Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Crowned Japan's Best-Selling Plug-in Hybrid for Second Consecutive Year

Mitsubishi Motors has announced a significant achievement for its flagship electrified model. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has successfully retained its position as Japan's best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the fiscal year 2025. This marks the second consecutive year the model has topped the PHEV sales charts in its home market.

According to the official announcement, the Outlander PHEV recorded impressive sales of 7,794 units during the fiscal year. This sustained performance highlights the model's strong appeal and its central role in Mitsubishi's electrification strategy. Furthermore, cumulative domestic sales of the Outlander PHEV in Japan surpassed the significant milestone of 100,000 units by March 2025, underscoring its enduring popularity and widespread market acceptance.

Mitsubishi's journey in electrification dates back more than six decades. The company began research in this field as early as 1964 and made automotive history in 2009 with the launch of the i-MiEV — the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle. Building on this rich legacy, Mitsubishi introduced the Outlander PHEV in 2013, pioneering the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV.

The current-generation Outlander PHEV, launched in 2021, was developed under Mitsubishi's "I-Fu-Do-Do" philosophy, which symbolises authenticity and grandeur. Engineered as a versatile flagship, it is designed to handle daily commutes in pure EV mode while providing the extended range of a hybrid for longer journeys.

In October 2024, Mitsubishi introduced a refreshed version featuring a new drive battery that extends the electric-only driving range and improves acceleration performance. The updated model also received enhancements to both its interior and exterior design quality. A standout addition is the premium audio system developed in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation, now offered as standard equipment across all variants.

At the heart of the Outlander PHEV is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. It combines a 2.4-litre MIVEC petrol engine producing 133 PS (98 kW) and 195 Nm of torque with a dual-motor electric setup. The front electric motor delivers 85 kW (115 PS) and 255 Nm, while the rear motor contributes 100 kW (136 PS) and 195 Nm. This e-AWD system provides responsive power delivery and enhanced traction.

The vehicle is equipped with a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to the latest updates, the Outlander PHEV now offers a WLTC electric driving range of between 102 km and 106 km. When operating in hybrid mode and supported by a 53-litre fuel tank, it achieves excellent fuel efficiency of 17.2 km/L to 17.6 km/L under the WLTC cycle.

In Japan, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is available in a range of configurations. Pricing starts from 5,294,300 yen (approximately RM131,616) for the five-seat M variant and rises to 6,826,600 yen (approximately RM169,709) for the top-tier seven-seat BLACK Edition.

This sustained leadership in Japan's competitive PHEV segment underscores the Outlander PHEV's successful combination of practicality, advanced technology, and Mitsubishi's proven expertise in electrification. It further solidifies the model's position as a cornerstone of the brand's current and future lineup.