2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review

Name: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
Brand: Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+38

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has some distinct advantages, such as DC fast charging and decent off-roading ability. It gains a little more all-electric range and some powertrain refinements for 2021 too. But the driving experience, interior design and build quality are all lackluster and keep the Outlander PHEV from being fully desirable.

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Generous list of standard features
Plug-in hybrid powertrain provides about 24 miles of all-electric range
Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces

Cons

Poor cabin quality with lots of creaks and rattles
Weak acceleration and vague steering make for a bad driving experience
It doesn't offer a third row like the regular Mitsubishi Outlander
Small gas tank limits overall range

What's new

New battery pack offers more electric range than last year's model
Updated software reduces vibrations and noise from the engine
Limited Edition trim introduced with more standard features
Part of the third Outlander generation introduced for 2014

Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of only a few small SUVs that can run on electric power — without being fully electric, that is. It's a plug-in hybrid, so you can recharge its battery at home or at a public charging station and drive a short distance — up to 24 miles, according to the EPA — on all-electric power. After that, the gas engine switches on and the Outlander PHEV drives like a typical hybrid. Keep the battery pack charged frequently and you might not need to fill up the gas tank very much at all.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded and $0.16 per kWh for electricity in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$122/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2021, Mitsubishi has given the PHEV a few updates too. Most notably, it has a little more than last year as well as more power and a quieter cabin. However, it faces off against the new Toyota RAV4 Prime. This is also a plug-in hybrid but offers an EPA-estimated 42 miles of all-electric range. So how well does this improved Outlander PHEV compete? Read our Expert Rating below for our in-depth review.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Below Average

6.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

6.5/10

How does the Outlander PHEV drive? This electrified SUV isn't fast, but it has enough power to get out of its own way when needed. In Edmunds' testing, the Outlander PHEV reached 60 mph from a standstill in 9.3 seconds. That's decent for an economy-minded vehicle. But Toyota's RAV4 Prime, which is also a plug-in and the Outlander's main rival, blows it away with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.

The Outlander's stopping performance is similarly adequate, but we're not fans of its light brake pedal because it can make it tricky to consistently stop smoothly. Our test vehicle also lacked stability during our panic-braking testing. Then there's the steering. It's bizarrely light and lacks straight-ahead stability. You constantly have to fidget at the wheel to keep the Outlander going straight.

If you'd like to wander off the beaten path, the advanced all-wheel-drive system and reasonable level of ground clearance make the Outlander quite capable off-road.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the Outlander PHEV? The Outlander's comfort is average across the board. The front seats are fine, but the rear seats feel a bit flat and firm. Ride comfort is about average for an SUV. The Outlander smooths out most of the big impacts, but smaller road vibrations tend to find their way in.

The climate control system performs adequately. We noted that the heated steering wheel only warms part of the rim, which isn't ideal.

When you're driving in EV mode on a full charge, the cabin is pretty quiet. But nail the gas when the engine is on and it fires up and sounds like a blender that's working too hard. We were also annoyed that using almost any button in our test vehicle triggered a beeping noise, and there didn't seem to be a way to disable the sounds.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Outlander PHEV is spacious and has no problem seating adults in both rows. The tall door openings make it easy to get in or out of either row. But the cabin controls can be hard to locate and aren't placed for easy access. Mitsubishi's infotainment screen features only basic adjustments and comes across as a budget aftermarket unit compared to the more sophisticated systems in other small SUVs.

The driving position is upright and almost chairlike — taller drivers will certainly feel awkward. The steering wheel doesn't have quite enough extension adjustment either. Outward visibility is average for an SUV. One bonus is the available surround-view camera system; it makes maneuvering in tight spots a breeze.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? Mitsubishi has some catching up to do. You get a decently sized 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as standard, but that's about where our favorable commentary ends. The Outlander PHEV's voice control system can't understand your requests a lot of the time, and the stereo, while capable of being loud, doesn't offer much in the way of crisp sound quality.

The advanced driver aids are also a bit behind the times. The adaptive cruise control system can be slow to react to changing traffic and will not hold you in place when you come to a stop. Blind-spot monitoring works just fine, but there is no lane keeping function. We do like that the image from the surround-view camera can be cued up via a button on the steering wheel. That's a pretty clever touch.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? With 30.4 cubic feet of cargo storage behind the rear seats, the Outlander has comparable space to many other small SUVs. But holy molasses, Batman, its power tailgate is extraordinarily slow. It's so lethargic, we opted to disable the feature and use it manually. The seats split and fold, but it's a three-step process that requires you to pull up the bottom cushion.

