Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021) Review
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021) At A Glance
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was a huge hit with buyers. It’s easy to see why, when it was the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV and felt like a true game-changer. But there are obvious flaws such as mediocre fuel consumption when not running on battery power and the noisy petrol engine. Read on for our full Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review.
When it was launched in 2013, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV held the honour of being the world’s only plug-in hybrid SUV. It was also the first plug-in vehicle that could genuinely fit in with day-to-day life... the boot was big enough for families to go on holiday and, being a plug-in hybrid, you could just fill it up with petrol rather than stop to charge it up with electricity all of the time.
There was a long list of perks, too: free VED road tax, a £5000 government electric car grant, exemption from the London congestion charge and very low company car tax.
Combine that with incredible economy figures (148mpg and 41g/km CO2) and no wonder electric car charging companies struggled to keep up with the sudden demand from Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV drivers.
Those advantages have diminished over time and into the used arena. Road tax remains free only for earlier models, and buyers have a much greater choice of plug-in hybrid SUVs such as the Ford Kuga, dependable Honda CR-V, and its Japanese rival the Toyota RAV4, plus several pure EV alternatives.
Various upgrades were applied over the years in an attempt to keep the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV looking fresh, with the last of the lot bringing a higher quality cabin than the original, improved performance and better ride quality.
Journey carefully for fewer than 20-25 miles per day, and always keep your Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plugged in at home, and in theory you’ll never delve into your fuel tank.
But once you begin to task the four-cylinder petrol engine with work, things go downhill rapidly – unless you’re literally going down a hill. You can expect 30-40mpg from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if the battery is flat, because the engine is not only moving this two-tonne car about, but charging the massive battery too.
And it does so in noisy fashion generally, although conversely when running on electric power alone the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a model of quiet comfort and refinement – and surprisingly good at going around corners, too.
Despite the cabin improvements brought about with the facelift in late 2019, the interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is hardly inspiring. It’s well put together and feels durable, but the design is bland, the switchgear incoherent and the infotainment system old-school.
The driving position conspires to perch you too high in the car, while some practicality is lost compared to the non-hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander because the rearmost seats (six and seven) make way for an electric motor and the boot is smaller.
Ultimately, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV found a very useful niche for a while. However, those advantages are declining and the car lacks charm and flair, and remains very much a purchase for the head rather than the heart.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review.
Reviews for Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 PHEV to 2.4 PHEV
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 40–79 mpg
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Handling and ride quality
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets the refinement boost that all vehicles capable of electric-only drive do, which comes by virtue of near silent running.
Of course, this has the effect of amplifying other types of noise, mainly tyre roar, wind whistle and the odd suspension knock.
Nonetheless, in electric mode and on the right road, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is about as calm as a 4x4 can be. If it wasn’t for the fact that you’re surrounded by some terribly nondescript dashboard design, you could mistake this for a luxury car.
Attempt to drive the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV quickly and things start to fall apart slightly. For a start, it’s not quick (reaching 62mph in 11.0 seconds), while the CVT gearbox provides an awful drone from the engine.
The steering is light and there’s a lot of body roll in bends, although there’s plenty of grip on offer.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has revised suspension compared with the diesel Mitsubishi Outlander, mainly to cope with the weight of a hybrid set-up whose battery alone weighs half a tonne.
While the ride is largely soft and comfortable, in the spirit of most SUVs, it cannot fully alleviate the basic tendency for all this mass to smack down into unpredictable road surfaces and potholes.
The biggest problem with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is that it’s extremely difficult to keep it using its battery alone.
On paper it makes a compelling case. It will do 25 miles of electric driving at speeds up to 70mph if the battery is full – a battery that’s 80 per cent replenished within half an hour if plugged into a fast charger.
However, spirited driving sees the battery go flat way before the 25-mile mark.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Engines
Its innovative four-wheel-drive system places one 60kW (82PS) electric motor on the front axle and another on the rear, meaning proper off-roading is possible without spewing CO2 into the environment.
