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FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Featuring an all-new engine, larger battery capacity, a more powerful rear electric motor, and active driver safety and assistance features now standard across all trim levels, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) enters 2021 re-engineered and fully charged for the future of electrified driving. Moreover, the Outlander PHEV offers an even greater value for 2021 with an unchanged starting MSRP as the 2020 model – just $36,295 before available state and federal tax incentives.

The Outlander PHEV is built upon more than a half-century of Mitsubishi's experience in electromobility research, design, innovation and development. The 2021 model sports Mitsubishi's latest advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system – which now includes Snow and Sport Modes – a highly efficient 2.4-liter gasoline engine, an upgraded, high-performance 70kW electric motor at the rear axle and a larger battery pack.

All-New PHEV Powertrain for More All-Electric Driving

The Outlander PHEV enters 2021 with an extensively upgraded powertrain for enhanced refinement and efficiency. Changes begin with the main drive battery capacity, which has been increased from 12.0 kWh to 13.8 kWh, resulting in an increased all-electric range of 24 miles, up from 22 for 2018-2020 model years.

A larger and more powerful 70kW rear-axle-mounted electric motor replaces the previous 60kW motor, offering increased torque and performance. Additionally, top speed of all-electric operation is increased from 79 mph to 83 mph. The PHEV system has also been further refined for improved synchronization between battery and engine, resulting in smoother, more seamless transitions between power sources.

The upgraded powertrain includes a new more powerful and efficient 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, rated at 126 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, which features a high expansion-ratio cycle design. Specifically engineered cam profiles and valve timing controls allow for high-efficiency power generation lower in the RPM range. Additionally, the powertrain system features updated software for improved synchronization between battery and engine and improvements that reduce overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Outlander PHEV also features refined internal combustion engine (ICE) engine operation in Charge mode. Thanks to improvements to the engine's air cleaner and muffler, overall engine noise is further reduced.

The combined total EV and internal combustion system output is increased to 221 hp, up 31 hp from the previous model year. With these updates, prioritizing enhanced efficiency, economy and performance, the 2021 Outlander PHEV achieves a combined 74 MPGe and 26 MPG.

Increased Availability of Incentives

Thanks to its new, larger-capacity battery pack, Outlander PHEV is eligible for additional federal and state tax incentives for 2021. Outlander PHEV is now eligible for $6,587 in federal tax credits, an increase of $751 compared to the 2020 model year.

The 2021 Outlander PHEV may also be eligible for increased state and local clean-vehicle incentives.

Trim Changes for 2021

For 2021, the Outlander PHEV is now available in three different trim levels, with the addition of the Limited Edition (LE) trim to the existing lineup of the base SEL trim and range-topping GT trim. All models come with S-AWC all-wheel drive as standard, now featuring the new Snow and Sport Modes, and adaptive drive safety features.

The new LE trim adds a Mitsubishi Power Sound System and sporty visual accents such as a standard sunroof, blacked-out grille, dark chrome dual spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and a special blackout design to the front and rear bumpers.

Driver Selectable Modes

Two new additional driver-selectable modes – Sport and Snow – have been added to Outlander PHEV for 2021, offering enhanced control in specific driving situations to cater more precisely to different road surfaces and vehicle operating status. Snow and Sport modes join the Normal, Eco and Lock drive modes available on the previous model.

Sport Mode
When the driver-activated Sport Mode is selected, the systems prioritize increased throttle response for acceleration and optimize front-to-rear power distribution and Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced performance and handling characteristics for both city and highway driving.

Snow Mode
When the driver-activated Snow Mode is selected, the systems adjust ignition timing and reduce torque across the RPM range to maximize traction in low-grip situations when traction is crucial.

Lock Mode
Lock Mode has been tailored for poor road surfaces and rough or off-road purposes, giving higher levels of traction and more driving assurance.

ECO Mode
ECO Mode reduces both fuel and electricity usage for increased efficiency at the touch of a button in the center of the dash.

Battery Save Mode
Battery Save Mode conserves energy in the lithium-ion drive battery pack by prioritizing gasoline usage. For example, engaging Battery Save Mode would allow the vehicle to be driven in urban traffic with the engine/generator on to maintain a higher level of battery charge. It can then be deactivated by the driver, allowing the vehicle to be driven through a neighborhood silently at an appropriate speed in EV Drive Mode. (Note: Battery Save Mode will only operate once the lithium-ion drive battery pack's energy level falls below 90 percent full.)

