Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Japanese brand is returning to the UK after five years. We get a taste of what's to come with a German-spec version of its plug in hybrid Outlander 4x4

- Rolf Klein

MITSUBISHI handed in its notice in the autumn of 2021, leaving the UK market to focus on more profitable regions as appetite for EVs gained momentum. Now, almost five years later, a return is on the cards; in the summer of 2026, a renewed Outlander PHEV and L200 pick-up will go on sale in British showrooms.

To get a taste of what's to come, we've grabbed the keys to a European-spec Outlander on German roads, where the Peugeot 5008 rival has been on sale since 2025. While most Mitsubishis sold in mainland Europe are rebadged Renaults, such as the Clio-based Colt and larger Symbioz-inspired Grandis SUV, the Outlander shares underpinnings with Nissan's X-Trail and Rogue.

The Outlander has massive road presence, having grown in width by 60mm since it was last sold here and measuring more than 4.7 metres from nose to tail - longer than a Kia Sportage, but shorter than the Korean brand's seven-seat Sorento. The Mitsubishi's chassis offers substantial ground clearance of 200mm, suggesting it can handle more than just the school run; the maker's roots in capable off-road vehicles will be a major selling point when the Outlander returns to the UK.

Under the bonnet lies a proven 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 134bhp and is supported by two electric motors: a 114bhp unit at the front and a 134bhp one at the rear; the total system output stands at a not insignificant 302bhp.

The hybrid set-up is the star of the show and the Outlander always starts in electric mode. The transition to petrol power at speeds above 40mph is remarkably smooth, utilising an automatic clutch to drive the front wheels.