2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
What’s new
- Most advanced safety features are now standard on the base model
- GT Premium interior package debuts
- Larger infotainment screen
- Part of the third Outlander generation introduced for 2014
Pros & Cons
- Offers a generous list of standard features
- Can travel up to 22 miles solely on electric battery charge
- Sophisticated all-wheel drive offers stability on slippery surfaces
- Poor cabin quality with lots of creaks and rattles
- Weak acceleration and vague steering make for a bad driving experience
- Unlike a regular Outlander, it doesn't offer a third row
- Small gas tank limits overall range
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
In some key ways, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV should appeal to car shoppers. For one, you get a lot of standard features that include DC fast charging and a generous list of advanced safety tech. There's also about 22 miles of electric-only propulsion, which could make your gas station visits far less frequent. And the Outlander has more off-road capabilities than you might expect.
Unfortunately, that pretty much covers the nice things we can say about it. The Outlander PHEV is dreadfully slow to accelerate, and the gasoline engine sounds horrible when it's called upon. From the inside, the ride quality is unsettling and busy, and there's a noticeable amount of road and wind noise on the highway. Unlike the standard Outlander, this PHEV model loses the third row of seats to the battery pack. Even though there are a lot of features, they're not particularly easy to use, and overall build quality leaves much to be desired.
For these reasons, we suggest checking out the competition before committing to the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Those rivals tend to have far more positives than negatives.
Our verdict
6.5 / 10How does it drive?
6.5Unfortunately, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. It takes 9.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is slow for any vehicle, and the gasoline engine sounds harsh and strained when activated. On-road steering is vague and requires constant corrections. And handling does little to instill confidence since the SUV is plagued by excessive body roll and sensitivity to midcorner bumps.
How comfortable is it?
7.0How’s the interior?
7.0How’s the tech?
6.5The native voice recognition system is deeply frustrating because it frequently misunderstands commands. And the adaptive cruise control can react violently when the traffic speed changes suddenly.
How’s the storage?
7.0The door pockets, bins and glovebox are all large, but there aren't many of the handy little cubbies that we've come to expect for phones or other small items. The car-seat anchor points are placed at an unusually steep angle, making them harder to access, but the high rear seat means less bending over to situate kids.
How economical is it?
7.0Is it a good value?
6.5There's a lot of hard plastic and vinyl around the cabin, adding to the chintzy, lightweight feeling of the Outlander. Even when taking into account the premium inherent to buying a PHEV, it's expensive. At least there's enough charge to cover an average commute, even in traffic.
Wildcard
5.0Which Outlander PHEV does Edmunds recommend?
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a five-passenger plug-in hybrid SUV offered in two trim levels: SEL and GT. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (117 horsepower) joined by two 60-kilowatt electric motors at each axle. The combination gives the Outlander PHEV all-wheel drive, and the total system output is rated at 190 hp. Electrical power is stored in a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, keyless entry, push-button start, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, voice controls, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, three USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Driver safety aids include forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high beams.
Stepping up to the GT adds LED headlights, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a multiview camera, dual AC power outlets (replacing the rear USB ports), adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded sound system. To that, the new GT Premium Interior package can be added and includes premium leather upholstery and a few black interior treatments.
There are a handful of optional accessories available including mud guards, chrome side mirror covers, rear parking assist sensors, cargo nets, and a Towing package with a tow hitch and a trailer-prepped wiring harness.
Sponsored cars related to the Outlander PHEV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Trending topics in reviews
- visibility
- safety
- technology
- electrical system
- fuel efficiency
- engine
- value
- warranty
- interior
- appearance
Most helpful consumer reviews
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 my car every night. Want the option to be able to use gasoline on road trips and not have to worry about charging, then this car can be a great car for you. After owning it for about 6 months, I'm averaging 70mpg. Combined with the additional electric costs, I'm still spending less than half compared to my previous 25mpg car. On road trips as long as know when to charge the battery (using the gas engine) I'm getting 30-40mpg still. I think the 25mpg rating that the EPA gives this car is assuming you start with an empty battery and never switch to electric mode, because I almost never get mpg that low The state and federal tax credits made this car far more affordable than the other PHEV currently available which are more luxury brands. I don't know why this car is getting such low or mixed reviews. I'm pretty happy with it.
