Used 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi may not be the best-known brand in the U.S., but it is still here and it is still building budget-conscious vehicles backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is a prime example.

This midsize-crossover SUV competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Murano, but unlike those two it offers 7-passenger seating as well as something no other vehicle of this size does: a plug-in hybrid model capable of traveling up to 22 miles solely on electric power.

To its credit, the Outlander is somewhat uncommon, a fact that helps its otherwise generic styling stand out in a crowded parking lot full of Hyundai Santa Fes and Toyota RAV4s.

With only 166 horsepower from the engine residing in most trims, the midsize 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t the most powerful SUV in its class; in fact, it’s one of the weakest. As many compacts are now blurring the line between compact and midsize, one might find comparisons with crossover SUVs like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but even these have more power than the Outlander’s 2.4-liter engine produces.

The standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a good one and helps the Outlander achieve respectable fuel-economy figures nearing 30-mpg highway.

If you find you need more muscle, we suggest moving up to the GT trim with its 3.0-liter V6 engine and conventional 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy drops only a few mpg, which we think is a good trade-off for the added power.

Another option is pricey, but greener. The Outlander PHEV employs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor/hybrid system for a combined output of 190 horsepower. The added boost in torque from the electric motors aids in acceleration, and the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 22 miles solely on electric power. Unfortunately, this setup doesn’t do much to improve fuel economy, with an EPA estimated 25-mpg combined rating.

Small but noteworthy changes have taken place inside the Outlander for 2020. Most appreciated is the new driver’s seat power-lumbar support, which is now standard on all trims. Rear A/C vents, illuminated window switches and a driver-controlled automatic up/down switch for all windows are also standard, something many competitors offer only on top-line trims.

All 2020 Mitsubishi Outlanders are 7-seaters except for the PHEV, which is a 5-seater. The interior is handsome, and access to the small third row is easy. Fold down both rows of seats and there’s more than 63 cubic feet of available cargo space.

Although the Outlander doesn’t particularly stand out in a class that includes the Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and to a lesser degree, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, it does have a clean look that has recently been improved 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.

FORWARD-COLLISION MITIGATION
Now standard on all but the base ES trim, forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection can help avoid a collision with a car or person. The system will first warn the driver and, if no action is taken, it will automatically apply the brakes to avoid impact or lessen the severity of an unavoidable collision.

MULTI-VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM
Available only on the SEL and GT, this multi-view camera provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making it easier to perform difficult parking maneuvers as well as negotiate narrow thruways or off-road obstacle courses.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is available as an ES, SE, LE, SEL or GT; the PHEV comes only as an SEL or a GT. Base ES models are reasonably well-equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, rearview camera, driver’s seat power-lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Bluetooth, heated front seats and side mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The better-equipped SE adds an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, dual USB ports and push-button start.

The LE is even more thoroughly equipped, thanks to a sunroof, black exterior accents, a black headliner and safety features that include blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

The SEL adds power front seats, optional leather interior trim and an available upgraded Mitsubishi Power Sound audio system.

In addition to the V6, Outlander GTs get LED headlights, power-folding mirrors and a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Outlander PHEVs have DC Quick Charging capability, but only the GT has outlets in the rear seat and cargo areas to power electric devices.

Two primary option packages are available, the most comprehensive being the SEL Touring Package. For $3,000, Outlander buyers get LED headlights and fog lights, a power glass sunroof, the Mitsubishi Power Sound audio upgrade, a heated steering wheel and the multi-view camera system and adaptive cruise control. The SE Convenience Package pairs a glass sunroof with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist and is attractively priced at $1,000. Pearl White paint is a $395 option.

The 2020 Outlander, in ES, SE, LE and SEL forms, is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 166 horsepower to the front or all wheels (FWD, AWD) via a CVT. All-wheel-drive versions all use Mitsubishi’s improved Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) setup with Active Yaw Control. The 2.4-liter engine burns regular unleaded gasoline and it gives the Outlander a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The Outlander GT, with its 224-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, ups that to 3,500 pounds, but it does require premium fuel. The GT’s transmission is a conventional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

As for the plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander, it pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two 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 outlet.

2.4-liter inline-4
166 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/30 mpg (FWD), 24/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter V6 (GT)
224 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
215 lb-ft of torque @ 3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg

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)
Combined horsepower: 190
EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg combined/74 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent)