined sales of about 1,100 units. In 2014 the Outlander plug-in also ranked as the top selling plug-in hybrid in Norway, Germany, France and Finland. In addition to Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK, in 2015 the Outlander PHEV was also the best-selling plug-in car in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

The following table presents retail sales and registrations for the top selling national markets by year through December 2015.

Reception

The Outlander PHEV was selected as one of the top five finalists for the 2014 World Green Car of the Year.

Battery incident

In March 2013 Mitsubishi Motors reported two separate incidents with lithium-ion batteries used in two of its plug-in electric cars. The lithium-ion battery of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV all-electric car caught fire at the Mizushima battery pack assembly plant on 18 March while connected to a charge-discharge test equipment. In 21 March the battery pack of an Outlander PHEV at a dealership in Yokohama overheated and melted some of the battery cells, after the vehicle had been fully charged and stood for one day. Nobody was injured in either incident. The battery packs are produced by GS Yuasa, the same company that supplies the batteries for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, whose entire fleet was grounded in January 2013 for battery problems. Mitsubishi did not issue a recall but halted production and sales of the two models until it determines the causes of the battery problems. The carmaker advised the 4,000 owners of the Outlander plug-in hybrid to drive only on gasoline mode for the time being. On 19 August 2013, after changing a production process to avoid damaging any batteries, Mitsubishi restarted production of the Outlander plug-in hybrid.

Production and sales

Global Outlander sales achieved the 1.5 million unit milestone in October 2016, 15 years after its market launch.