Plug-in hybrid SUVs wouldn't be popular today if it wasn't for this Mitsubishi Outlander

When an enthusiast speaks of the car brand Mitsubishi Motors, we often think of the “2 Fast 2 Furious” movie – the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII driven by Brian O’Conner (played by the late film star Paul Walker) or the countless of times you see Mitsubishi vehicles in Jackie Chan’s movies as both have a longstanding partnership.

The Mitsubishi brand we know today isn’t given enough credit to an extent that in July 2020 the brand had announced their decision to halt development of its own cars in the European market. Nonetheless, a year later, Mitsubishi announced a new strategy to retain their presence in selected European markets with the help of France’s Renault by rebadging two (2) models from the French automaker.

With that being said, Mitsubishi has made many innovative inventions in the past and are considered ahead of its time. For over 100 years, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in automotive innovation.

Top 5 Facts About Mitsubishi:

1. Mitsubishi started off as a shipping company known as Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Under a contract with the government, Mitsubishi provided ships that carried Japanese troops to Taiwan in 1874 and this business relationship solidified the financial base for the company for the future. This led to introduction of Mitsubishi Model-A in 1917 that became Japan’s first mass-produced car.
2. Mitsubishi developed the world’s first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that leads the development of environmentally friendly engineering.
3. Mitsubishi made the first electric car in the Japanese market for mass-production called the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle)
4. Mitsubishi made the first plug-in hybrid SUV called the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
5. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the world's first plug-in hybrid vehicle to enter and complete a rally (Asia Cross Country Rally 2013).

Also Read: Naturally-aspirated Mitsubishi Outlander discontinued in Japan, stronger focus on PHEV

First PHEV SUV in the world

The third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was released in January 2013, being the first PHEV in its SUV-segment, it essentially established a new category. Throughout its production, the third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the more affordable PHEV in its segment and this led to 300,000 units sold globally as of January 2022. In fact, according to JATO Dynamics, the Outlander PHEV is the world’s all-time best selling plug-in hybrid since December 2018 and for five consecutive years between 2015 to 2019, it was listed as Europe’s best-selling PHEV.

Despite the sale numbers, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was not perfect. One of the main complaints was that the people did not like when the engine kicks in. Some drivers found the transition uncomfortable that the engine suddenly started vibrating and making noise.

Mitsubishi Motors listened to the feedbacks of their customers and in February 2017 after the facelift in 2015, the Outlander PHEV was equipped with EV Priority Mode – this allowed the driver to choose to be on EV mode only, preventing the engine from starting even when pressing hard on the accelerator, so the engine kicks in only when the battery is out of juice.

What could have been but never was

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV could have been successful in Malaysia if it was priced appropriately. In Southeast Asia, only Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand were the three countries to receive the plug-in hybrid Outlander. Taking a look at our Thailand neighbour, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched in two variants, GT and GT Premium. The price ranges from THB 1,640,000 (RM 203,000) and THB 1,749,000 (RM 216,000) respectively.

As you can tell, the prices are not cheap especially for a 5-seater Japanese SUV. In fact, you can get a 7 seater Mazda CX-8 for lesser.

For our Malaysian market, despite being released in 2013, we never got the plug-in hybrid variant. Given our tax structure that penalises imported cars (CBU), it could cost well above RM 200k and that is very hard to justify. 

What about the petrol variants?

For us Malaysians, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offered the Mitsubishi Outlander in petrol variants only: 2.0L and 2.4L priced at RM 137,888 and RM 152,888 (OTR without insurance) respectively but was discontinued in 2021.

Malaysian specced Outlander in ruby black

Here’s a quick recap of the powertrain on both variants:

During the first half of Financial Year 2018 (April – September 2018), Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia reported there was a 66% increase in vehicle registration compared to the previous year. This figure was the company’s all-time record high and was contributed by the locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander.

Although it’s been discontinued, the price for a used Mitsubishi Outlander is considered a bargain because a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L is going for as low as RM 84,000. For comparison, a 2017 Mazda CX-5 2.5 GLS is going for as low as RM 107,000. Moreover, the 2.0L and 2.4L Outlander has a 7-seater configuration with Intelligent 4WD which you do not on the CX-5. Bear in mind that the third-row seats are usable as it’s the most spacious in class. A practical family car with all-weather assurance making it a bargain to buy.

Outlander 2.0L and 2.4L third-row seats

Is there a new Outlander coming?

All-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

If you’ve gotten this far in the article, you might wonder if MMM is bringing in the all-new fourth generation Mitsubishi Outlander to Malaysia but unfortunately there are no news thus far.

Looks way better than the predecessor it replaces

While we continue to dream let’s take a look at the powertrains available:

Did you know? One of the appealing points of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is that they come equipped with on-board outlets capable of supplying AC 100V power. This means that you can power electric pots at campsites or even powering equipment to play music at outdoor events. Unlike power generators you see at pasar malam that makes loud noises, this is silent.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Outlander is merely a glimpse into what Mitsubishi is capable of as an automaker but a glimpse it isn’t as the Japanese automaker is a pioneer of many inventions.