UPDATE: Check out our review of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Presented in U.S. trim at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the launch of the new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid in America has been moved back from this fall to mid-2017. While Mitsubishi’s most fuel-efficient midsize SUV remains Europe’s best-selling plug-in model, getting it into showrooms here has proven to be more of a challenge with what was originally a 2-year delay from its initial scheduled debut date now stretching into three.
Also: Class of 2017 – New Cars Ready to Roll
While not detailing any specific cause for this latest postponement, Mitsubishi did issue the following statement regarding the matter: “Following a thorough evaluation process, we have determined that, in order to meet a level of competitiveness that will exceed customer expectations in the United States, the launch of the Outlander PHEV will be delayed until the summer of 2017.”
When the Outlander PHEV finally does turn up in this country — now expected as a 2018 model — it’s still set to pack the same gasoline/electric drivetrain it had in New York. The combo pairs a 2.0-liter/4-cylinder MIVAC engine with two 60kW electric motors — one located at each axle — a match Mitsu says will give it roughly the performance of a 3.0-liter V6, but with considerably better fuel economy. It also will offer a host of advanced driver-assist technologies.
More EVs and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid revealed
The BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid joins the 3 Series family for 2016
