What's New
While the standard Outlander enjoys a full-on redesign for 2022, the PHEV model is left wearing last year's duds. Nonetheless, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains an offbeat choice for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient, capacious crossover with room for five. We expect it will be updated with the new bodywork and interior for 2023.
Choosing Your Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV is available with three trim levels, ranging from the base SEL to the priciest GT. Pricing starts just under $37,000 and caps out at a little over $42,000. All PHEV models also qualify for a $6,587 federal tax credit.
Engine Choices
The calling card of the 2022 Outlander PHEV is its hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a 70kW electric motor that runs off a 13.6 kWh battery. The whole shebang is worth 221 net horsepower.
With the electrical bits engaged, drivers can expect 22 to 24 miles of emissions-free motoring. Once that range is exceeded, the gas engine kicks into the tune of 26 mpg combined.
A continuously variable transmission transfers power to an all-wheel drive system regardless of trim. Various selectable drive modes such as Snow or Sport can further tailor the characteristics of both the powertrain and the all-wheel drive system.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The gas-powered Outlander boasts a two-passenger third row, but that wayback seat is annexed in the PHEV due to the packaging of the hybrid componentry. The three-seat second row bench offers 36.3 inches of rear legroom, which is a bit short of the class average.
The cargo hold can handle 30 cubic feet of cargo space, while folding down the seats opens up over 60 cubic feet.
Safety Features
Every Outlander PHEV comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera are available to those who opt for the GT trim.
The NHTSA awarded the Outlander PHEV a five-star overall crash-test rating; the IIHS has yet to test the SUV.
Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard fare on every trim of the Outlander PHEV. Embedded in the infotainment software is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and satellite radio, and six speakers.
The upper two trims get an additional two speakers. The GT further adds a pair of household outlets, though it loses one of the PHEV's two USB ports in the process. If you're looking for more advanced features such as navigation or cloud services, temper your expectations – Mitsubishi offers nothing of the sort on the Outlander PHEV.
Outlander PHEV SEL – MSRP From $37,890
Don't factor in the federal tax credit and the cheapest Outlander PHEV is priced a bit dearly. However, Mitsubishi decks out their hybrid crossover with plenty of features to justify the prices. The exterior benefits from LED fog lights and DRLs, power-folding mirrors, a mix of chrome and body-color trim, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, standard features include leather upholstery, power-adjusted heated front seats, and a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. There's also dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power remote tailgate.
As with the rest of the lineup, there are no options available.
Outlander PHEV LE – MSRP From $39,590
Moving up a notch to the LE primarily brings aesthetic upgrades in the way of glossy black trim inside and out. It also gains an upgraded sound system, synthetic suede upholstery with red stitching, and dark-alloy 18-inch wheels.
Outlander PHEV GT – MSRP From $43,590
The most opulent Outlander PHEV wears the GT moniker. Bumping up to this trim level brings about the aforementioned adaptive cruise control and surround-view camera; it also buys an auto-dimming mirror compass and Homelink, a gloss-black instrument cluster and console, and LED headlights. Diamond-quilted leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel suggest luxury vibes.
Compare Outlander PHEV Trims Side-By-Side
We like the base-trim model the most, as it offers a great mix of features despite being the cheapest model in the lineup. If you can, however, you might want to wait for the updated model coming out in a year or two – it will likely offer a more modern style and an improved interior.