The petrol engine has 121PS and can act either to power the car alone, charge the batteries, or in conjunction with the electric motors to provide a mathematically anomalous 200PS.
But as with other set-ups, in practice it just feels like a very complex way of achieving average economy and lacklustre pace. And often, economy that comes nowhere close to the claimed figures.
As our Real MPG page for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV shows, in reality drivers are achieving not even half of the car’s 166mpg claimed average.
At higher speeds, and when the engine is working to both drive the car and fill the battery, driving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is not a particularly pleasant experience. Equipped as it is with a CVT gearbox, it feels sluggish and makes a dreadful whine when you need a burst of acceleration.
It all just conspires to burst the bubble of the refinement you feel when the battery is full and you’re not in any hurry to get places.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Safety
The Mitsubishi Outlander a five-star score in Euro NCAP tests when it was assessed new. That score has since expired through improvements in test methods, but the Outlander still comes with seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees.
You also get a speed limiter, Isofix child seat mounts, ABS brakes and ESP traction control.
The 2018 facelift brought upgrades to safety that included lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. But this was only standard on top trim levels.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Towing
There is no published official figure for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s towing capacity with an unbraked trailer.
However, you can hitch it up to a braked trailer with a maximum weight of 1500kg, which is some 500kg less than the best a diesel version can haul.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
2.0 PHEV | 148 mpg | 11.0 s | 42–44 g/km |
2.4 PHEV | 140 mpg | 10.5 s | 40 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
42%
Real MPG
40–79 mpg
MPGs submitted
233
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021) interior
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4655–4695 mm |
Width | 1800 mm |
Height | 1680–1710 mm |
Wheelbase | 2670 mm |
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Practicality
The main thing to note about the interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, as opposed to the non-hybrid model, is that the two rearmost seats have been sacrificed for the rear electric motor.
For many, that won’t be a problem – the seats are really only good for occasional use anyway – but boot space has also been hit.
It’s down from 591 litres to 463 litres because the floor is raised. However, the advantage of a high, flat loading bay goes some way to cushion the blow – it’s a very easy boot to load and unload.
Forward of the load space, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is as large and accommodating as you’d hope for, with loads of head and legroom. And for rear-seat passengers, the plug-in system means there’s no big transmission tunnel to cut into foot space.
Moving further forward, the surplus of space continues, but the cabin is hardly a design inspiration. The 2015 facelift improved the dashboard – there was a bit more wood – but it’s still something of an odyssey in black plastic.
The switchgear is all over the place (bizarrely, the heated steering wheel switch is in front of the gear lever), while even in top-spec models there are blank buttons throughout. Why?
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Quality and finish
Look and feel your way around the interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was all a bit, well, low end.
It's true the plastics and materials generally miss the soft-touch class of an Audi Q3 of the same era or Range Rover Evoque, but there is also a hardiness to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s build that is entirely in keeping with its role as a rugged, capable 4x4 rather than a lifestyle SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Infotainment
Like many Japanese cars of the period, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s infotainment system looks a bit like an afterthought in the centre of the dash.
The system fitted to earlier cars works well enough with DAB radio and Bluetooth, but it does feel very dated.
A facelift in 2018 improved matters greatly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, but the graphics and response felt slow even by the standards of the time.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021) value for money
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Prices
A three-year-old Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with 20,000 miles covered will cost you around £21,000.
Go for something older, and an eight-year old example, with 80,000 miles to its name and in a good spec and condition, will cost in the region of £13,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014 – 2021): Running Costs
The big attraction of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is its hybrid fuel economy. Make the most of the battery range and Mitsubishi claimed it could deliver 148mpg.
In real life, this worked out to be more like 60mpg, which is still very good for an SUV of this size and weight.
Another benefit of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was, and remains, its low emissions.
These come in at 42g/km, so cars registered before 1 April 2017 pay no road tax. Those that went on the road after this date pay the standard £180-per-year levy.
Reliability of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is proving to be good and servicing this hybrid model is no more difficult or costly than the diesel or petrol versions.
