Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Pros & cons

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has immense respect in its segment as it gets credit for being one of the first plug-in hybrid crossovers that were made available in the market. The very first generation of the electrified SUV debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2012 and ever since then, the vehicle has been receiving regular and necessary upgrades over the years. Available in two trim levels for 2020, Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC and the Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC, the vehicle gets a unique twin electric motor system with Super All-Wheel Control to ensure superior control over the vehicle in all forms of terrains. 

Coming to the list of updates, the 2020 Outlander PHEV gets revised exterior styling along with a makeover treatment given to the front end and headlights besides receiving some necessary upgrades over the suspension system to ensure the occupants with better ride quality.

The Outlander PHEV gets an EPA estimated at 25 mpg with a cargo capacity at 30.4 cubic feet of trunk space. Considering safety and reliability, the vehicle has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores with a good score. Offering a wide range of options and features, the car is a very good option when compared to many other EVs in its segment.

Here is a look at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV price list:

Variant	Price
Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC	$36,295
Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC	$41,695

To get a more insightful analysis of the vehicle, let’s take a look at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pros and cons.

Pros of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 

Powerful engine with a nice range

When it comes to engine performance, the Outlander PHEV is hard to compete with as the vehicle generates its power from a punchy four-cylinder 2.0L MIVEC DOHC engine backed by a 120 kWh (60 kWh on both ends) main battery providing a power delivery of 117 hp. Additionally, the car gets 22 miles of said mileage on all-electric power and gives out a total of 25 mpg in combined driving. Lastly, with a said charging time of 8 hours, the vehicle provides its users with a cost-effective mode of driving and the PHEV can be opted for regular use.  

Updated styling with an exhaustive list of features

The list of updates includes updated styling features for the Outlander PHEV. Coming to the exterior, Mitsubishi adds automatic LED headlights, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a multiview camera, dual AC power outlets, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded sound system. The list of features also includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, keyless entry, push-button start, and 60/40 split-folding seats among others. Additionally, there are also a handful of optional accessories available for the users that include mud-guards, chrome side mirror covers, rear parking assist sensors, cargo nets, and a towing package with a tow hitch and a trailer-prepped wiring harness.

Generous storage space

The Outlander offers a said storage space of 30.4-cubic-foot to keep all the loads besides leaving space for a comfortable head-room. With its enlarged cargo floor, the rear seats get an added fold flat, offering up to 66.6 cubic feet of space, giving it a decent amount for this type of SUV. Additionally, the liftover height gets low loading capacity with bulky objects. The door adds to its pockets, bins, and glovebox to enlarge space and the car-seat gets anchor points which are placed at an unusually steep angle to add on to its space.

Hi-tech safety features

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV specs sheet carries hi-tech safety features to ensure top of the class security to its users. One of the major USP of the vehicle is its standard safety feature that comes standard on both the models. In the exhaustive list of features, the Outlander PHEV gets ABD and EBD braking ability for an improved ride, Hill Start Assistance, Active Stability Control, advance dual-stage front airbags, and Driver Knee Airbag amongst a cluster of advancements over the Mitsubushi Safety assistance. Lastly, it also gets a forward-collision detection system and a rear-view camera to help you to see blind spots while parking.

Cons of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 

Outdated infotainment with poor cabin quality

Although the automaker claims that the PHEV comes well equipped with a smartly designed cabin, it feels like a cheaply built where the controls can be hard to locate. The updated 8-inch touchscreen display feels a bit unresponsive and seems laggy with the touch inputs. Although the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add on to the good section of the cabin, the buttons on the center stack lack quality. Overall, the car might have got a revamp in its interior with the additions of new features, it lags behind in quality and cannot be justified with the price tag it comes.

Weak acceleration and tough handling

When it comes to drivability and performance, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV lacks performance quality and satisfaction while driving. Although the car is capable of pulling as a successful off-roader, the transitions between electric and internal combustion lack acceleration and it takes 9.8 seconds to reach 100 km per liter. The engine sounds harsh when activated and the on-road steering requires constant corrections. The vehicle lacks confidence when it comes to handling.

Summing up

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the least-expensive crossovers in the market. Its low cost, numerous standard features, and the updated exterior styling are add-ons for a user who opts for the vehicle. It is, however, excellent for daily commutes as it provides decent mileage and 4X4 capability along with its safe and reliable ride. Although the vehicle gets all these pros in one place, it gets outdated infotainment and weak acceleration which majorly add to its cons. Lastly, the vehicle can be an option for all the users who are looking for a comfortable and safe ride with a modern style car.

Also read: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq - Buyer’s guide