The Outlander PHEV is among the few large SUV entries into the hybrid market to enjoy instant success. This was due to its low emissions and reduced tax credits. The addition of the plug-in hybrid powertrain lifted the vehicle above the competition and enjoyed some attention, and is still the brand’s best-seller to date.
The Outlander PHEV’s closest rivals don’t offer anything close to the electric-only range that you get from the Mitsubishi, and that increases its value in a way.
Mitsubishi is a legend in producing go-anywhere-pickups, but it struggled to break the ceiling with SUVs, at least before the Outlander PHEV. And thanks to the hybrid, the Outlander is now a common sight in various major towns.
Outlander PHEV Trims
The first in the range was GX3h, with rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, dual climate control, and 18in alloy wheels. GX4h was the second in line, and it boasts a host of various enjoyable features such as a reversing camera, sat-nav, heated leather seats, and xenon headlights.
GX5h is a higher spec added after the upgrades in 2016. It boasts an Alpine sound system and Nappa leather upholstery. Additional safety tech such as front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and the emergency braking system became standard in the GX4hs and GX5hs.
Following the 2019 model revisions, GX3h added heated front seats, and it was renamed Verve. GX4h adopted the name Design, and the size of its infotainment screen was increased to 8 inches. The brand also added another trim level to the Outlander PHEV, Dynamic, with rear cross-traffic alert and blindspot monitoring. They also renamed GX5h to Exceed.
Both the Exceed safety and Dynamic Safety have additional safety features similar to GX4hs and GX5hs.
For some people, the Outlander PHEV may not be the most enjoyable SUV, but driving in the electric mode greatly enhances the driving experience. It is peaceful, especially when cruising around town on the weekend. However, the wind and road noise are two things that you will have to get used to as an Outlander hybrid owner, and this somehow squeezes some joy out of the long rides across borders.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Engine
The Outlander is powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors for the hybrid system. The engine can either charge the batteries to keep them topped up, just in case, or activate them to run on electricity for up to 30 miles. Charging the battery from a conventional plug is five hours and three hours from a dedicated EV charging station.
Cabin and Other Features
Unlike the regular Outlander, the PHEV model misses out on the third row of seats, which would come in handy for a large family ride. This is due to the extra space that batteries take. The batteries also mean the boot space is even smaller because the floor at the back had to be lifted to accommodate them.
Despite these shortcomings, the space for the driver and the front seat passenger is adequate. The passenger has enough wiggle room, and the driver can use the steering wheel adjustability to their advantage. Furthermore, there is a bit more headroom if you are a tall driver, which you may not have with other models.
On the other hand, the dashboard design is not what you may refer to as user friendly, and you may have a learning curve to deal with.
While the plug-in hybrid currently grabs the attention of Mitsubishi, the brand also has a diesel model, best-suited for the long rides across town with friends and family and for towing.
Servicing and Other Outlander PHEV Costs
While the servicing and maintenance costs of the Outlander may be a bit higher than the others, the right powertrain has several good things in store, such as the excellent economy and driving dynamics. There’s no denying that the parts costs and servicing, which should be at intervals of 12 months, require deeper pockets than the competitors. However, you can still get a better deal with independent contractors.
If you choose to go the Mitsubishi dealer’s way, make sure they are reliable before you commit. Several reviews from users have indicated widely varied opinions, which are either terrible or very good. Take some time for research and ensure you are in the right camp.
Overall, the Outlander PHEV should be inexpensive to run, considering the excellent fuel economy figures of 139.7mpg based on the newer WLTP tests. You can reduce the costs as much as possible by riding electricity whenever possible. Just make sure you have a dedicated socket at home or place of work to make it easier.
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If you want to know more details about specifications and models, please refer to Wikipedia or other catalogs.