Insurance for the hybrid model comes in at group 22 and tops out at group 27, so higher end versions are a little pricier to get cover for than the non-hybrid models.
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Initially, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX3h came with 18-inch alloy wheels. There was also ABS with EBD, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), adjustable speed limiter, silver roof rails, chrome beltline moulding, privacy glass and automatic lights.
Buyers also benefited from LED daytime running lights, front foglamps, rear parking sensors, electric folding heated door mirrors with side indicators, front and rear electric windows, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, remote central locking and alarm system, keyless operation with PHEV system start/stop button and a leather steering wheel.
Added to that were a radio/CD/MP3 player (six speakers), Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection with music streaming, front footwell illumination, front/side/curtain/driver’s knee airbags, quick charge connection, USB connection, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a windscreen wiper rain sensor.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX4h added LED headlamps with auto-levelling, power tailgate, 360-degree camera, reversing camera (in lieu of rear parking sensors), black leather seats with powered driver’s seat, steering wheel heater, SD satellite navigation with HD seven-inch touchscreen and DAB radio.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX5h added a bonnet badge, large rear spoiler, premium nappa leather seat trim (Claret Red, Porcelain Beige or Gunmetal Grey), leather-wrapped handbrake lever, premium floor mat set colour-coded to leather, premium audio upgrade (amplifier and speakers) and heated rear seats.
There were also rear twin USB ports, an LED exterior lighting upgrade, LED interior lighting package (courtesy lamps, front and rear footwell, mood lighting) and front seat heater switch chrome bezel.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX4/5hS added Forward Collision Mitigation system, Lane Departure Warning system, Adaptive Cruise Control system, Unintended Acceleration Mitigation System, plus front and rear parking sensors.
From September 2019, the trims were changed.
The new entry-level Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Verve trim featured DAB radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless operation, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, and cruise control.
It also had electric folding door mirrors, LED DRLs, headlamps washers, automatic headlamps, rain- sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and a programmable climate control system which can warm or cool the car in advance of a journey.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Design trim added 18-inch alloy wheels, Mitsubishi’s new eight-inch Smartphone Line Display Audio (SDA) system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a more intuitive interface than the outgoing version, and integrated reversing camera display.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Dynamic had leather upholstery with an eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, black headlining, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.
The top Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed variant added integrated TomTom navigation, diamond quilted leather upholstery, LED headlights with LED high beam, LED front foglights, 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel, power tailgate and twin rear USB sockets.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Dynamic Safety and Exceed Safety added Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Ultrasonic Misacceleration mitigation System, automatic high-beam and front and rear parking sensors to their respective specifications.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4655–4695 mm |
Width | 1800 mm |
Height | 1680–1710 mm |
Wheelbase | 2670 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1810–1880 kg |
Boot Space | - |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 12500 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £34,305–£46,100 |
Insurance Groups | 22–27 |
Road Tax Bands | A |
Official MPG | 139.7–148.6 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until December 2022
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.4 Design Auto 5dr | £36,770 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
2.4 Dynamic Auto 5dr | £38,890 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
2.4 Dynamic Safety Auto 5dr | £41,410 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
2.4 Exceed Auto 5dr | £41,650 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
2.4 Exceed Safety Auto 5dr | £44,170 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
2.4 Verve Auto 5dr | £35,760 | 139.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until November 2019
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.4 4h Auto 5dr | £39,500 | - | - |
2.4 4hs Auto 5dr | £41,600 | - | - |
