Review: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

It's a sign of the times that I'm getting into so many review cars that are electrified in some sense, writes Brian Byrne. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for this week is a case in point.

It's also a return to the updated version of the first plug-in hybrid I drove, back in 2014, and which impressed me mightily.

It has impressed a lot of others too, becoming the best-selling PHEV in Europe and in the process turning into Mitsubishi's best seller model in Europe.


For 2019 there have been some styling tweaks, though nothing which makes any difference to the essential slab-sided shape. In a way, as the competition becomes more swoopy and edgy, this leaves the Outlander stand out more. Maybe they have something there.

The changes are front-end, some detail mods to the grille and the 'blade' motifs. Those latter never appealed to me anyhow, but they seem less a visual distraction this time.

The interior is quite high end and in this version had an upholstery in quilted pattern that is distinctive. A bold dashboard design is directly geared to driver information on performance and eco-compliance. The big main dials are practical, though where would otherwise be a rev-counter, in this one you get to know whether you're charging or pushing power. The large central screen gives lots more stats on power use, range, and time-lapsed monitoring of any heavy-footedness.

My usual pluses for the proper rotary knobs on the climate control, and a pity they didn't do the same for the radio volume ... but at least it does have that also on the steering wheel.

It is, by the way, a superbly comfortable car, large enough to offer bags of elbow, legs, and head-room.

As a PHEV, it obviously has a battery big enough to travel on electric power only where that is appropriate. Though a close to 45km range is claimed, I never did get it charged up beyond 30km, but that's because I don't have a home charger. The good thing that was always a feature of the car's system is that it can be charged 'on the run', sidelining the hybrid element mostly so as to use the engine power at highway speeds to pump up the battery. Which means that after a long drive between cities, you have all the electric power you need to use no fuel at all around town. To make the most of all of this means you have to think about your journey and adapt the system to get the best results.

There have been substantial powertrain improvements for 2019, notably a bigger engine, now 2.4L against 2.0, better electricity generation, a more powerful electric motor in the rear. With full AWD capability.

Against a comparable diesel engined car, and using the petrol-electric system judiciously, Mitsubishi in Ireland is saying an owner can save €469 a year in fuel costs.

As a drive, the Outlander PHEV is smooth, the transitions between petrol and electric as seamless as are any such hybrid systems. It is, of course, automatic, and to me that adds to driving serenity. All the available driver assistance technologies are part of the package, and I've given up on listing them anywhere now (easier to not what's not on any car, these days).

The Outlander PHEV is a very good driving experience. It also does pretty well what is claimed in environmental terms. At the same time it is a big, practical family car that comes with the Mitsubishi reliability and build quality reputation. There are those among you whom it will suit quite well.

PRICE: From just under €40,000. WHAT I LIKED: Easy driving and a happier conscience. RATING: 4/5.