Feb 14

Feb 14 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Test Drive

European Model Shown, Photo courtesy Green Car Guide UK

Thanks to the kind folks at Gezon Mitsubishi, I was able to spend a little time test driving a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL this morning. I have to say, I feel somewhat remiss in not having driven one sooner. I’m not sure what held me back, but after my brief stint behind the wheel all I can say is that I hope to drive one again sometime. Mitsubishi originally announced it for the 2014 model year at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Despite only having arrived in the US for the 2018 model year, its been available internationally for many years. During that time, it has gained the honor of being the World’s best-selling plug-in-hybrid SUV.

First up, the vital stats. It sports AWD thanks to the combination of a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors. In all-electric mode, it will travel 22 miles on a full-charge. It is the only PHEV that can be DC Fast-Charged. You will get 25 mpg using gasoline only, and you can travel 310 miles on a full-tank and full-charge. It can tow up to 1500 pounds.

On to my impressions. The seats are very comfortable with seat heaters that warm up very rapidly. A heated steering wheel is only available on the up level GT model, not the SEL that I drove today. I really enjoyed the red trim and stitching on the brown leather seats. The Outlander PHEV is very quiet, I would say that it was less noticeable when the 4 cylinder generator kicked on than it is in my 2017 Chevrolet Volt. It felt very solid and well built, and features a mildly bland but nice interior. Everything felt well made, and controls were mostly where you’d expect them. The shift lever allows you to toggle between 5 different levels of brake regeneration. I didn’t have any back seat passengers with me to verify, but the backseat looked roomy and comfortable as well. There is lots of room behind 2nd row for luggage. Due to battery placement, there is no 3rd row seating on the PHEV.

I did not drive in conditions nearly as extreme as those shown in the videos below. I did, however, find an un-plowed parking lot with snow approximately 12 inches deep, and tried to get stuck (with the dealer’s blessing). Never once was the Outlander PHEV unable to extricate itself from any pile of snow I parked it in.

I think the biggest disappointment I had in my test drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was that it was so brief. I would love if it went further on a charge, but at this price point, and especially in Michigan, it is the most affordable mid-size SUV that you can plug in. Check out the galleries below, and a brief introduction video from Mitsubishi, as well as some footage of PHEVs playing in the snow. Get charged up!