2.4 5h Auto 5dr | £43,500 | - | 10.5 s |
2.4 5hs Auto 5dr | £45,600 | - | 10.5 s |
2.4 Juro Auto 5dr | £36,755 | - | - |
On sale until October 2018
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 3h Auto 5dr | £35,005 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 4h Auto 5dr | £39,500 | 148.0 mpg | 11.0 s |
2.0 4hs Auto 5dr | £41,600 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 5h Auto 5dr | £44,000 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 5hs Auto 5dr | £46,100 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 GX3h+ Auto 5dr | £35,305 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 Juro Auto 5dr | £36,755 | - | 11.0 s |
2.0 Kotu Auto 5dr | £34,305 | - | 11.0 s |
On sale until April 2017
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 Juro Auto 5dr | £35,304 | - | - |
On sale until August 2015
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 Hybrid GX5h Auto 5dr | £42,899 | - | 11.0 s |
Model History
- January 2015: High-sped GX5h Outlander PHEV introduced
- October 2015: Facelifted Outlander PHEV launched
- April 2016: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV launched
- October 2016: Special edition Juro model launched
- January 2017: Outlander PHEV updated for 2017
- March 2017: Outlander PHEV Juro revised
- June 2018: Outlander PHEV updated for 2019
- July 2018: WLTP figures for Outlander PHEV revealed
- August 2018: Prices announced for 2019 Outlander PHEV
- October 2018: Outlander PHEV 5h and 5hs introduced
- September 2019: Revised Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV priced from £35,455
January 2015
High-sped GX5h Outlander PHEV introduced
Sumptuous leather seats that are individually hand crafted, low level mood lighting, a sound system dynamically optimised with the vehicle’s interior acoustics and all-essential multiple USB charging ports are prerequisite in a luxury company car – and standard in the newly launched Outlander GX5h and GX5hs plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Externally the new models have full length side steps for easier access and the addition of a rear spoiler. Inside there are high-line Nappa leather seats plus leather dash, door and console lining in Porcelain Beige, Claret Red or Gunmetal Grey.
Extras include acoustically optimised audio system – seven speaker 420W premium Alpine Hi-Fi system, with silk dome tweeters to provide accurate and smooth highs, powerful 16.5cm midrange drivers and 20cm subwoofers for deep lows. The audio system has been specifically tuned for the Outlander GX5h and GX5hs interiors.
Exterior features include integrated side steps, a rear spoiler and an Outlander bonnet badge.
October 2015
Facelifted Outlander PHEV launched
The new Outlander range, which also includes a diesel version, is the first execution of Mitsubishi's new SUV design direction – ‘Dynamic Shield'. The exterior styling was first revealed as a concept at the Paris Motor Show 2014.
April 2016
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV launched
The Outlander PHEV is the most practical vehicle that qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant (P-iCG) with 5 seats, 4WD capability and a very large boot. The car is kind to the planet emitting just 44 g/km which means that there is no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payable
The Outlander PHEV is the only plug-in hybrid in the UK market that does not carry a price premium for its hybrid technology. In other words customers can choose between a diesel or PHEV Outlander for the same price. The entry-level GX3hOutlander PHEV is on sale for £28,249 after the grant. This is the same price as the Outlander diesel GX3 auto.
There are two other Outlander PHEV variants, GX4h priced at £32,899 and GX4hs which is £34,999 (after the grant). There is no charge for the PHEV equipment, but these two variants are £1,000 more than their diesel equivalent due to added specification.
On electric power only, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32.5 miles, enabling it to function entirely as an electric vehicle in most everyday situations – it more than covers the UK’s average daily commute of 25 miles.
The official fuel consumption figure for PHEV is 148mpg, based on industry standards set by European law. Unlike non-hybrid vehicles, it is hard to predict what MPG the vehicle will return in real life. A lot depends on journey length and speed – for instance, for the average daily commute of 25 miles, after plugging in overnight, most people will achieve higher than 148mpg.
Smaller, lighter, higher output versions of the permanent magnet synchronous motors used in the i-MiEV are located front and rear. These have a maximum output of 60 kW each and maximum torques of 137 Nm (front) and 195 Nm (rear), and deliver high torque and power from the outset.
The Outlander PHEV also comes with an efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine. It is fitted with MMC’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) technology, which keeps the engine in optimal efficiency ranges by continuously varying the timing of the air intake valves according to engine speed in Parallel Hybrid Mode.