Once the seats are folded, the Outlander PHEV offers up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space, which is also an average amount for a small SUV. The floor is relatively low, so you don't have to hoist gear up into the cargo area. In terms of cabin storage, there's nothing very remarkable beyond modestly sized bins and door pockets.

If you're fitting small children into the back, know that the safety seat anchors are tucked in pretty deep and hard to access. This can be annoying if you're frequently installing safety seats. There's lots of rear room, however, and we had no problem installing a large convertible seat in our testing. The top tether points are fairly accessible, though they have an odd configuration that feels almost like they're installed upside down.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Outlander PHEV should go about 24 miles solely on electric power and then return 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving once it switches to regular gasoline-powered hybrid mode. That fuel economy estimate is disappointing since many all-wheel-drive non-hybrid small SUVs have a similar estimate. Or, as hybrids go, consider Toyota's RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid that gets 34 mpg combined.

On our 115-mile evaluation route, we were able to travel 26.6 miles before the gas engine kicked on, and after that we averaged 30.4 mpg. Those results were better than expected but still not amazing for a plug-in.

The Outlander's ace in the hole is that it's one of the few plug-in hybrids to offer DC fast charging. Power up using a public DC fast charger and you can add about 80% charge in 25 minutes.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Outlander PHEV a good value? A solid powertrain warranty and DC fast charging are nice benefits of the Outlander PHEV. But with an as-tested price hovering in the mid-$40,000 range, this Mitsubishi just feels too cheaply built for the money. Even taking into the federal tax credit and potential savings in fuel (assuming you're diligent about plugging in every day), there are just too many fuel-efficient non-plug-in SUVs out there that are a much better value.

Wildcard

6.0/10

The Outlander has a few cool features. But if you're not keeping it charged regularly then you're not reaping many benefits. Overall, we think you'll be better off with a standard hybrid SUV or another plug-in such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime or Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid.

Which Outlander PHEV does Edmunds recommend?

The new LE trim, which Mitsubishi added for 2021, is a justifiable upgrade from the base trim. We could do without all the black exterior accents, but a standard sunroof and upgraded stereo system are always appreciated. All Outlanders come with a strong collection of safety equipment, so there's little need to jump up to the top GT trim unless you have a strong desire for adaptive cruise control.

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a small crossover SUV that seats five and comes in three trims: SEL, LE and GT. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a four-cylinder engine, a rechargeable battery pack and electric motors that provide a total output of 221 horsepower. It can go an EPA-estimated 24 miles on all-electric power before switching over to normal hybrid operation. All-wheel drive is standard. Other feature highlights include:

SEL
The base Outlander PHEV comes with:

18-inch alloy wheels
Power liftgate
Roof rails
DC fast-charging capability
Proximity entry and push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats
8-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
USB ports (one front, two rear)
Six-speaker sound system

Standard driver safety aids include:

Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)

Limited Edition
New to the lineup for 2021, the LE adds the following:

18-inch dark chrome alloy wheels
Unique front and rear bumpers
Blackout exterior trim and grille
Sunroof
Eight-speaker upgraded sound system

GT
The top-line Outlander PHEV comes with all of the above plus:

LED headlights
Heated steering wheel
Dual household-style power outlets (replaces the rear USB ports)
Quilted leather-appointed seat surfaces
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Outlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

5 (60%)

4 (19%)

3 (6%)

2 (2%)

1 (13%)

4.1

47 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great plug-in hybrid for a very specific driver

hk, 11/18/2019

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

If you cannot regularly plug in this car, your mpg will be middling to poor. If your regularly commute/daily drive greatly exceeds the PHEV's electrical range (about 24 miles) you will also see lower mpg savings. However, if you are like me, and drive on average 30-40 miles per day, can plug in your car every night, want the option to be able to use gasoline on long road trips and not …

Comfortable, capable, affordable, electric SUV!

