2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
MSRP range: $36,295 - $41,995
| MSRP | $37,490 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $34,179 |
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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
Our verdict | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
How economical is the Outlander PHEV? | |
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. | |
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 | |
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.
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:
Save as much as $3,831 with Edmunds
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing
in Ashburn, VA
SEL
2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD
Edmunds Suggested Price$34,179
3 for sale in 20147
LE
2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD
Edmunds Suggested Price$35,724
1 for sale in 20147
GT
2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD
Edmunds Suggested Price$39,359
1 for sale in 20147
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Outlander PHEV safety features:
- 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. the competition
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 Prime is the plug-in hybrid version of the popular Toyota RAV4, and it bests the Mitsubishi in nearly all key areas. The RAV4 Prime boasts more power, more all-electric driving range and quicker acceleration. It also has a more comfortable ride and additional cargo space. In our minds, this is an easy choice.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The CR-V Hybrid isn't a plug-in like the Outlander but otherwise has some desirable attributes. It offers standard all-wheel drive, spacious seating, lots of cargo space and stable handling. It also gets higher EPA-estimated fuel economy than the EPA's estimate for the Outlander under regular hybrid operation.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Kia Niro PHEV
The Niro PHEV is the plug-in version of the extra-small Niro crossover SUV. There are some drawbacks compared to the Outlander such as less cargo space, no available all-wheel drive and slower acceleration. But on the upside, it's easier to park and gets higher EPA-estimated fuel economy.
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FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Outlander PHEV both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.8 out of 10. You probably care about Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Outlander PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outlander PHEV has 30.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:
- 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
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV reliable?
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outlander PHEV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outlander PHEV's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Outlander PHEV and gave it a 6.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Outlander PHEV is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The least-expensive 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,295.
Other versions include:
- LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) which starts at $37,995
- SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) which starts at $36,295
- GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) which starts at $41,995
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the next question is, which Outlander PHEV model is right for you? Outlander PHEV variants include LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD), SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD), and GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD). For a full list of Outlander PHEV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more