The drive battery is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery developed for the PHEV system based on the technology used in the i-MiEV. It consists of 80 cells housed in a battery pack enclosed in a secure frame, and has a total voltage of 300V and total storage capacity of 12.0 kWh.
During deceleration, the motors function as generators so that electricity can be generated to charge the drive battery. The regenerative braking can be increased when the brake pedal is pressed. The strength of regenerative braking is adjustable using the selector lever, which has three strength settings, and a paddle selector on the steering wheel, which offers six strength settings.
October 2016
Special edition Juro model launched
For the same price as the Outlander PHEV GX3+ on which it is based, £32,749, the limited edition Juro offers the added convenience of a touchscreen CD/DVD infotainment unit with TomTom satellite navigation, smartphone integration and DAB radio as standard, while the exterior is enhanced with an Outlander bonnet emblem.
January 2017
Outlander PHEV updated for 2017
For 2017 Mitsubishi introduces a new EV Priority Mode across all variants. The new EV switch is located below the 4WD button and once activated, it allows the driver to operate the vehicle in EV mode without the engine starting, provided there is sufficient charge in the batteries. An electronic parking brake is also new to the 2017 Outlander PHEV, as well as the brake auto hold button function which, when activated, holds the vehicle in traffic or on an include the same way a handbrake would, allowing the driver to release the footbrake.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV powertrain and chassis has been revised, with new dampers and rear suspension bushes, making it a quieter and more refined to drive than ever. Rapid charging has also been improved, reducing its charging time to 80% from 30 minutes to approximately 25 minutes, and its pure electric range is increased to 33 miles, up from 32 miles. The 2017 Outlander PHEV also delivers more performance with improved acceleration in EV mode compared to its predecessor.
CO2 emissions have also been lowered by 1g/km to 41g/km, with an average weighted fuel consumption of 166 mpg – a 6.4% increase versus the previous version. Regenerative braking technology, which works to put lost energy back into the battery when slowing down and which can adjusted while driving using the steering wheel paddles, has also been upgraded for 2017 Outlander PHEV - the drive battery output has been improved by 10%.
Safety features have also been further developed and improved on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Forward Collision Mitigation technology, standard on the Mitsubishi Outlander 4hs and 5hs versions, now features Pedestrian Detection for added safety, while Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert have both been introduced on the 4h variant to assist the driver when reversing out of a space. For example, if traffic is coming from the right, the icon located on the right-hand mirror will light up, accompanied by an audio alert.
Another colour has been added to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV colour palette in the form of Cool Silver. A shark-fin antenna is now incorporated in the roof line and there is a secure charge-point cover linked to the central locking. For a more refined exterior look, Outlander PHEV also features silver roof rails, as well as clean chrome accents on the sills.
March 2017
Outlander PHEV Juro revised
Available to order now and priced from £33,499 after the Plug-in Car Grant, the new Juro benefits from an enhanced specification that heightens convenience, comfort and safety.
Building on the high levels of standard equipment in the outgoing Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro, the 2017 version is now equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake with Brake Auto Hold, EV Priority Mode; Smartphone Link Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; DAB and a reversing camera.
When the new EV switch is activated, EV Priority Mode allows the driver to operate the vehicle in EV mode without the engine starting, provided there is sufficient charge in the batteries, ensuring that the driver enjoys optimum efficiency with the minimum of fuss. When turned on, the new Brake Auto Hold function works to hold the vehicle in traffic or on an incline the same way a handbrake would, letting the driver release the footbrake.
Other highlights of the Juro’s impressive standard specification include cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, the Mitsubishi PHEV app, which allows pre-heating of the interior, and dual-zone climate control.
June 2018
Outlander PHEV updated for 2019
Changes made for the 2019 Outlander PHEV are predominantly technical. The development of a new 2.4-litre petrol engine, which uses its MIVEC variable-valve timing system to seamlessly switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles depending on the driving situation.
The larger capacity means the engine produces more power (135PS vs 121PS) and more torque across a wider rev range (211Nm vs 190Nm) when operating in the familiar Otto cycle mode, which is ideal for moderate-to-high load situations such as inclines and rapid acceleration.
