2019 Mitsubish Outlander PHEV – Test Drive
It’s one of Mitsubishi’s Best Sellers. But Will it EV?
Regarded as the creator one of the best All-Wheel-Drive systems, Mitubishi now wants to take it a step further by electrifying one of their best sellers – and it’s the full-size Outlander PHEV SUV.
New updates for the Outlander receive a fresh look on the front fascia and all trims now come equipped with a rear spoiler. Available on the Outlander PHEV is also larger 18″ wheel with a new design from last year as well as leather seating option. Engineering improvements have also been made to reduce Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) and overall ride comfort.
Starting at just $43,498 with a possible $4,000 government grant, the Outlander PHEV will buy you a a 35km EV range on a full charge with an additional 420 km additional range when running in Hybrid EV mode.
Super-All-Wheel-Control is good, but not Super…
The Outlander PHEV is even got a S-AWC (Super All-Wheel-Cotrol) badge on the back, but let’s make things clear here – it’s not quite as “super” as the actual system employed in the standard non-PHEV Outlander. That’s got the full blown package with an active front differential and an active rear-drive shaft coupler for optimal fuel efficiency and traction.
It’s different on the PHEV Outlander, but the concept remains fundamentally the same. Instead of a rear drive-shaft coupler, both front and rear wheels get their own dedicated electric motor. And the front wheels get an open differential instead of a limited slip. That said, the Outlander PHEV still promises exceptional fuel efficiency and traction management control. However, you’ll take a hit in the 3rd row seats to make space for the lithium ion battery pack as well.
Running on EV Juice
The onboard 12kwh lithiium ion battery pack will buy you 35 km of EV range. It’s not a lot, but is typically enough for a one-way daily work trip. Charging on a level one power outlet takes 8 hours while a level two charger will cut the time down to just 3.5 hours. The Outlander PHEV is also fitted with a DC Fast Charge port that can quickly charge the battery pack up to 80% in just half an hour.
The Outlander PHEV is also fitted with other tech features to take advantage of the EV powertrain. In addition to EV mode, the powertrain has the ability to use the engine to act as a generator to top up the onboard battery pack, or run on Save mode. That puts the Outlander PHEV in Internal Combustion Engine mode to save battery State of Charge. In addition, the cabin space is also fitted with a 1.5kW high power 12V outlet for powering any onboard electronics.
Run Off the Mill Interior
It’s not front-page magazine material, but it works. The lower SEL S-AWC under test comes generously packaged with leather seats, a 7″ infotainment screen, 8-way power adjustable seating. Upgrading to the GT S-AWC will buy you LED High-Beam Headlights, power moon roof, a 710W Rockford Audio system and a multi-camera system
Feel department is worked by standard vinyl fabric and lacquered plastic that more or less, just gets the job done. It’s bland to say the least and somewhat depicts the Mitsubishi factory machinery brand vision. It doesn’t look great, but it works.
On-Road Practice
The dual front and rear 60kW AC electric motor produces 137 and 195 Nm of torque respectively totaling to about 190 horsepower in plugin-hybrid mode with the 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. Electrical energy storage is handled by a 12 kWh lithium ion battery pack that will buy you about 35 km of EV range with an additional 420 km of hybrid EV range. There is also no transmission. Both front and rear wheels are handled by a gear reduction with the front employing selectable gear reduction based on drive mode selected for ECO, Normal and Snow condition.
The buttery smooth EV acceleration is present, but the drivability software needs to be polished. Vehicle coast rollback and significant dead zone on the electric power steering all makes for an un-attentative driving experience.
With all that said, at the sub $40,000 price mark, the Outlander PHEV is still an attractive offer who wants to hop on the EV band wagon without space compromise. If you’re in the market for one, make sure you check your local government incentives to take full advantage of available purchase discounts.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2019 Outlander PHEV
- Vehicle Type :Full-Size SUV
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : Dual Motor 60kW AC Asynchronous + 2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Transmission : Single Gear Reduction Front and Rear. Switchable front gear reduction
- Price as tested: $43,000
Pros
- Full-Size SUV with plug-in EV capability
- DC Fast Charge reduces charge time to just 30 minutes for 80% charge
- 35km EV range is sufficient for one-way work trip
Cons
- Driveability software needs some fine-tuning
- Interior cabin space feels dated and lacks quality
- Loss of 3rd row seat in lieu of lithium ion battery pack