Review of 2023 model Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV finds classy performer

With a pure electric range of about 80km, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also has the ability to deliver power back into your home

The 2022 model Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed.

Momentum for alternative fuel cars continues to build.

Every month the numbers improve as hybrids and electric vehicles are increasingly embraced by Australians.

Mitsubishi introduced its plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander SUV as an EV stepping stone nearly 10 years ago, although sales had been slow.

Among the Outlander’s key criticisms was limited pure electric range. The latest fourth generation has seen its capacity bolstered, while it also wears the model’s funky new sheet metal.

The striking new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Muscular and square, I really like the look of the new Outlander.

GRANT: Our PHEV version looked tougher courtesy of 20-inch alloy wheels, and came with the best kit including a panoramic sunroof, leather trim and slick infotainment systems.

KEL: The overall exterior design had me drawing Range Rover comparisons, while the interior also felt dramatically better from what we’ve seen from Mitsubishi in the past. What’s the asking price?

GRANT: Base five-seat plug-in hybrid models start from about $60,000 on the road. Our test car was the seven-seat Exceed, which sits one rung down from the range-topper and is $72,320 in traffic.

KEL: Ouch, that’s a big step up in price from previous generations.

GRANT: When our team first undertook a long-term test for a few months it was $55k back in 2015 – but its charger also shorted out after a pop and bright spark incident while in use. The real world electric range back then was only about 40km. Everything about this latest model feels like a gigantic step forward.

Interior appointments of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed near prestige standards.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Having the separate aircon control in the back, as well as the dual zones upfront was cool. The stereo was also outstanding.

GRANT: Bose technology is used for great clarity with nine speakers, and other highlights are pull-up sunshades embedded in the rear doors, power tailgate, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay (also works wirelessly) and Android Auto, as well as keyless entry with push-button start.

KEL: The steering wheel felt great in your hands and it was a good functional cabin space with the central cup-holders and navigating your way around the controls was easy.

GRANT: Among the big benefits of the Outlander PHEV is its “vehicle-to-load” ability. There are two on-board power points, one up the front and one at the back, that can run small appliances like laptops, battery chargers or kettles. Despite having the ability to power your home, government regulations do not yet permit vehicle-to-grid transfers.

Seven seats are an option in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Reversing was interesting. The warning sound was really loud and attention-grabbing – which I know is the purpose – but I’m not certain the whole neighbourhood needs to be aware of my departure.

GRANT: The driver has a great 12.3-inch digital display, but central in the dash is 9-inch touchscreen that feels small by comparison to some rivals. Unless you use the smartphone mirroring apps, the font choice and design looks dated.

KEL: I’ve seen the 10-year warranty advertised, which is awesome, but you said there is a catch?

GRANT: It’s restricted to 200,000km and only applies if Mitsubishi dealer servicing is maintained (the warranty drops to five years or 100,000km if you service outside the network). That cost is reasonable at $1845, but there are sizeable price jumps afterwards which is estimated to total $5090 over a decade. Which is about $450 more than the pure petrol version.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Electric power delivers a wonderful power surge and it was one of the quietest cars I’ve experienced.

GRANT: With two electric motors, one on each axle, which together with the petrol engine deliver a combined output of 185kW and 450Nm – 50kW and 205Nm more than the petrol variant. The straight line speed is impressive, while also feels well planted and confident with changes in direction.

KEL: Apart from when I forgot to turn on the power point, the shift between petrol and electric power worked seamlessly and far better than the previous model.

GRANT: The older generation had a decisive performance downturn when solely using the petrol engine. This new model has a pure electric range of about 80km. When the battery is depleted the engine can send power back into the battery so not all is lost when it’s empty. With a full tank of fuel it could conceivably travel more than 850km.

KEL: When I did turn it on the recharge took just over nine hours.

GRANT: That was using a standard 10-amp power point, a home wallbox would bring that down to six-and-a-half hours. Using the regenerative braking, you can add more range and during one downhill trip I added 5km back into the battery. Our average fuel consumption was 4L/100km, higher than the claimed 1.5L but it would have been better had we not made the charging mistake.

You can have power access on the go with power points in the back and boot of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Initially surprised by the price, after spending more time in the Outlander PHEV I began to see the value equation. For those of us in rural areas where access to charging stations can be challenging I can absolutely see the benefits of a plug-in hybrid, and this was loveable in looks and performance.

GRANT: Monumentally better than the old model, it delivers on the greater range that was needed while boasting impressive features and functionality. When government approvals allow for vehicle-to-grid functionality, I would have it on the consideration list.