At the same time, the petrol engine also manages to be more efficient than before because it can switch to the Atkinson cycle - where the inlet valve remains open for longer, effectively reducing the compression stroke, thereby decreasing its capacity and consequently burning less fuel – under light load conditions such as motorway cruising.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s electric powertrain has also received some engineering attention. Improvements include a 10% increase in the generator output and an increase in the rear electric motor output to 95PS.
The drive battery has also had its output increased by 10% and its overall capacity increased to 13.8kWh thanks to new battery cells. From the driver’s perspective, one of the biggest changes is the increase to Outlander PHEV’s top speed in Electric Vehicle mode, up from approximately 78mph to 84mph where legally permitted.
This combination of improvements to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s dual powertrains means that it’s not only more efficient than before, it also offers better driving performance. The 0-62mph acceleration benchmark is dispatched in 10.5 seconds, some 0.5 seconds faster than before, while its overtaking acceleration is also improved by a similar margin (e.g. 50mph-62mph is reduced by 0.6 seconds to 3.7 seconds).
The front and rear shock absorbers have been revised to improve its low-speed ride while retaining its high-speed and cornering composure and a new “Sport Mode” brings with it sharper throttle responsiveness and more grip via the Super All-Wheel Control system during high lateral-load cornering. The steering ratio has also been revised and the power steering ECU re-mapped to offer more responsiveness and feel, while the brake power has been improved with the introduction of larger front brake discs.
Other features, such as the paddle-adjustable, six-setting regenerative braking system, remain key to the unique Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV driving experience and are therefore retained as before. Additional notable changes include the addition of rear ventilation vents, more convenient USB ports and new interior accent trim.
In terms of exterior style, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from a new front end with a redesigned grille, new bumper extension, new fog lamp bezels and all-new “technical look” LED headlamps. The rear is enhanced with a redesigned rear bumper extension and a large roof spoiler while new, two-tone contrasted 18-inch multi-spoke alloys complete the exterior revisions.
July 2018
WLTP figures for Outlander PHEV revealed
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comfortably qualifies for a Category 2 Plug-in Car Grant thanks to its WLTP emissions of 46g/km and EV range of 28 miles. Economy is rated at 141mpg officially.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s electric powertrain has also increased, with the rear electric motor now producing 95hp and drive battery with a 10% higher output and increased capacity to 13.8kWh. Top speed in EV mode increases to 84mph (up from 78mph) where legally permitted while the 0-62mph acceleration benchmark is dispatched in 10.5 seconds, some 0.5 seconds faster than before.
August 2018
Prices announced for 2019 Outlander PHEV
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at £34,255 (after subtracting the government's £2,500 plug-in car grant from the list price).
The entry-level Outlander PHEV Juro features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic pre-heater, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.
The Outlander PHEV 4h costs £37,000 and adds a 360-degree camera, blind-spot warning and rear-cross traffic alert. The interior now features a new black headlining, as well as an eight-way electric power driver's seat and heated steering wheel. LED headlights and foglights are also standard.
Top-spec 4hs models feature adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation, which applies the brakes if it detects an impending crash. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, as is automatic high-beam.
October 2018
Outlander PHEV 5h and 5hs introduced
The new models offer additional luxury features including new, quilted Nappa leather upholstery in Claret Red, Porcelain Cream or Gunmetal Grey, a matching premium mat set; Alpine audio system, heated rear seats, LED mood lighting and an Outlander bonnet badge.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 5h and 5hs benefit from the same extensive revisions as the rest of the 2019 range, including a new 135hp 2.4-litre petrol engine and enhanced EV powertrain for improved performance and efficiency, a smoother and quieter ride plus sharper handling thanks to new shock absorbers, a quicker steering rack and a revised S-AWC vehicle dynamics system. The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 5 and 5hs is priced £500 lower than the outgoing version, starting at £41,000 OTR.