Battery Charge Mode
When activating the Battery Charge Mode – whether the vehicle is in motion or at a standstill – the engine will generate electricity to be fed into the lithium-ion battery pack (essentially forcing the vehicle to operate in Series Hybrid Mode). For example, if the engine is idling and the vehicle is not moving, selecting the Battery Charge Mode will replenish a low energy level within the lithium-ion drive battery pack back up to fully charged in approximately 40 minutes.

Judicious use of Battery Charge Mode ensures a reserve of additional power when necessary, such as for hill-climbing or towing.

S-AWC Produces Smooth Linear Response

The Outlander PHEV comes standard with Mitsubishi's proprietary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system. With variants available across Mitsubishi's range of CUVs, The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application, derived from years of success in rallying and developed specifically for the Outlander PHEV's unique twin-electric-motor configuration. It provides maximum performance, efficiency, tractability and safety.

By optimally managing Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Active Stability Control (ASC) — which now offers enhanced traction in all road conditions — the integrated control system brings out the full potential of Twin Motor S-AWC without compromising safety, comfort or fuel efficiency. When desired, the driver can manually engage the Twin-Motor 4WD LOCK button to simulate locking a center differential and optimize distribution of torque to all four wheels for maximum traction.

Three Drive System Modes

Thanks to its unique drivetrain, which combines a front electric motor, rear electric motor, and front-mounted gasoline-powered 2.4-liter engine with integrated generator, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is able to operate in one of three unique drivetrain modes for optimal performance and efficiency:

EV Drive Mode (Twin Motors)
In EV Drive Mode, the vehicle is driven by the two electric motors, with energy being supplied exclusively by the lithium-ion battery pack. With the EV mode button, the driver can select this driving mode when they desire 100 percent electric-powered, zero-emission driving, for up to 24 miles.

Series Hybrid Mode (Twin Motors with Internal Combustion Generator)
Series Hybrid Mode is activated when a certain set of conditions are met:

• Battery energy level is low
• The driver requests more low-speed torque (can occur independent of the battery's energy levels)
• During driver-selected Battery Save or Battery Charge modes

In this mode, the two electric motors are powered by the battery pack and the gasoline-powered generator.

In this configuration, the gasoline-powered generator helps:

1. Charge the lithium-ion drive battery pack
2. Provide power to the twin electric motors

Parallel Hybrid Mode (Gasoline-Powered Engine Supported by Twin Motors)
In this drive mode, the Outlander PHEV uses its full complement of available resources:

1. The 2.4-liter gasoline engine drives the front wheels; the front axle features a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel Drive Mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds/steady-state cruise.
2. The two electric motors operate seamlessly when additional power is required, such as driving uphill.
3. The gasoline-powered engine/generator – while operating the vehicle at sufficient speed – will feed any excess energy (electricity) back into the lithium-ion battery pack.

The Parallel Hybrid mode is most commonly engaged when the Outlander PHEV is being driven in a long-haul/high-speed steady-state cruise manner, such as on the open road or interstate, where this drivetrain configuration is most efficient.

Easy Charging with Standard DC Fast-Charging Capability

Charging the Outlander PHEV is simple, with three different methods to choose from depending on location and/or needs. The vehicle's drive battery can be charged with a standard 120V (full charge in eight hours) power outlet at home with the supplied charging cable, or with a public or residential 240V (full charge in less than four hours) charging station.

Outlander PHEV also comes standard with DC Fast-Charging capability, accessed through a CHAdeMO connector. Using this system at commercial charging facilities, the vehicle will charge up to 80 percent capacity in as little as 25 minutes. Charging status is conveniently displayed on the instrument panel.

Advanced Safety Technology

Available advanced safety technology supports safer, more confident driving — on the road and in parking lots, day and night. From intelligent sensors that track the vehicle's surroundings and warn of danger, to available active driving assistance and solid passive protection, the Outlander PHEV delivers.

• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) – This standard safety feature uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect vehicles in rear blind spots, on the right and left sides. An indicator appears in the door mirror when BSW is active and the turn signals are off. When a vehicle is detected, and the turn signals are on, an indicator blinks in the door mirror on that side.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) – Standard on all Outlander PHEV trims for 2021, an indicator appears in the combination meter display when RCTA is active. If radar sensors in the rear bumper detect an approaching vehicle nearby while reverse gear is engaged, a warning message appears in the multi-information display, an audible alert sounds.
• Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection (FCM) – Standard across all Outlander PHEV trims for 2021, if FCM detects a car or pedestrian in front of the vehicle through the front radar and camera, a warning appears. If brakes are still not applied and the risk of collision is imminent, FCM applies the brakes.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Standard on all Outlander PHEV trims for 2021, the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system uses an onboard camera to monitor lane position in front of the vehicle, audibly and visually alerting the driver if it detects the vehicle unintentionally leaving its lane.
• Automatic High Beam (AHB) – Standard on all Outlander PHEV trims for 2021, the high beams automatically switch to low beams when vehicles are detected ahead and automatically switch back to high beams, so the driver doesn't have to remove their hand from the steering wheel to manually switch the beams.
• Multi-View Camera System - The views from cameras mounted on the front, rear and sides of the vehicle (including a bird's-eye view) can be displayed in various combinations to help reveal what is in blind spots and help you park. (Standard on GT trim.)

MITSUBISHI Remote Control
Using a smartphone remote control app, the Outlander PHEV and wireless device communicate directly without need of Wi-Fi. Once set up, the owner can use the wireless device for many functions:

• Charging Schedule – Turn on/off the charging timer and/or schedule charging.
• Remote Climate Control – Control cooling, heating and defrosting remotely, setting heat or air conditioning to run while connected to grid power without any impact to vehicle efficiency or range.
• Monitor Vehicle Status – Remotely monitor various vehicle conditions, including open/closed door or hood, headlights on/off, driving battery state of charge and more.
• Vehicle Control – Remotely turn on/off headlights and parking lights.
• Settings – Remotely adjust MITSUBISHI REMOTE CONTROL settings, such as change/cancel SSID, customize vehicle settings, and check theft alarm operation history.

Ultimate Outdoor Vehicle

Standard on the Outlander PHEV GT trim are two AC power outlets located in the rear seat and cargo area. The plugs are standard North American 120V plugs and do not require an adapter to use. The plugs draw directly from the drive battery and provide 1,500 watts of electric power, enough to power nearly any portable household appliance, for camping (e.g., toaster, spotlight, electric grill, coffee maker), tailgating (e.g., television, blender, game console, mini-fridge, speakers) or any other activity.

Pricing, Models and Warranty

The 2021 Outlander PHEV is offered in three distinct and individual trim levels. Buyers who opt for the introductory SEL trim, starting at $36,295, will find standard safety and convenience features throughout the vehicle, including FCM, LDW and AHB safety systems, a second-generation 8-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system, and 24 miles of all-electric driving range.

The new, mid-level LE trim, priced from $37,995, adds sporty visual appeal complemented by a standard sunroof and Mitsubishi Power Sound System, blacked-out grille, dark chrome dual spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and a special blackout design to the front and rear bumpers.

Stepping up to the top-line GT trim, priced from $41,995, buyers are greeted with standard luxurious convenience touches, including LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, a multi-view camera and two 120-volt household-style outlets in the second row and cargo area that can power your favorite household and entertainment accessories, meaning that the ultimate tailgating or camping experience is just a plug away.

The 2021 Outlander PHEV comes with one of the industry's leading warranties – a fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, as well as a fully transferable 10-year /100,000-mile warranty on PHEV components and the Main Drive Lithium-ion battery. These warranties are in addition to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty to the original retail purchaser and a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty. In addition, the Outlander PHEV comes with a 5-year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, marketing, and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. MMNA was the top-ranked Japanese brand in the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality study, ranking sixth overall and experiencing the greatest year-over-year improvement of any brand. In its 2030 Environmental Plan, MMNA's parent company, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has set a goal of a 40 percent reduction in the CO₂ emissions of its new cars by 2030 through leveraging EVs — with PHEVs as the centerpiece — to help create a sustainable society.

With headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, and corporate operations in California, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and Virginia, MMNA, directly and indirectly, employs more than 8,000 people across the United States.

For more information on Mitsubishi vehicles, please contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at 615-257-2698 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

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