Finland and a frozen lake for our Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid test like no other

Mitsubishi’s real/false exit from Europe announced in 2020 and finally abandoned in 2021 resulted in a collateral victim: the Outlander. Scheduled to arrive in late 2020 on the old continent, the Japanese SUV will finally only try its luck in North America the following year. After three years of work, the latter will soon benefit from its mid-career overhaul… a variant that Mitsubishi intends to bring back to Europe! The brand is still tight-lipped about the changes that will be made – noting that they will be major – but, ready to pique our interest, the brand decided to let us test the “American” Outlander. And since the car is not authorized for Europe, it is in Finland at the Driving Academy of Juha Kankkunen – four times rally champion in 1986, 1987, 1991 and 1993 please – that the diamond brand invited us.

Plenty of space on board

Launched in 2013 in Europe, the first generation Outlander PHEV was a huge success with over 250,000 units sold. So we are not surprised that its replacement here is motivated by that. With a length of 4.71 m by a width of 1.86 and a height of 1.74 m, the Outlander “2024” is slightly larger than its predecessor (4.67 mx 1.80 mx 1. 68m). Its Eclipse Cross-style face immediately identifies it as a member of the Mitsubishi family and with such a size it is not surprising that space is generous on board. In the second row, there is plenty of room to stretch your legs and you appreciate the adjustable backrests. A sliding bench seat allows a little space for two folding chairs stored in the trunk that fold up like a folding bed. This does not make the Japanese SUV a true 7-seater, but it is still appreciated.

A large, harmonious man

We can already confirm that the Outlander “2025” will use the same dashboard, bad if not big man, in the “upgraded” version. Especially in terms of perceived quality, thanks to materials of a higher quality than those (already very accurate) presented here. Let’s hope that the new version will benefit from the same ergonomics as the current one, because with its automatic air conditioning control and a steering wheel that is not too “pimply”, the Outlander is an easy type to live with. A test that also applies to driving. As we confirmed by tussling with this big guy on the many tracks offered on this huge frozen lake near Kuusamo. With 80 cm of ice thickness, there is no risk of ending up under water and the conditions are ideal for putting forward the Outlander’s traction chain. Because if the modified variant of the future will benefit from the development – the battery that here is 20 kWh will be extended – the traction chain will be closer to the model we have in our hands. This system combines a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with 131 hp and two electric motors (115/136 hp), which work together as an Eclipse Cross. The Outlander always starts electrically, and the 2.4 l is used as an electric generator below 70 km / h, a speed that is directly connected to the wheels.

Modern transmission with 7 modes of operation

For the driver, it is very clear, especially as this SUV is very easy to control thanks to the S-AWC system. This wild name – Super All Wheel Control – hides the real technical complexity. With one electric unit for each running gear, the car adjusts the torque between the axles as it accelerates, while the system can reduce the speed of this SUV wheel to wheel to help the car turn… Which is no exception on this snow-covered glacier where, despite the winter tires, it’s hard to imagine that technology can defy the laws of physics! But if “our” Outlander has its weight (2.1 tons), it turns out to be surprisingly easy to control through 7 driving modes (from Eco to Power, through Mud/Gravel, etc.). The trick, when driving, is that for the system to “understand” where you want to go, you have to point the front axle in the right direction. Driving experts who like to deal with driving will therefore be a little frustrated, but the father of the family will be assured by that balanced view. Knowing that with a little bit of braking when entering a turn, the Outlander’s rear end accepts a good roll. All you have to do is keep the front wheels straight again while accelerating to exit the corner effectively.

I’m not sure many Outlanders will find themselves in this position on the open road, though the safety offered is more appreciated as with 252 hp plus the Japanese SUV does not lack confidence. Chief, if it announces today 83 km of 100% electric freedom, the variant that will arrive next year should exceed the psychological threshold of 100 km. Not bad for this quiet and comfortable family car with 20-inch wheels. Even if we have to test the car again in the “final” version and on normal roads to confirm it. For now, customers who can’t wait for the new Outlander can always turn to its Eclipse Cross sibling. More compact (4.47 m) and content with 5 seats, the latter benefits from a chain of traction and very close steering.