Used 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Unlike its gasoline-only sibling, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) offers room for only five. It does come with the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a strong commitment to safety and comfort. The compact PHEV SUV employs a sophisticated hybrid-electric propulsion system consisting of two electric motors to create an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The system can run solely on electric power for up to 22 miles, after which time the gas engine works as a generator to power the electric motors. Charging times range from 18 hours to just 25 minutes, depending on the method, but the Outlander PHEV can also recharge itself while in motion. However, in the areas of fuel economy and resale, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid outshines the Outlander PHEV, as does the less expensive 5-passenger Kia Niro PHEV.

Although the 2.0-liter gasoline engine only makes 117-horsepower, when combined with the two electric motors (one at each axle), the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generates a combined 190 horsepower. That’s enough guts to move the Outlander PHEV with the same bravado as most of its gasoline-only rivals. The heavy battery pack helps lower the Outlander’s center of gravity, which in turn lessens body roll and improves stability.

Because the electric motors do most of the work, there’s no need for traditional transmission. The electric motors’ single-speed reduction gearing allows the Outlander PHEV to accelerate quickly. The motors can also operate in conjunction, creating a type of electrified locking center differential. In pure electric mode, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 22 miles, after which the gasoline engine kicks on to supply electric power to the motors. The gas engine can power the wheels, but for the most part the Outlander EV operates as an electric vehicle. And herein lies the rub: Fuel economy of 25 mpg combined isn’t any better than most gasoline-powered 5-passenger SUVs, making the reason for buying an Outlander PHEV a bit of a head scratcher.

Small but noteworthy changes have taken place inside the Outlander PHEV for 2019. Most appreciated are the new front seats, redesigned for added comfort and support. Also, all Outlanders now have rear air-conditioning vents, along with illuminated window switches and a driver-controlled automatic up/down switch for all windows. All 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s seat five passengers. Cargo space behind the rear seat is a generous 30.4 cubic feet, but fold down the rear seat and there’s more than 66 cubic feet of available cargo space.

Although the Outlander PHEV doesn’t particularly stand out in a class that includes the Kia Niro PHEV, Hyundai Ioniq PHEV and to a lesser extent, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it does have a clean look that has been improved for 2019 with an updated grille and headlights, plus revised 18-inch alloy wheels. This Mitsubishi is understatedly handsome, and people who live in, say, Buffalo, will appreciate the electric de-icer that keeps ice and snow from building up on the windshield wipers. The plug-in hybrid Outlander is distinguished by unique badging, plus a charge port hidden behind what looks like an additional fuel door. 

EV SAVE AND CHARGE MODES
Via a set of console-mounted buttons, the driver can choose when to drive in pure EV mode, tell the Outlander to conserve battery power for later use, or charge the battery using the gasoline engine. There are also several levels of regenerative braking accessed either through the center-console shift lever or the paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

MULTI-VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM
Want to make parallel parking your Outlander a whole lot easier? The GT model’s Multi-View Camera System provides a super handy overhead view of the Outlander and its surroundings. It’s also good for helping you spot things out of the driver’s view that need to be seen.

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is available in just two trims: SEL and GT. In SEL form, the SUV’s bounty of standard features includes a 7-inch touch screen, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Bluetooth, heated front seats, leather upholstery, heated side mirrors, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual USB ports, push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The GT adds LED headlights and fog lights, a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, 710-watt 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio, a multi-view camera, automatic high beams, forward-collision mitigation with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The SEL and GT are one-stop shopping prospects. The only options are some dealer-installed items such as front and rear parking assist, fog lights (SEL), and a number of styling packages.

The 2019 Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two 60kW electric motors. This Outlander PHEV can run on electricity alone for up to 22 miles. When using the electrified powertrain in conjunction with the gasoline engine, which is most of the time, the Outlander hybrid has a range of 310 miles. Recharging takes around eight hours with a standard 120-volt 12-amp outlet, three and half hours with a 240V outlet, and an 80-percent charge achieved in about 25 minutes using a DC Fast Charging station. There are also several levels of regenerative braking accessed either through the center-console shift lever or the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The most aggressive regen mode nearly allows one-pedal driving, though you will need to use the brake to bring the vehicle to a full stop.

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine + twin AC synchronous motors (PHEV)
117 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm (gasoline engine only)
137 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm (gasoline engine only)
Two 60kW electric motors for a combined output of 190 horsepower
EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg combined/74 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent)