Flash Drive

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

January 28, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC 4-Door SUV

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a solid road SUV that can be all electric in the city.

Engine:2.0L inline four-cylinder, 117 hp and 137 lb-ft torque plus two 80 hp electric motors

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg gasoline, 74 MPGe

Base Price: $41,495

As Tested: $43,205

Performance:

Level 3 fast charging

Can run on only electricity for short periods

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV styling is conservative, but contemporary.

Approximately 20 to 25 miles on electricity

Gas engine functions as an onboard generator for the two electric motors

Regenerative braking

Excellent active safety features

Blind spot monitoring, collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beam control

1500 pound towing capacity

Transmission seems to hunt to ideal

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV charging port is on the right rear quarter panel instead of the left front fender like most PHEV vehicles.

gear ratio

4WD locking feature

Unique shifter pattern takes some familiarization

Comfort:

8-way power adjustable front seats (driver and passenger)

Driver power lumbar support

Heated front seats (two temps)

Rear seats have recline function

Thick, slightly contoured heated leather steering wheel

All Outlander models have spacious, comfortable front seats.

Near stretch-out driver legroom

Adults can fit in second row middle, but cushion is hard

Utility:

Power remote rear liftgate

OK clearance for tall people

Large cargo area opening

No lift-over

Flat floor

Charging cables are stored under deck

Split folding rear seats have slight slope

Rear seat room and comfort are excellent. The armrest is soft, but the center bottom cushion is quite firm.

Large non-locking glovebox

Big front door bins

Medium size, but deep console bin

WOW Factors:

Ten-year powertrain warranty

Level 3 fast charging

Handsome, comfy leather seats

Solid value position for PHEV SUV

Whines:

No third row due to battery pack

Lethargic transmission and acceleration

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV cargo area is flat, but its batteries recluse the use of a third row seat.

Shifter wasn’t intuitive

Bottom Line:

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the best selling plug-in hybrid SUV in the world, but you wouldn’t know that by its under the radar US presence. The majority of its success has been overseas, but Americans seeking a well-built PHEV SUV would do well to check out the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.