The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Finally Arrives

We were waiting for it for a long time, to the point of no longer believing we would get it. However, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid will hit Canadian dealerships in December.

The Quebec government’s Bill 104, which seeks to increase the number of electrified vehicles on the province’s roads, probably accelerated the company’s decision. It’s worth noting that according to Mitsubishi, the Outlander currently is Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid.

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The SUV is equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and two electric motors—one on each axle—to create an all-wheel drivetrain and a combined output of 200 horsepower. Its 12-kWh battery can be fully charged in eight hours on a household outlet, or in less than four hours using a 240-volt charger. The vehicle is also fitted with a quick-charge port as standard, a unique feature compared to all other PHEVs sold in Canada, which provides an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. We can also program a charging schedule and remotely activate the climate control system using a mobile app.

The fully-electric driving range has not yet been confirmed by the Canadian version of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. In Europe, where fuel economy and EV driving range calculations are optimistic, the manufacturer is announcing a fully electric range of 54 kilometres. Three drive modes are available: fully electric, series hybrid (with the gasoline engine acting as a generator) and parallel hybrid (combination of gas engine and electric motors).

Starting at $42,998 before freight and delivery charges, the SE S-AWC trim will include heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an intelligent key, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. The Touring package, a $3,000 option, adds a power sunroof, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel and LED headlights.

The GT S-AWC variant, priced at $49,998, benefits from forward collision mitigation avec pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a multi-angle rearview camera, a power tailgate and a Rockford-Fosgate sound system.

According to Mitsubishi, towing capacity is set at 1500 lbs. or 680 kg, while the 10-year/160,000-km warranty (whichever comes first) will apply to both the powertrain and the battery pack.