Chris, 11/27/2018

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)

We’ve had our Outlander PHEV for a month now and here’s my first impressions. There really isn’t anything else like it available in the United States... I guess it has been sold in Europe for several years (top selling SUV in the UK, Netherlands and Norway) but they sent them to Europe as fast as they could build them (and sold them for more $) so we just had to wait. There are several … outstanding features to consider now that it is here: 1) Price: The well-equipped 2018 SEL model can be found in the US for $30K (perhaps less as the end of the year gets closer). With a $5,836 federal tax credit, I’ll end up paying ~$24K after tax returns are filed. Anything else on the market that can give you similar dedicated electric range, 4x4, and towing capability cost over twice as much. 2) Range: I’m seeing close to 30 miles of dedicated electric range, plus another 270 miles on unleaded. I’ve taken it on two long trips now where the battery is mostly depleted and it’s using the gasoline engine to keep a basic charge level on the battery and move us down the highway. I live in Utah, where there are long stretches of 80 MPH speed limit freeway. Driving from Salt Lake to St. George (~300 miles) with the cruise control set at 85 for the majority of the trip, we averaged 24.7 MPG. Granted, the 11 gallon fuel tank is on the small side for long trips like this, but that’s not really the car’s strong point (although 25 MPG is almost 10 MPG better than my last SUV). The dedicated electric option on shorter trips is where this thing shines though. My daily commute is 28 miles round trip, so I’m usually able to do it all on electric. (Your electric range does drop a bit if you run the heater.) I recharge it each night at home, so my first tank of gas lasted a little over 800 miles. It has become our go-to vehicle for the quick trips around town. We pay .11 a Kw and the on-board recharge cost calculator tells me it’s taking a about 80 cents each night to charge up. 3) 4x4: All wheel drive for winter driving, with a 4x4 lock button if you need to break snow drifts. I’ve only had it out in one storm so far this year, and just running errands around town, but it seemed sure footed. I’ll update this as we get further into the winter months. 4) Passenger/Cargo Capacity: Seats 5 comfortably, with plenty of cargo space left in the back. The standard Outlander has two small folding seats in the rear for a 7 passenger capacity, but they are omitted in the PHEV. This leaves you with lots of cargo space in the back, but it would be nice if they could find a way to put back in even one of those small rear jump seats. The seats you do have are comfortable enough. Front seats are both heated and fully adjustable via electric switches... these seats are standard even on the lower level SE model (which we own) and leather is standard as well. Fold down the rear seats and you have a little over six feet of flat floor cargo space back there. Automatic tailgate is also standard on the base SE model. 5) Towing Capability: The Outlander PHEV is rated to tow 1500 lbs in the US, but 3300 lbs in Europe. Same vehicle is sold on both continents, so I suspect the lower US rating has more to do with the number of lawyers here, rather than any actual engineering issue. I had the factory Class 3 receiver hitch added to our SE. That costs about $700, but well worth it to me to have the towing option. We have towed with it and found it stable and capable for the short, 20 mile trip we made with it. 6) Warranty: Mitsubishi backs up the drive train and battery with a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Mercedes GLC 350e gives you 4 years/50K miles on the drive train, 6 years, 62K on the battery. Volvo XC90 4 yr/50K miles on both. Tesla Model X has 4 yr/50K basic, 8 year/unlimited mile powertrain. All considerably more expensive vehicles, each with their own range limitations. The exterior of the Outlander may be a little dated, but considering how most manufactures over-design the body on electric vehicles (looking at you Nissan) I don’t mind the unassuming nature of Mitsubishi’s offering... just another Outlander from the outside. From an engineering standpoint however, Mitsubishi has produced a unique vehicle here and perhaps it’s understated looks are part of the reason it has received so little attention here in the USA. It may also be that Mitsubishi isn’t a big brand here, being one of the smaller manufactures by sales in the US. I don’t work for Mitsubishi (or any other automotive company). I’m just a happy owner, who lives in an area that often has dirty air, and wish more folks new about this machine. One year later we are still very happy with it. No issues to report. Highly recommend the car. Update: Sold after three years to upgrade to a Toyota Rav4 Prime... same concept, more battery/capability. Never had an issue with the Outlander and still highly recommend it, just needed to tow more.

Listen to owners, not a professional car reviewer!

Happy PHEV Owner, 07/05/2020

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)

