2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the plug-in hybrid version of the standard Outlander. It’s one of just a handful of 3-row plug-in hybrid SUVs, and certainly the least expensive. Its most direct competitor, the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, begins nearly $10,000 higher. The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV debuted just last year and brings enticing features such as 38 miles of electric range, standard all-wheel drive, and three rows of seating. Potential shortcomings include a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in gas-electric hybrid mode, which trails the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 34-mpg rating. Like other Mitsubishi vehicles, it also carries an impressive warranty.

We’ve driven several examples of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The test vehicle seen here is a 2024 SEL model in Diamond Red with a bottom-line sticker price of $51,835.

For 2024, all new Mitsubishi models get two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts nearly $10,000 lower than its most direct rival, the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, which is closer to the $50K mark. Also in that price range is the larger Mazda CX-90 PHEV. There are other smaller SUVs with a PHEV powertrain, including the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai Tucson PHEV, but they are 2-row SUVs rather than the 3-row setup of the Outlander.

Before buying an Outlander PHEV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying. The Outlander PHEV’s resale value sits near the bottom of the class. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

We came away impressed after our time in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Its power delivery and braking feel well-sorted, which isn’t always true with such sophisticated powertrains. The electric motors help deliver swift acceleration around town — we found it especially responsive with the drive selector in Power mode — but highway merging and passing power is just okay. And the engine will drone during those longer stretches of aggressive acceleration. Overall, it feels as comfortable and quiet as other mainstream compact SUVs. Another thing we like about the Outlander PHEV is that all models come with all-wheel drive. This Super All-Wheel Control, as Mitsubishi calls it, helps the Outlander plug-in feel agile in corners and more secure on slick roads.

Like other vehicles with an electric powertrain, the Outlander PHEV uses regenerative braking, which helps slow the vehicle while adding power back to the battery. Some EVs employ “one-pedal” driving, where lifting off the accelerator pedal can bring you to a stop. The Outlander PHEV has what Mitsubishi calls “near-one-pedal” driving. It won’t quite come to a complete halt by lifting off the accelerator, but it does get close. The Outlander PHEV also has various drive modes, including an EV setting that prioritizes electric operation and a Save mode that prioritizes the gasoline engine to save battery juice for later.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can travel up to 38 miles on battery power alone. It operates as a gas-electric hybrid when that charge is spent, earning 27 mpg. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, by comparison, has 32 miles of electric range but achieves 34 mpg in gas-electric mode. More fuel economy information can be found on the EPA’s website.

The latest Outlander PHEV comes standard with three rows and seating for seven, unlike the past generation that was exclusively a 2-row/5-occupant setup. The interior is more upscale than we anticipated. In fact, this Mitsubishi’s cabin reminds us of those from Hyundai and Kia in recent years – which is a compliment. We’re impressed with the quality of the materials, especially in the upper trims. We found the driving position and ride height to be just right for an SUV this size. While the Outlander PHEV has a third row, the space is snug, making this more of an occasional-use setup best for children. The second row is roomy, and while cargo space is tight with the third row up, folding it creates a good 30.8 cubic feet of space, or 64.7 with the second-row seats folded as well.

The Outlander PHEV has a bold, relatively boxy look. We like its proportions, and its 185.4-inch length puts it on the slightly larger side of the compact SUV spectrum. Other than some PHEV-specific badging, it looks like the standard Outlander. That includes a front end with a massive grille and headlight design.

38-mile electric range
The Outlander PHEV is capable of up to 38 miles of all-electric range with a full charge. That means you can run errands around town without burning any gas.

3-row seating
Standard 3-row seating for up to seven makes the Outlander PHEV the most affordable plug-in hybrid 3-row SUV. It’s a small third row, however, and best for families who only need the extra seating occasionally.

DC fast charging
DC fast charging is hard to find in a PHEV in this price range, and we’re glad to see it as an option on the Outlander PHEV. Mitsubishi claims it can charge up to 80% in 38 minutes. We don’t love that it uses the older, CHAdeMo charging interface, however.

S-AWC with Active Yaw Control
The Super All-Wheel Control AWD system is standard on the Outlander PHEV and helps with all-weather traction and grip on dry pavement. It also has an Active Yaw Control feature, increasing cornering and traction performance.

MI-PILOT Assist
The available MI-PILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system integrates lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and embedded navigation to lighten the driver’s load in highway driving. We put it to work on a 150-mile road trip and found that it works well, just not as well as many others — including the Sorento’s.

Smartphone connectivity
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the Outlander PHEV, and wireless CarPlay is optional. There’s also a high-tech 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s entirely different from the non-hybrid Outlander engine. It’s a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors — one at the front axle and one in the back. Power for the electric motors comes from a 20-kW lithium-ion battery pack. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) delivers power to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel drive system.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That matches the warranties of the PHEV versions of the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Tucson. For 2024, the Outlander PHEV also includes a complimentary 2-year/30,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has earned a Top Safety Pick honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This model has yet to be rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).