Yep, the PHEV nonetheless makes use of the previous Outlander’s physique.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
I’ve come to like plug-in hybrids for the way they ease you into electrical automotive possession. In the case of this 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, I can determine when to make use of its 24 miles of all-electric vary, however I nonetheless have the peace of thoughts of an inside combustion engine to maintain me chugging on lengthy journeys. PHEVs actually do make going electrical straightforward. Unfortunately, this Mitsubishi just isn’t a plug-in I’d advocate.

LikeStandard all-wheel drive24 miles of all-electric rangeAble to simply accept a quick cost

Don’t LikePoor driving dynamicsOutdated infotainmentCheap inside supplies

As you have in all probability observed, the 2021 Outlander PHEV continues to be the previous model of Mitsubishi’s midsize SUV, not the swanky new 2022 mannequin that shares its underpinnings with the Nissan Rogue. Still, the previous SUV does have some up to date tips, by means of a brand new 2.4-liter I4 engine supplemented by a pair of 60-kW and 70-kW motors, giving the Outlander all-wheel drive. Combined, this powertrain produces 221 horsepower — 31 greater than final 12 months. The 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack is bigger than earlier than, permitting for an EPA-estimated 24 miles of electrical vary (up from 22). Also, the battery can settle for a 50-kW DC quick cost via its CHAdeMO plug, which permits the battery to realize 80% capability in 25 minutes. That’s sluggish in comparison with the 150-kW and 350-kW choices for full EVs, however not all plug-in hybrids have fast-charging capabilities, so this 25-minute time is some extent within the Mitsu’s favor.The Outlander PHEV has a tiny gasoline tank — solely 11 gallons — so the SUV’s complete vary is simply 320 miles. After per week of testing, I averaged 32.1 mpg in gas-only operation and 3.9 miles per kWh. The EPA says the PHEV ought to get 26 mpg and a couple of.2 miles per kWh for a mixed complete of 74 MPGe, however I clearly discovered these numbers straightforward to beat.

The Outlander has Normal, Eco and Gravel driving modes, along with Sport and Snow, that are new this 12 months. The Outlander PHEV may very well be a sensible choice for individuals who must cope with inclement climate. I also needs to level out that the Outlander PHEV competed within the 2020 Rebelle Rally, a seven-day navigational rally that takes place on the grime with out assistance from GPS. The Rebelle Rally goes via among the hardest desert and mountain roads of California and Nevada, and other than getting caught within the dunes of Glamis for a bit, the Outlander had no mechanical points and ended the rally with a third-place end within the crossover class. It’s extra succesful than you may suppose.In addition to driving modes, there are additionally particular EV settings. I can function the automotive in full-EV mode for that zero-emission goodness, a collection hybrid mode that costs the battery whereas I’m driving or a parallel hybrid mode that makes use of each the battery and the gasoline engine concurrently. I may even choose and select when to make use of the electrical energy, saving it for around-town errand operating. Once the battery is depleted, the gas-powered engine kicks on. Regardless of what mode the automotive is in, energy swaps are easy and simple.

The upgraded plug-in powertrain is each extra highly effective and extra environment friendly than earlier than.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
Unfortunately, the Outlander is not precisely good to drive. Its steering is unfastened and sloppy and the SUV feels prefer it’s far and wide on the highway. The dealing with is roly-poly but the journey high quality is harsh and uncomfortable. The brakes, nonetheless, are agency and assured, they usually do double obligation with regenerative braking sending energy again into the battery. The additional oomph from the electrical motors means there may be loads of get-up and go, however total, this is not a automotive I’d need to drive on a regular basis.

On the plus aspect, each Outlander PHEV comes commonplace with forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and computerized excessive beams — and my GT trim will get the additional advantage of adaptive cruise management. All these techniques work as marketed. The lane-keeping help can simply be turned off for individuals who discover it annoying.Inside, Mitsubishi’s infotainment system is straightforward to make use of however the touchscreen’s graphics are very dated, there aren’t any bodily quantity or tuning knobs and I had quite a few points making an attempt to get my cellphone to truly join utilizing the USB-A port. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are each commonplace, however I could not get the Outlander to register my cellphone on a couple of event. Wireless cellphone charging just isn’t provided, both.Overall, the inside is hit and miss. My GT tester’s seats look fairly cool and I really like using contrasting stitching. Heated entrance seats are commonplace on all trims and the GT even has a heated steering wheel. However, there are tons of laborious plastics and proof of cost-cutting all through the cabin. Case in level: a set of cup holders resides within the cargo space, a vestige from when you can get a 3rd row within the gas-powered 2020 Outlander.The supplies, the infotainment… nothing is absolutely nice contained in the Outlander.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
That cargo space is just a little small, as properly, with 30.4 cubic ft of area with the second row seats up and 62.8 cubes when folded down. The rear seats do not fold completely flat both, so be ready to have smaller objects sliding in the direction of the again.Even with its minor updates, the 2021 Outlander PHEV is priced the identical because the 2020 mannequin: $37,490, together with $1,195 for vacation spot. But this crossover is so, so powerful to advocate. I actually just like the Toyota RAV4 Prime which is a a lot nicer SUV total, and gives 300 hp and higher vary. Plenty of of us criticize the RAV4 Prime for being costly, however my Outlander PHEV GT is available in at practically $44,000, which is a ton of cash for one thing this previous.The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has loads going for it by way of gasoline economic system and electrical vary, however the driving expertise, supplies and tech all go away loads to be desired. Here’s hoping Mitsubishi places this PHEV drivetrain into the spiffy 2022 Outlander as an alternative.