I have to chuckle when I read the Edmunds review of the 2019 Outlander PHEV. Along with the Consumer Reports review, it nearly dissuaded me from buying this vehicle, which I did in June, 2020. I am so glad I overlooked the overall negativity of the "professional" reviews and focused on what was really important to me. If you and I have similar values, I think you will be quite pleased … with this vehicle.First off, let me offer an alternative perspective on the ride and comfort of the Outlander PHEV. My first impression on the test drive was that this looks and feels like a luxury vehicle. I bought the base SEL, which comes with handsome leather upholstery. What other brand offers leather in the base model?! I fell in love with the comfy front seats, which offer four dimensions of electric adjustment to get into that perfect driving position. I'm 6'2" and I find the driving position comfortable, with plenty of head room--even when I'm sitting on top of a two inch pad! The legroom in the front row is also generous. And I love the expansive view out the front windshield. The sight lines give me confidence.I have not ridden in the back, but my 12 year old daughter says it's comfortable and roomy--certainly better than she is used to (she has ridden Subarus in the past).I will also mention that an electric liftgate, auto sensing wipers, a blind spot warning system, heated seats, and Carplay/Android Auto are all standard on the base model. They work great and add to the luxury look and feel of the Outlander PHEV.So everything the Edmunds pro reviewer says about "cheap appearances" comfort can be thrown out the window, based on my non-professional experience!Next we come to the drive. Edmunds claims it has poor handling and is underpowered. I have observed the opposite, which may just say that I don't drive the same cars as the Edmunds reviewers. Compared to the four Subarus I've owned, the handling and power are superior. In electric mode, the power is downright pleasing and the ride is eerily silent. But going over a mountain pass in gas mode (which I did this morning), the vehicle delivered plenty of power and really wasn't loud and whiny to my ears, as Edmunds said. Edmunds also mentioned that the steering and braking are subpar. Honestly, I just don't understand what they're talking about. Of course this car is no Lamborghini but you already know that!So set aside Edmunds' complaints about the engine and handling. If you're a normal person like me, you'll find both satisfactory to pleasing.Finally, I come to the three considerations that ultimately inspired me to buy this vehicle: fuel economy, all wheel drive, and price:1. Fuel economy. Who wouldn't love a full sized SUV that can go 22 miles on electricity and can get impressive mileage on moderate-length trips? Most of my trips are local and so I really don't use the gas engine much. But when I need it, it's there to extend the range to about 300 miles, even with the"small" 11.3 gallon gas tank. On trips of under 50 miles, you can expect an mpg of 40-110 depending on terrain. It then drops off, depending on how often you can recharge. On the 1,000 mile trip I'm just finishing up, I averaged 28-30 mpg with mostly highway driving and no recharging. In my opinion, that's still acceptable for a large SUV, especially if you, like me, rarely take such trips.2. AWD, baby! I mentioned earlier that I owned four Subarus prior to the Outlander PHEV. There was a reason: I live in a hilly area that can have rough winters and I love the security and confidence that all-wheel drive provides. I have been frustrated with the lack of choices that those of us who care about fuel economy (and who really want an electric vehicle) have when It comes to AWD SUV-type vehicles. Basically, we have a few hybrid options (e.g., RAV4, CRV) and very few PHEV options (the Outlander, the Ford Escape but it's only FWD, and the RAV4 Prime. I was going to hold out for the RAV4 Prime, but then I learned that it could be awhile before I got one and also that they will go for MSRP or higher because of demand. This brought me to the third consideration.3. Price. So, the 2019 Outlander PHEV retails for around $38,000--not much less than the much anticipated 2021 RAV4 Prime. However, the Outlander PHEV can evidently be had for WAY below retail. I bought mine in June, 2020 (it was the last 2019 on the lot) for $27,500! If you add in the $6850 federal tax rebate, I'll actually be paying under $22,000 for my Outlander PHEV. That's a real bargain! Of course, it doesn't have EV range of the Prime and it doesn't qualify for the WA State sales tax break (which requires 30 miles of EV range), but still... You'd be hard pressed to find a conventional sedan at this price point, let alone a PHEV SUV. That sealed the deal for me. Maybe it will for you too?

I like the 2020 GT

andy, 11/14/2019

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

I have had a 2020 GT for about 6 months now. It has enough range for my daily drive and when I want to hit the road no problem.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Outlander PHEV since its last redesign.

See all 47 reviews of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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2021 Outlander PHEV Highlights

Trim:

SEL

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,295
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,000 Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	24 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	74 MPGe^{MPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.}
Cost to Drive	$122/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	4.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Outlander PHEV models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Prevents a potential lane change collision by alerting the driver when a car is hidden in a blind spot or is approaching from behind.
360-Degree Camera: Creates a simulated bird's-eye view of the car for tight parking situations, allowing the driver to see the vehicle from all angles.
Forward Collision Mitigation: Helps mitigate an accident by monitoring ahead, warning the driver of an impending collision and applying the brakes in certain scenarios.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13.7%

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Outlander PHEV does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great plug-in hybrid for a very specific driver

Comfortable, capable, affordable, electric SUV!

Listen to owners, not a professional car reviewer!

I like the 2020 GT

2021 Outlander PHEV Highlights

Safety

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