The master ofwagons introduces the shape of the future
Mitsubishi is an automaker in transition, but the core values that the company was built on are still in place. Among them is the advanced engineering efforts that have resulted in the OutlanderPHEV.
For the uninitiated, PHEV stands for Plug-inHybrid Electric Vehicle, a system that advances the typical gasoline-electric hybrid to the next level in terms of efficiency. They use larger battery packs to provide more electric-only range, but that requires being plugged in to charge up. Plug-in hybrids have been around for some time, but they are only now beginning to catch on inNorth America.
In Europe, plug-ins are much more popular, saysMitsubishi. There, the Outlander PHEV has sold more than 100,000 units in the past three years. Although it was expected to arrive on our shores some time ago, PHEV production has finally been ramped up to a point where dealers finally have the plug-ins in stock.
Physically, the compact Outlander PHEV appears unchanged from the gasoline-only version that launched for 2013, a vehicle that was face-lifted two years later. The design is attractive enough, but it’s unfortunate that the high-tech hybrid drivetrain wasn’t installed in a more modern platform with equally eye-catching sheetmetal. Perhaps Nissan, which now overseesMitsubishi, will eventually provide some assistance.
The comfortably cushioned, but narrow, interior mostly carries over from the standard Outlander, except for additional gauges to monitor the PHEV’s systems.
The PHEV gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque, while front and rear electric motors each produce 80 horsepower, but 101 and 144 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Total system output is 197 horsepower and 186 pound-feet.
The electric motors are fed by a lithium-ion battery pack located behind and below the rear seat (when it’s folded, the load floor is less than flat). There’s no folding third-row seat, which is standard in other Outlanders.
The batteries contribute to the PHEV’s more-than-4,300-pound curb weight, which is about 800 pounds more than a base gasoline four-cylinder Outlander. A single-speed controller directs energy to all four wheels.
Recharging on 120-volt household current takes about 8 hours, but that can be trimmed to 3.5 hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger. Using a public Level 3 fast-charge outlet will get the vehicle to an 80 percent charge in about 25 minutes.
Fully charged with the plug, the PHEV can operate on electric power alone (except for sudden acceleration bursts) for up to 22 miles. Past that, the gasoline engine acts as an electric generator to keep both electric motors functioning. At cruising speeds the engine and front motor combine to add power.
Whatever the mode, the drive system operates seamlessly and quietly, but the
noise climbs the harder you press the accelerator.
From a dead stop, the PHEV instantly gets up and goes, which feels good until about the 35-40 mph mark when it seems to run out of steam. The vehicle also delivers an astoundingly smooth and comfortable ride, but a soft suspension also means excessive body lean while cornering.
Combined city/highway fuel economy is rated at an equivalent of 75 mpg, but just 25 city and 26 highway with the battery depleted. You need to buy this vehicle with the intention of leaving it plugged in when not in use.
At a base price of $35,600 (with destination charges), the SEL trim comes with dual-zone climate control, leather-covered seats, power-adjustable front seats, remote power liftgate and blind-spot warning with rear crosstraffic alert.
Stepping up to the GT gets you a power sunroof, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel and a range of crash-mitigating safety technologies.
Used as intended, theMitsubishi Outlander PHEV will deliver significant fuel savings while providing the kind of point-and-shoot acceleration that makes electric propulsion so satisfying. With Nissan’s influence, Mitsubishi’s plug-in vehicle could become more desirable.