In recent years, Mitsubishi’s success, particularly in North America and even more so in Canada, has been largely the affair of one model. The Outlander is the brand's top seller here, by some distance.
But the current iteration has been with us since 2022, and while there have been revisions along the way since then, at some point a new generation will be due. Sure enough, a report out of Japan indicates that Mitsubishi is gearing up for a complete redesign to keep its flagship crossover competitive.
The source for this affirmation is Japanese outlet Response, which reports that a next-generation Outlander PHEV is slated for launch in 2028. And in the process, the plug-in hybrid SUV will lean far more heavily into its electrified identity rather than simply offering a plug-in hybrid variant alongside standard combustion models.
Updated hybrid, AWD systems
While confirmed details remain scarce, the new model is expected to introduce a larger battery capacity and an updated plug-in system designed to extend its electric-only driving range. Power delivery and handling are also set for significant upgrades through an evolved iteration of Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology. The current PHEV uses a twin-motor setup with one motor per axle, but future iterations could incorporate more precise wheel-by-wheel vectoring.
The Elevance
While this is not a sure thing, the smart money says that the next Outlander will grow out of a compact SUV-sized concept unveiled by Mitsubishi at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The Elevance Concept featured a forward-looking plug-in powertrain capable of using carbon-neutral fuels, alongside a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system with an individual electric motor devoted to each wheel.
Inside, the Elevance Concept introduced a modernized cabin layout centered around the brand's “Luxe Adventurer” design theme. Among the highlights, a sprawling panoramic dashboard display and an integrated AI co-driver capable of adapting to driver preferences in real time.
As the next-gen Outlander PHEV takes shape, it’s not clear for just how long Mitsubishi will continue to offer a traditional gasoline-only Outlander alongside its plug-in brethren. Will the nameplate transition exclusively to electrified powertrains with that next generation? Time will tell.