2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review: how does this plug-in hybrid stack up?

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Our opinion: compromises will have to be made with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. For example, to accommodate the hybrid drivetrain, the Outlander PHEV forgoes a third row and a spare wheel. The increase in fuel economy reduces the fun factor behind the wheel, as this option is not very appealing or energetic. However, the various driving modes maximise charge and range in almost any situation. And as a bonus, all-wheel drive is there in moderation. Appearance72 Appearance80Driving Dynamics70Safety and Performance87 Everyday Functionality90All-Wheel Drive Range and Efficiency

SUV buyers who want to save fuel should put the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) on their list. It comes with DC fast charging, 22 miles of electric-only power, and over 70 combined MPGe. The Outlander PHEV also features an extensive list of advanced safety technologies, a new upscale interior package, and lightweight off-road capability for those with active lifestyles.

This week we drove the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT with all-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi Outlander: what's new for 2020?

The Outlander SEL now has a frontal collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and automatic high beam as standard equipment. A second rear USB charging port is now available on SEL trims.

The eight-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio system features new graphics and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Features and options: Comfort and technology

Our 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT ($ 41,495) came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels; automatic headlights; fog lights; heated side mirrors; automatic wipers; a power tailgate; keyless entry; and push-button start. Inside, our test car had leather upholstery; power and heated front seats; 60/40 split folding and reclining rear seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; and a rearview camera.

Technical and communication features included three USB ports and an eight-inch touchscreen display compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver safety features included frontal collision warning with pedestrian detection; automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning; blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; and automatic high beam.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for the 2020 model year.

Features and options: audio and luxury

Our GT tester included a sunroof; heated steering wheel; multi-view camera; dual AC outlets (replacing the rear USB ports); Adaptive Cruise Control; and an upgraded sound system. The new Mitsubishi Power Sound audio system replaces the previous Rockford-Fosgate audio system on GT trims.

There's a new one available for the GT Premium Interior package (US$400). He added a diamond-shaped leather pattern to the seats, black accents on the dashboard, and a black floor console inside our 2020 Outlander PHEV. The exterior was painted Pearl White ($395).

How much does the Outlander PHEV cost?

Total manufacturer's recommended retail price, including destination, for our test vehicle: $43,600. By comparison, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV costs from $36,295. If you're looking to buy a new Outlander PHEV, this free and easy search tool* can help you find the best price. Depending on local incentives and inventory availability in your area, you may be able to purchase below the manufacturer's recommended retail price.

Interior features: comfortable but compact

Upon entering the Outlander PHEV, the GT's new premium interior is immediately apparent as the quilted diamond pattern really stands out. New comfortable leather-trimmed seats and an abundance of soft-touch materials in the cabin. The PHEV-specific four-spoke steering wheel features an EV mode button and a unique switch on the centre console. The driver can select five levels of regenerative braking at any time with the paddle switches within easy reach.

We made extensive use of heated seats and steering wheel as temperatures dropped in the Denver area this week. The PHEV's optional equipment in this model doesn't affect front and rear headroom or legroom. However, the PHEV only has two rows of seats, unlike the standard Outlander, which offers three rows.

The PHEV's cargo area is affected by the taller rear deck, as cargo capacity behind the second row drops from 34.2 to 30.4 cubic feet. There's also no temporary spare tyre under the floor because the PHEV uses that space for hybrid equipment, replacing it with a tyre inflation kit.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Transmission

The Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 117 horsepower. The engine is paired with two 60-kilowatt electric motors on each axle. These units power all four wheels and give the Outlander PHEV a total system output of 190 horsepower. A front-mounted generator converts mechanical energy into electricity and continuously charges the battery pack, while a power drive unit helps convert the electricity and send it to the front engine.

Electricity is stored in a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 80 cells connected in series (total voltage 300 V). The battery is located in a dustproof and waterproof enclosure under the black interior floor and between the front and rear axles. It does not intrude into the cabin and passengers will not know it is there.

What is the range of the Outlander PHEV?

The Outlander PHEV has enough power from the battery alone to get an EPA-rated 22 miles as long as you're on level ground. It gets an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe and 25 miles per gallon on gas alone.

There are three ways to charge the plug-in hybrid system. You can use a 120-volt Level 1 backup power cord, which takes eight to 13 hours to charge. You can use standard 240-volt Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment, which takes about 3.5 hours; or you can use CHAdeMO's 400-volt Level 3 charger, which charges the battery to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes.

Don't worry if you run your battery down to zero. The Outlander PHEV has electric motors at both ends and uses regenerative braking, where both drive motors are temporarily reconfigured to use their magnetism to convert motion into electricity. So if you're driving uphill, you'll notice a battery charge indicator on the dashboard as you drive.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the open road.

Driving dynamics: solid, but lacks power

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an undemanding crossover that's mostly quiet, comfortable, and well-mannered on the open road. Be that as it may, it can seem a bit bland and detached from the driver. For example, the 2.0-litre engine coupled to a single-speed fixed-gearbox gearbox is designed for fuel economy. It won't give you the thrill and excitement that other petrol-only SUVs can.

We pushed the Outlander PHEV hard up I-70 at 9,000 feet and it held its own while carrying two people. Add to that a full complement of kids and gear, though, and it's not easy. If you're driving around town, which most families do, the Outlander PHEV will do the trick.

Although the optional lane departure warning is a little annoying, it worked almost too well when we were driving on two-lane mountain roads. Our Outlander PHEV also features frontal collision avoidance, which notifies the driver when he or she is following another vehicle too closely. If the driver doesn't react, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the force of the impact.

Driving dynamics: the advantages of all-wheel drive

Families looking for the safety of four-wheel drive will benefit from Mitsubishi's years of experience in rally racing, where they have refined the system. The system, called S-AWC, sends optimum torque to each wheel while driving, even when only one tyre is on ice. We were able to test it on a few snow-covered roads in the mountains and felt confident.

Should I buy an Outlander PHEV?

If you're looking for an affordable and efficient SUV, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is worth considering. It's an example of how you don't have to enter the luxury market to get plug-in hybrid technology and all-wheel drive vehicles. When it comes to all-wheel drive systems, Mitsubishi has one of the best.

Denis Flierl has worked in the automotive industry for over 25 years in various positions. All of his first-hand reviews are archived on our test drive page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

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