The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a reason to take another look at this otherwise middle-of-the-road SUV. Though the Outlander lacks some of the fundamental comforts and refinements of its competitors, the new PHEV model is the first to bring plug-in charging to the SUV class, which has so far been the province of European luxury brands.
The Outlander PHEV is a five-passenger SUV offered in SEL and GT trim levels. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors for a net system rating of 197 horsepower. The SEL comes well-equipped as a base model with features such as a power liftgate, leather upholstery and basic driver safety aids, while the GT adds more premium touches including LED headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded sound system, and enhanced driver aids.
Mitsubishi has sold the Outlander PHEV in other global markets for two years, but its debut in the United States makes it the first plug-in hybrid SUV not saddled with a European luxury price. Starting at around $35,000 before applicable tax credits, the Outlander PHEV looks pretty much the same as its gas engine-only counterpart. But for the PHEV decals and badging, you wouldn't know the difference.
It's a different story under the hood, where a four-cylinder gas engine joins a pair of electric motors. The gas-electric combination drives the front wheels, while the second electric motor drives the rear wheels. Sophisticated computer processing determines the best way to dole out power to all four wheels, although drivers can also manually engage a four-wheel-drive lock mode when desired. This default all-wheel-drive mode is still meant more for stability in slippery conditions and not true off-roading, but we learned on our test drive that the Outlander PHEV can handle itself on a moderately challenging trail.
But the Outlander PHEV's key appeal to most drivers will be its plug-in rechargeability. Mitsubishi says the Outlander plug-in can travel up to 22 miles on electricity. We'll wait to see what real-world driving actually yields, but that EPA-rated figure is still higher than fuel economy of luxury plug-in SUVs and gives the Outlander outstanding promise as a family runabout.
Mitsubishi says the PHEV can recharge in 3.5 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 connection or between eight and 13 hours on a standard 120-volt household outlet. But the Outlander also supports high-voltage DC fast charging, which can refill 80 percent of the battery charge in just 25 minutes.
There are, of course, some sacrifices for the plug-in utility. Unlike the standard Outlander, the PHEV doesn't offer three rows of seats due to placement of the battery pack and electrical components. The latter also affects the PHEV's ground clearance, which sits about an inch closer to the ground than the regular model, as well as its off-road ability. Finally, a smaller gas tank limits overall gas-electric driving range to about 300 miles, which means you'll be filling up often if you're usually on engine power.
But with 78 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, the PHEV still rates as a proper SUV, and if you need the space and utility and you like the idea of maximizing miles through electricity, the Outlander PHEV warrants a close look. Let Edmunds help you determine whether the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the right SUV for you.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Overview
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is offered in the following submodels: 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). Outlander PHEV models are available with a 0-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Outlander PHEV comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive. The 2018 Outlander PHEV comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $42810. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $4066 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4066 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $38744.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 9.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36450. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3785.7 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3785.7 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32664.3.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36700. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3815 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3815 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32885.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36615. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3778 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3778 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32837.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36320. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3753 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3753 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32567.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36260. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3738 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3738 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32522.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36235. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3733 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3733 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32502.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35590. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is trending $3698 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3698 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31892.
The average savings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) is 10.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 All of our reviews are 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 do people think of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Outlander PHEV a 5 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 2018 Outlander PHEV.
Vehicle SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD)
Review Figured something is better than nothing... so I'll post the first review in case some of you have no nearby dealer. Test drove a silver GT and red SEL. Impressions: 1) Gorgeous exterior, nothing not to like. Nice to have 8.5 inch ground clearance, beats most other CUV's, except the CX9. Stock rims look great. 2) Interior is also nice. Seats very comfortable, good thigh support for a 5'11 guy... for what that is worth. Both driver and passenger seats are 8 way power adjustable, which is very rare for this class. Not having a third row is probably the deal breaker for my wife. Between the black and brown leather, I liked black with silver stitching, my wife liked brown with red stitching. 3) Performance. Good not great. Thought acceleration was a bit slow in the 30 to 60 range, although it was plenty zippy off the line. Really loved the paddle shifters, adjusting the engine resistance when foot was taken off gas (for accelerated charging). B5 for tight city driving or hills made one foot driving possible. B2 or 1 for highway driving. Love the amount of control you have over the electric, or combustion. I would recommend going combustion on the highway and electric in the city. A guy who bought one at the dealer was in to get a tow hitch installed and told me he was getting 125mpg so far using that technique. As far as sspension and braking, it was phenomenal. Ive never experienced regen brakes that tight and smooth... did not feel like hybrid brakes. Suspension was perfect.... firm but not crazy tight. Definitely minimized body roll, but could be considered a bit rough for those used to a boat like cadillac experience. Tech: I'm not a big fan of my car braking for me, so I could care less about that, but for SA, the GT trim has all this crazy safety, tech features plus the moonroof and Rockford sound system. Android auto, Apple car play standard both trims. Misc: Surprised about the 11.5 gallon gas tank... deal breaker for me. Unless you do all short trips, this is not the right car. 300ish mile range is no bueno if you have to do a cross country haul on occasion. Worse range than almost any hybrid vehicle. Still a five star vehicle... but I'd be traveling with a 5 gallon gas can in the rear. Overall great day driving Mitsubishi, and with a 2500 dollar rebate and fed tax refund this is a great deal.
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What options are available on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
Available Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2018 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2018 Trims: SEL, GT
Exterior Colors: Ruby Black Pearl, Diamond White Pearl, Rally Red Metallic, Mercury Gray Metallic, Alloy Silver Metallic, Quartz Brown Metallic
Interior Colors: Dark Brown leather, Black leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Blind Spot Monitoring, Bluetooth, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Third-row seating, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Towing Hitch, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