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.
it's fine. This is my 3rd (PH)EV. I previously had the Fiat 500e and Chevy Bolt. I was looking for an EV SUV around $40k-$50k with 300+ range. Unfortunately, these don't exist yet. However, it looks as if we'll be getting some EV SUV's & trucks in the next few years so I opted for a 2 year lease on a Mitsubishi Outlander GT PHEV. I've only had the car for a few days, but decent size, slightly elevated ride height for better visibility, and numerous safety features (land departure, blind spot, etc). After 1 round trip commute on the 405 fwy, the battery was just about depleted. However, I have a level 2 charger in my garage and at work. Also, once my carpool lane purple sticker arrives, I'll be driving a little faster and letting the battery charge. For what it is, it's fine. I also have a 4runner TRD Pro so the Outlander will just be a daily driver so again, it's fine.
I am choosing to rate the vehicle a 2 star for the following reasons: - Only Mitsubishi dealers can service the vehicle, and there are very limited numbers of dealers in Central and Northern Canada. -The gas engine does not properly run at -30° Celcius -The battery and circuits freeze at -20° Celcius and below. This does not allow the vehicle to start properly if at all (stayed plugged in for one week straight and still would not start) - The catalytic converter already requires a full replacement (granted it will be completed at no cost to me under warranty) despite only having 1,750 km of mostly highway driving. -The plastic charge port covers are extremely brittle and snapped on the first use ($685 for just the part as it only comes in a package, and is not covered under warranty) -Fuel economy is generally good, around 7 L/100 km -Technology in the GT model is fantastic, only complaint being not having wireless charging. -Adaptavie cruise control is fantastic, and cuts out when the systems senses loss of traction (in my case a very deep puddle of water on the passenger side)
Features & Specs
| SEL 4dr SUV AWD 2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,295 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | N/A |
| GT 4dr SUV AWD 2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,695 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | N/A |
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 13.7% |
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. the competition
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
For about $7,000 less than the starting price of the Outlander PHEV, you can get the recently redesigned Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. On the outside, the RAV4 is smaller, but it uses its space better, providing a more accommodating interior and cargo space. Sure, you can take advantage of the Outlander's 22 miles of EV range, but once that runs out, the gas engine returns a paltry 25 mpg compared to the RAV4's impressive 40 mpg.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid will also save you quite a bit of money compared to the Outlander PHEV. The Niro is about 13 inches shorter from nose to tail, which means you'll be giving up some passenger and cargo space, but you'll reap the rewards at the pump. The EPA estimates the Kia, which has 26 miles of EV range, will return 46 mpg in combined driving.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric
As expensive as the Outlander PHEV is, you may be better off going full electric — with the Hyundai Kona Electric, that is. With 258 miles of range, quick acceleration and sporty handling, there's a lot to like, which is why the Kona nabbed one of the Edmunds Editors' Choice awards for its class. The biggest drawback is availability since it's not offered in all states yet.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:
- Most advanced safety features are now standard on the base model
- GT Premium interior package debuts
- Larger infotainment screen
- Part of the third Outlander generation introduced for 2014
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV reliable?
Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The least-expensive 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 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:
- SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) which starts at $36,295
- GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) which starts at $41,695
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
More about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Overview
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is offered in the following submodels: Outlander PHEV SUV. Available styles include SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD), and GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD).
What do people think of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Outlander PHEV 3.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Outlander PHEV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Outlander PHEV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
Which 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for sale near. There are currently 6 new 2020 Outlander PHEVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $37,405 and mileage as low as 1 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,671 on a used or CPO 2020 Outlander PHEV available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for sale - 9 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $15,591.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mitsubishi lease specials