Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Deep Dive into the Next-Gen Hybrid SUV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a legacy. The last generation carved a niche in the European market, becoming a pioneer and a best-seller. But time marches on, and the all-new Outlander has arrived, bringing with it significant updates. This article examines its key features and how it stacks up in a competitive landscape.
Bold Design: A Love-It-Or-Hate-It Approach
One thing’s for sure: the new Outlander makes a statement. The “Dynamic Shield” front fascia, split headlight design, and the abundance of chrome, particularly on the test car with the Intense trim, are eye-catching. It’s a departure from the previous generation, embracing a more assertive, almost aggressive, aesthetic.
The design, while undoubtedly striking, might not appeal to everyone. The optional Trail package, with its plastic body cladding, feels a bit unnecessary, and the vehicle looks sleeker without it. Design is subjective, but the Outlander’s new look is certainly a talking point. For more information on design trends in the automotive industry, see this article on future car aesthetics.
Powertrain Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Outlander PHEV boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors (one front, one rear). This configuration delivers a combined 225 kW, resulting in a respectable 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. The electric motor delivers instant torque, and the battery pack provides enough reserve for initial acceleration, providing impressive responsiveness.
The powertrain is refined and quiet. The only time the gasoline engine becomes noticeable is during hard acceleration. The 22.7 kWh battery pack allows for a decent all-electric range.
Did you know? The Outlander PHEV uses an all-electric all-wheel-drive system, meaning there’s no mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels. This offers precise power distribution and enhances off-road capability.
Real-World Range and Charging Capabilities
The official combined all-electric range is 84 kilometers. In our testing, the vehicle exceeded these figures, with the trip computer showing 20 kWh / 100 km. This suggests the Outlander can function primarily as an electric vehicle for many drivers, especially in urban and suburban settings.
The Outlander also supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW (CHAdeMO standard). The test unit achieved a peak charging rate of 39 kW. Even so, it took approximately 33 minutes to charge from 2% to 80% which the manufacturer reports it does in approximately 32 minutes. The AC charging is limited to 3.7 kW.
Pro tip: To maximize efficiency, consider using regenerative braking to recharge the battery while decelerating. The Outlander offers multiple regenerative braking levels, and the “one-pedal driving” mode is very useful in city traffic.
Driving Experience: Comfort and Technology
The Outlander PHEV shines as a long-distance cruiser. The suspension is tuned for comfort, the seats are supportive, and there’s plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. While the steering might feel a little numb around the center, the car handles highway journeys with ease.
The assistance systems, however, are a mixed bag. The lane-keeping assist can be overly aggressive. The driver attention monitor is also frustrating. While you can disable these systems, the process requires navigating through the infotainment system.
Infotainment and Interior
The infotainment system, which is reminiscent of the Nissan X-Trail’s, is not particularly user-friendly. The navigation system’s display can be projected onto the instrument panel, but overall it is not intuitive. On the other hand, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is functional. You can also connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The interior features soft-touch materials in key areas, and the Intense trim’s features add to the premium feel. The second-row seating offers ample legroom and adjustable seatbacks. Heated rear seats and front seat ventilation are only available on higher trims.
Price and Competition
The base price of the new Outlander is around 1 287 950 Kč, and the Intense trim, like the one tested, starts at 1 432 950 Kč. While the Outlander offers plenty of equipment, it does sit in a competitive segment. For context, the plug-in hybrid Škoda Kodiaq starts at 1 175 000 Kč, but it is only front-wheel drive. Considering the PHEV market, see this report on the latest PHEV sales data to understand your options.
FAQ
Q: What is the electric range of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
A: The official combined electric range is 84 kilometers, but in real-world tests, it often exceeds this.
Q: What is the charging time for the Outlander PHEV?
A: Using a DC fast charger (50 kW), it takes about 33 minutes to charge from 2% to 80%.
Q: What are the key features of the Intense trim?
A: The Intense trim includes built-in navigation with a 12.3-inch display, digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
Q: What are the main competitors of the Outlander PHEV?
A: The Outlander PHEV competes with plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Škoda Kodiaq and other vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment.
Q: Does the Outlander PHEV have all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, the Outlander PHEV features an all-electric all-wheel-drive system.
