Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review: Can run 100 km on electric power – what else can it do?

Some may have missed it, but the Mitsubishi Outlander hasn't been available for sale in Europe for quite some time. It feels like it never left. Perhaps because we still see it frequently on the streets. Its predecessor, an affordable plug-in hybrid with rudimentary all-wheel drive capabilities, was popular with outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers.

Towing a horse trailer with a 1500 kg towing capacity was perhaps just about possible, but dog lovers certainly appreciated the large trunk, and an Outlander like this would only smile wearily at a small garden waste trailer. Towards the end of its production run, the hybrid share steadily increased—of course, also because the popular 2.2-liter diesel was discontinued in 2018.

Even the new generation isn't that new, as it was launched in the rest of the world in 2021. But at least it's a true Mitsubishi, even if it shares the platform with Nissan. The smaller Colt and ASX models, on the other hand, are essentially just Renault models with a diamond logo instead of a lozenge.

Speaking of exteriors, the beefy front end with its slim daytime running lights and wide chrome trim is striking. The look is inspired by the Engelberg Tourer show car, with which Mitsubishi teased the new generation at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2019. Whether it's the front, side profile, or rear – the Japanese company has retained many details from the concept car in the final model. The lights, which extend far into the tailgate, made it into production, as did the fin-like D-pillar.

Inside, you can tell the Outlander isn't brand new anymore, but we see that as a positive. Sure, the instruments and the large center display are fully digital, but the rest of the controls are pleasingly conventional. Beneath the 12.3-inch screen are physical buttons for changing stations and a volume control dial. Where else can you find something like that these days?

The control unit for the three-zone air conditioning, which the test car comes standard with the top-of-the-line trim, is located somewhat low. The same principle applies here: buttons for the functions and two dials for temperature control. It couldn't be better. The sophisticated controls continue on the steering wheel: the nine o'clock spoke scrolls through the menu, while the cruise control with a km/h-accurate rocker switch is located at three o'clock. The material mix is ​​a bit drab, but it's a far cry from the hard plastic deserts of the past. This Mitsubishi can easily keep up with its European competitors below the premium segment.

Four trim levels are available. They all include a multifunction leather steering wheel, two 12.3-inch digital displays, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a navigation system. For those on a tight budget who appreciate a bit more features, the Plus trim level, for just €2,000, adds wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, and an electrically adjustable driver's seat with three-stage heating.

Mitsubishi is also enticing customers with the Intro Edition at launch. While the base and Plus trims come with 18-inch wheels, 20-inch wheels are standard from this model onward. Also included are a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, and an electric, sensor-controlled tailgate. From a technical perspective, the Edition is the best deal.

The elegant Top variant comes with a variety of exterior parts in body color, as well as a panoramic glass sunroof and aluminum design trim in the interior. Technically, it boasts three-zone automatic climate control and a high-end Yamaha sound system with twelve speakers. The seats are climate-controlled and have a memory function. The Top variant costs a whopping €9,500 more than the base version. And if you add another €2,000, the Luxury package adds premium massage seats and a black headliner. Generally, prices have increased by almost exactly €10,000 compared to the previous model's last price list.

On the road, the Outlander impresses with its quiet demeanor. Despite its over 4.70 meters of exterior length, we had no trouble maneuvering in big cities or narrow streets. The steering is unobtrusive—not particularly communicative, but very intuitive.

The Outlander's chassis also consistently follows a comfortable path. Especially on the highway, it proves to be a smooth glider, smoothing out long bumps with stoic composure. Country roads, on the other hand, are noticeably more difficult – whenever a hint of dynamic performance is required. But even then, the drivetrain itself impresses with its harmonious transitions. The Outlander switches back and forth between drive modes almost imperceptibly – either fully automatically or according to the driver's preference. In Eco mode, it focuses on the efficiency of the gasoline engine, while Power mode combines the two electric motors with the combustion engine to create a dynamic whole. The battery modes are also variable: In the EV setting, the system runs in pure electric mode; in Save mode, the current charge level is maintained, and in Charge mode, the battery can be charged while driving.

Charging while stationary, however, is a different story with the Outlander. It has a DC fast charger on board, but with a Chademo connection. While this Japanese system is still available at around 4,000 charging stations in Germany, CCS stations are five times more common in Europe and generally deliver higher power.

The Outlander is relatively unconcerned about this; fast charging is low on its menu. With a maximum charging capacity of 50 kW, the term itself is almost absurd. Rather, the concept envisions charging the 22.7 kWh battery overnight at home via a wallbox or even just a standard household socket. The fact that this takes over six hours with a completely empty battery and a maximum AC charging capacity of 3.5 kW is unlikely to bother any customer while they sleep.

On our test drives, the Outlander confirmed our previous impressions. While it missed the factory-specified 7.9-second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) by just a tenth, this will be of marginal interest to most drivers at best. More importantly, the car's reliable brakes offer good deceleration performance and a measured electric range of 100 kilometers (62 miles), which is sufficient for most everyday journeys. Added to that are its fair fuel consumption figures: the Mitsubishi consumes 1.7 liters of premium gasoline and 17.8 kWh of energy in combined cycles. This means it draws significantly more energy from the tank and less from the battery compared to the WLTP figure. Nevertheless, these are top figures for a 2,162 kg SUV. With a flat battery, the Outlander consumes a barely acceptable 8.4 liters (33.2 mpg imp) for its size. All in all, the wait was worth it.