Thunder Bay's Proven Choice: The Outlander PHEV's Third Consecutive Win

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has done it again. For the third straight year, this plug-in hybrid SUV has claimed the title of Canada's best-selling PHEV—a victory earned in a year the automotive industry faced serious headwinds. While market conditions tested every manufacturer, the Outlander PHEV proved its resilience with 8,899 units sold across Canada.

The repeat success reflects practical capability, proven reliability, and real-world versatility that Thunder Bay drivers demand. When the pavement ends and winter conditions arrive, this vehicle excels in the conditions Northern Ontario drivers face daily.

Why Thunder Bay Drivers Choose the Outlander PHEV

Northern Ontario presents driving challenges that require genuine capability. The Outlander PHEV's dominance in the Canadian market stems from engineering decisions focused on real-world performance.

The vehicle's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system distributes power independently to each wheel, adapting to changing conditions without driver input. The system monitors wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw rate 100 times per second, adjusting torque distribution to maintain traction and stability.

Seven selectable drive modes—ECO, Normal, Tarmac, Snow, Mud, Gravel, and Power—allow drivers to optimize performance for specific terrain. The Snow mode enhances traction and stability on light-to-medium snow-covered roads. Mud mode maximizes grip when accelerating or turning from a stopped position in deep snow or muddy conditions.

The Outlander PHEV provides clearance for typical Canadian winter conditions while maintaining a low centre of gravity through its floor-mounted 20 kWh lithium-ion battery. This design enhances vehicle stability during cornering and reduces body roll on uneven terrain.

Key Capability Highlights:

• Twin electric motors (114 hp front, 134 hp rear) deliver balanced all-wheel traction
• Towing capacity of 680 kg (1,500 lbs) handles recreational equipment
• 1,832 litres of cargo space behind front seats accommodates gear for extended trips
• 1,500W power supply provides two standard 120V household outlets for tools or emergency equipment

Proven Efficiency for Canadian Conditions

The Outlander PHEV balances efficiency with capability for Northern Ontario drivers. The vehicle achieves an EV fuel efficiency equivalence rating of 3.6 L/100 km and can travel an estimated 61 km on electric power alone—sufficient for most daily commutes in Thunder Bay without consuming gasoline.

The plug-in hybrid system operates in three automatic modes based on driving conditions and battery state of charge. EV Drive Mode uses the lithium-ion battery to power electric motors for zero-emission driving. Series Hybrid Mode employs the 2.4 L four-cylinder engine as a generator to power electric motors when additional range is needed.

Parallel Hybrid Mode engages the engine to power the front wheels with electric motor assistance, simultaneously recharging the battery. This intelligent power management eliminates range anxiety while maximizing efficiency.

Drivers can also manually select EV Priority Mode for urban driving, Charge Mode to replenish the battery using the engine, or Save Mode to preserve battery charge for later use. This flexibility allows drivers to optimize efficiency based on their specific route and driving conditions.

Charging flexibility includes Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC Quick Charge capability—a feature uncommon among plug-in hybrids. The DC Quick Charge option can recharge the battery to 80% capacity in approximately 38 minutes, providing practical fast-charging options during longer trips.

Built for Family Life and Adventure

Seven-passenger seating with a 40-20-40 split second row and 50-50 split third row provides configuration flexibility for Thunder Bay families. The heated front seats and available heated second-row seats maintain comfort during winter months while consuming minimal battery power compared to cabin heating.

The available three-zone automatic climate control allows independent temperature settings for driver, front passenger, and second-row occupants. The available Bose Premium Sound System with nine speakers and subwoofer delivers clear audio for family road trips.

Technology features include a 12.3-inch full digital driver display showing speed, navigation, safety data, S-AWC settings, battery state of charge, total range, and EV modes. The available 10.8-inch head-up display projects driving information directly onto the windshield, maintaining driver focus on the road.

The available 9-inch smartphone link display audio system features embedded navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The available MITSUBISHI CONNECT system provides remote services including climate control activation, door lock/unlock, vehicle finder, and charge scheduling.

Safeguard Services offer automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance coordination—practical features for drivers who regularly travel Highway 11/17 or remote areas of Northwestern Ontario.

Safety Systems That Support Confident Driving

The Outlander PHEV includes comprehensive driver assistance technologies. Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) uses laser radar and camera technology to detect potential frontal collisions, providing audible and visual warnings before automatically applying moderate to emergency braking.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) monitors lane position and provides visual alerts with steering wheel vibration if the vehicle unintentionally departs its lane. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) alerts drivers when vehicles approach or occupy blind spots, with warning lights on corresponding side mirrors.

If the turn signal activates with a vehicle in the blind spot, the warning light blinks and a buzzer sounds. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) detects vehicles approaching from the side while reversing, providing visual and audible warnings.

The available MI-PILOT Assist system pairs Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go functionality and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). ACC maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even during stop-and-go traffic. When ACC is active, LKA uses an onboard camera to monitor lane markings and applies steering input to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane.

At a Glance: Outlander PHEV Safety & Technology

Warranty Protection That Backs the Promise

Mitsubishi Motors supports the Outlander PHEV with a 10-year/160,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty and 10-year/160,000 km Lithium-Ion Battery Limited Warranty. The 5-year/100,000 km New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers thousands of vehicle components.

Five years of unlimited-kilometre Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 emergency services throughout Canada and the continental United States, including towing, battery boosts, flat-tire service, and emergency fuel delivery. This coverage provides practical support for drivers who depend on their vehicles through harsh Northern Ontario winters and demanding driving conditions.

Experience Thunder Bay's Top PHEV Choice

The Outlander PHEV's third consecutive year as Canada's best-selling plug-in hybrid validates its engineering, capability, and value proposition. This vehicle has proven itself in real-world conditions across the country, earning trust through consistent performance.

Our team at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi understands the specific demands Thunder Bay drivers face. We're here to answer questions about charging infrastructure, winter performance, and how the Outlander PHEV fits your driving needs. Visit us in Thunder Bay to experience the vehicle that leads Canada's PHEV market.