If there’s one thing that’s missing from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ portfolio, it’s a hybrid. The brand already has competitive SUV and pickup offerings, and it has plenty of gasoline-powered crossovers as well. An electrified model, however, has yet to grace the local lineup.
It might soon change at the upcoming 2026 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), though. In Mitsubishi’s own words, it plans to “change the game” at PIMS this year.
Mitsubishi has released its first real teaser, and it’s the blacked out photo you see above. It’s a silhouette of a vehicle that we strongly believe could be the latest iteration of the Outlander PHEV—just compare the said teaser with the photo directly above this paragraph. The grille and headlights check out.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
The all-new, fully electric BYD Sealion 7 is now in PH priced at P2.588-M
Size comparo: How big is the new MG G50 PHEV vs the Toyota Zenix HEV?
This is similar to the Outlander PHEV that we’ve gotten in our market before, only apart from the different design, it packs a larger 22.7kWh battery that together with the 2.4-liter gasoline engine, puts out 302hp. EV-only range is listed at 86km, while a full tank of gas and a full charge will get you up to 844km of driving.
Now, if you look at the teaser image, the reflection shows a different set of headlights. If you’re familiar with those, they’re the XForce’s. And since the only XForce we don’t have here is the hybrid, then this means this could finally be it. We know many of you have been asking for this, which easily makes this the bigger story between the two. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
To those who haven’t heard about the XForce HEV, it’s the hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s stylish crossover that packs a 1.6-liter gasoline engine paired with a 1.1kWh battery. The powertrain is mated to a single electric motor, and together, they churn out 114hp and 255Nm of torque, with the entire setup mated to an e-CVT. It supposedly does 24.4km/L, which is pretty darn good.
If you may recall, MMPC has confirmed there are plans to manufacture a hybrid model here on Philippine soil. We’re not sure yet if the XForce HEV will be that model, but we won’t be surprised if it isn’t. The carmaker said this could happen mid-2028, which is still quite far away. All that being said, a proper hybrid like this will still be welcome, as it will be needed if Mitsubishi wants to remain competitive in market that’s seeing an influx of electrified (Chinese) cars.
One week to go, then. Are you excited? Watch this space.
