The fact that Mitsubishi is still the only manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid SUV in the mid-size class is surprising, but how does the Outlander PHEV fairs against its newer rivals?
It sure lacks the modern design features of other SUVs, but its visual shortcomings are mostly covered from the benefits of having a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Speaking of which, the Outlander PHEV combines a 2.0-liter petrol engine with two electric motors, one on each axle. An adequately-sized 12kWh battery pack feeds these motors, giving Mitsubishi’s electrified SUV an official all-electric range of around 32 miles, which in the real world translates into 20 miles.
Apart from the EV mode, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also offers a Series Hybrid mode, in which the petrol engine acts a generator for the electric motors and the more classic Parallel Hybrid, where the engine provides most of the power to the wheels.
Official fuel economy is rated at 148mpg UK (1.9 lt/100 km or 123.8 mpg US), while CO2 emissions are really low, at 44g/km. So it may not be the most modern of the SUVs, but the Outlander PHEV has some notable advantages over its rivals when it comes to cost of ownership.
Scroll to watch CarWow’s review of the plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander in their latest video linked below.