2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review

Name: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Brand: Mitsubishi
Price: 19606 USD

Price Estimate: $19,606 - $24,703

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Below Average

6.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 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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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV model years

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for Sale

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

Written by automotive expert Ryan ZumMallen

5/7/2021

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
SEL 4dr SUV
$15,999
- 66,657 miles
- 24 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 399 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in West Bridgewater, MA
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (26 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JA4J2VA76MZ000636
Stock:
1L-9530
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
EV Rebates^{Certain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a rebate. Buyer and car must qualify.}
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
GT 4dr SUV
$21,372
- 35,876 miles
- 24 mi est. electric range
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 2,232 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in El Cajon, CA
This 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT combines practical versatility with modern efficiency, offering you a vehicle that adapts to your lifestyle whi...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (26 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JA4J2VA70MZ000504
Stock:
MH8118TU
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
02-04-2026
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2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid
7 Colors
5 Trims
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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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Below Average

6.8

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

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

7/10

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.

$43,245

Starting MSRP

2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

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Storage

7/10

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

7/10

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

7/10

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

6/10

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.

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At a Glance:

7 Colors
5 Trims
$43,245starting MSRP

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2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim level differences

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: Compare the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim levels in-depth.

Which Outlander PHEV trim 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.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$141/mo

$250/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V252000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SR-26-001
Number of vehicles affected:: 108046
Defect Description:: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Defect Consequence:: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.

Recall Number:: 25V507000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SR-25-002
Manufactured from:: 2013-04-12 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 91697
Defect Description:: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Defect Consequence:: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

28 reviews

5(43%)

4(28%)

3(3%)

2(5%)

1(21%)

See all 28 reviews of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

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 …

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.

There aren't many like it, for what it is...

JM, 02/12/2020

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

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, …

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.

2021 Outlander PHEV Features & Specs

Trim:

SEL

Est. Market Value	$23,276
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	24 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	74 MPGe
Cost to Drive	$141/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

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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

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

6 Offers Near 20147

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim level differences

Which Outlander PHEV trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Outlander PHEV Features & Specs

Safety

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