September 2019
Revised Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV priced from £35,455
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV range has been revised with a new six-variant line up comprised of Verve, Design, Dynamic, Dynamic Safety, Exceed and Exceed Safety trim levels.
Powered by two electric motors providing full-time four-wheel drive regardless of driving mode, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an EV range of 28 miles, CO2 emissions of just 46g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 139.7mpg.
All new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models feature revised seating with electronic lumbar support as standard and re-contoured rear seats for more comfort and support. The dashboard has also been revised to accommodate new climate controls and larger infotainment systems.
The new, entry-level Verve trim features DAB radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless operation, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, cruise control, electric folding door mirrors, LED DRLs, headlamps washers, automatic headlamps, rains sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a programmable climate control system which can warm or cool the car in advance of a journey. Prices for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Verve start at £35,455.
The new Design trim, priced from £36,455, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Mitsubishi’s new eight-inch Smartphone Line Display Audio (SDA) system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a more intuitive interface than the outgoing version and integrated reversing camera display.
The Dynamic, priced from £38,555, adds leather upholstery with an eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, black headlining, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. The top Exceed variant, priced from £40,955, adds integrated TomTom navigation, diamond quilted leather upholstery, LED headlights with LED high beam, LED front fog lights, 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel, power tailgate and twin rear USB sockets.
The Dynamic Safety (£41,055 0TR) and Exceed Safety (£43,455 OTR) add Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Ultrasonic Misacceleration mitigation System, automatic high-beam and front and rear parking sensors to their respective specifications.
Version |
OTR Price (Sept 2019) |
Outlander PHEV Verve |
£35,455 |
Outlander PHEV Design |
£36,455 |
Outlander PHEV Dynamic |
£38,555 |
Outlander PHEV Dynamic Safety |
£41,055 |
Outlander PHEV Exceed |
£40,955 |
Outlander PHEV Exceed Safety |
£43,455 |
What to watch out for
Complaint of a clip inside the charger door of Outlander PHEV coming off, and getting stuck causing the door to be bent and a slight chip on the bodywork.
12-08-2015:Reader quoted £7800 by Mitsubishi dealer to replace the satnav in a 2014 Outlander after a passenger accidentally cracked the screen.
14-08-2015:Complaint that hybrid battery range of Outlander PHEV bought new March 2015 has dropped from 32 miles to less than 20 miles in four months. Car used mainly for local runs up to 20 miles, so mostly on battery on plug in charge.
27-03-2016:Another complaint of clip inside the charger flap of a year old Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV coming off and the flap not closing properly. Clip replaced by dealer but came off again. Flap now rubs on the bodywork.
27-03-2016:Complaint that headlights of 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV set too high and adjustment switch removed as a pre-delivery enhancement so they cannot be adjusted down.
27-03-2016:Report that 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 9600 miles has lost its capacity to hold a full charge, down from 29/30 to 19/22.
01-02-2018:Report of rear n/s brake caliper of 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV needing to be replaced in 2017 after the handbrake became ineffective and a seized self adjusting mechanism was diagnosed. Recently the same has happened on the off-side.
30-05-2018:Failed parking brakes reported on recently purchased Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Dealer fixed the problem.
28-07-2018:Report of front brake callipers seizing, damaging the pads and discs of 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander at 33,000 miles. Dealer fitted new pads and discs, but 9 months and 4000 miles later same thing happend and dealer now says customer must pay for new pads, discs and callipers.
21-07-2019:Report of problem with charger of 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 21,790 miles, just after fourth dealer service. Owner plugged the charger in and had a fault light on the charger. Still shows fault light when unplugged from the car. Spoke to dealership and have to take it in to be tested. They said if the pins are damaged, which they are not, it might be replaced under warranty otherwise the cost is £700.
27-01-2020:Report of complete loss of power in 2015 Outlander PHEV, caused by battery failure. Battery pack was replaced under warranty.
07-02-2022:F ront offside brake seizure on Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2015 with 44k miles . Seized caliper has been diagnosed necessitating new disc, pads and calipers at a cost of around £550