Next-generation 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander teased

Mitsubishi has teased the next-generation Outlander. The latest version of the Japanese brand’s ever-popular SUV will go on sale in early 2021 in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico – but Mitsubishi has now confirmed it won’t be sold in the UK, following its recent decision to pull out of the UK market.

Mitsubishi has also recently closed discussions on the possibility of SsangYong acting as an importer for its newest model. However, a spokesman for the brand has said that, even if the talks had concluded successfully, it would have been highly unlikely that the new Outlander would reach British shores as it hasn’t been homologated for the European market.

When the new Outlander is officially unveiled next year, it’ll feature a bold new design language and an updated version of the old car’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, which sports fresh battery and electric motor technology.

The design of the new Mitsubishi Outlander bears a strong resemblance to the Engelberg Tourer concept from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It shares similar boxy proportions, a flat bonnet, high-mounted daytime running lights and C-shaped grille inserts. The front end also carries the latest interpretation of the brand’s “dynamic shield” radiator grille design.

We’re yet to receive any official images of the new Outlander’s cabin, but a look through the windows of previously spied test mules suggests that the next car will gain a fresh infotainment system; the old car’s dated central screen is set to be replaced by a new high-mounted unit. Interior quality should also improve over the outgoing model.

Mitsubishi has released little official information on the new Outlander’s powertrain range, but we know the SUV won’t be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain initially. The first examples will likely only be offered with a range of conventional petrol engines.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the PHEV Outlander will go on sale beyond 2022. While the firm is yet to nail down any specifics about the new model’s powertrain, we expect it’ll be a revised version of the current car’s system, as previewed by the Engelberg Tourer concept.

The show car featured an updated version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a pair of electric motors and a larger battery pack than the current Outlander’s 20kWh unit. Performance figures are yet to be confirmed, although Mitsubishi confirmed that, in the concept, it delivered a WLTP-equivalent pure electric range of 43 miles.

Would you like to see the next-generation Outlander go on sale in the UK? Let us know in the comments section below…