Mitsubishi's long-anticipated Outlander plug-in hybrid is finally arriving. After several delays, the SUV that is the best-selling plug-in in Europe will be arriving at dealers in Canada starting this January.
In the first month, just 500 of the plug-in Mitsubishis will be available, but the availability is expected to increase soon after. The Outlander PHEV will be the first plug-in hybrid to offer DC quick charging as standard.
The Outlander PHEV uses two electric motors, one front and one in the rear, along with a 2.0L four cylinder. The twin motors give more power, but also allow Super-All Wheel Control all-wheel drive without a center driveshaft.
The gas engine makes 118 hp, and the electric motors each produce 82 hp. Mitsubishi hasn't given a combined power output figure, but says that it has more torque than a 3.0L V6. The battery is a lithium-ion pack with a 12 kWh capacity giving it a range of about 52 km on the European test cycle (Canadian range info isn't available yet). Fuel economy is estimated to be 1.8 Le/100 km.
That small pack means that the Outlander PHEV won't receive the full Ontario EV rebate of $14,000, but the amount it will get is said to be between $9,000 and $10,000. In Quebec it will receive a $4,000 rebate based on the size of the battery. Buyers in BC can expect $2,500.
The Outlander PHEV will launch in three trim levels, SE, SE Touring, and GT. The SE starts from $42,998, a premium of $11,000 over a gas-only SE with all-wheel drive. If that sounds pricey, keep in mind that the Toyota Highlander SUV has a $6,000 premium for the hybrid model, and that one isn't a plug-in.
SE Touring is $45,998 and adds a power sunroof, leather seats, and LED headlights to the base car. The GT model is $49,998 and adds a 710-watt Rockford audio system, a 1,500-watt 110-volt house-style power plug, and a full range of active safety features including pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings. The seven-seat option will not be available on the hybrid model, at least to start.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing:
SE S-AWC $42,998
SE Touring S-AWC $45,998
GT S-AWC $49,998
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