Lifting the lid on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been a perennial favourite of SUV buyers since its launch. According to figures from the Motor Vehicles Registration Information System (MVRIS), provided through the SMMT, the Outlander PHEV is the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid. But what’s made it a smash hit?

Demand for low emissions vehicles has certainly helped boost plug-in sales, and the Outlander PHEV’s blend of impressive fuel economy, spacious interior and good standard equipment give it clear appeal.

There are environmental benefits that come with an Outlander PHEV, too. Its CO₂ emissions (46g/km) are lower than standard hybrids and much lower than regular petrol or diesel vehicles. It also has battery capacity large enough to make many journeys on electric power alone. The Outlander PHEV will run for up to 28 miles in pure-electric mode, making it ideally suited for the school run or the work commute. Those with range anxiety need not worry, as when the electric charge is depleted the petrol engine takes over.

The Outlander PHEV’s battery can be fully charged in five and a half hours from a standard three-pin plug or in three and a half hours from a dedicated charge port. Rapid charging will get you to 80 per cent in as little as 25 minutes. The Outlander PHEV also has a comprehensive five-year, 62,500-mile warranty plus an eight-year, 100,000-mile traction battery warranty.

A look inside

The Outlander PHEV comfortably seats five people, offering plenty of head and legroom for passengers across all four model variants, the Verve, Design, Dynamic and Exceed. The 463-litres of boot space means there’s enough room to pack in suitcases, shopping and pushchairs. Fold down the rear seats, meanwhile, and there’s space created to slide in mountain bikes, surfboards or sporting equipment (rugby fans may be aware that Mitsubishi has been an official partner of England Rugby since 2016 and Scottish Rugby since 2017).

When it comes to technology, the Outlander PHEV has everything you’d expect from a modern SUV. The infotainment system is controlled via the 8-inch display touchscreen, giving you access to music, navigation and stats on energy consumption and electric driving range. The Design, Dynamic and Exceed variants come with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto*, giving you easy access to your phone and its apps. In addition, the Exceed and Exceed Safety models bring two USB ports, conveniently placed for both front and rear passengers to keep devices charged.

With a heated steering wheel, body-hugging front seats and lumbar support for the driver, comfort on the road is ensured, whether the journey’s long or short.

Safety first

Staying safe on the road is important, particularly if you’re driving around with family. This is an area where the Outlander PHEV shines. Along with its commanding driving stance, there are a host of innovative safety features built in. Its Twin Motor four-wheel drive system, for example, works in tandem with Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control system, boosting driving dynamics for greater stability and control in all conditions.

The Outlander PHEV Dynamic Safety and Exceed Safety variants come with adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows or stops the car if the vehicle in front is too close, while the forward collision mitigation system and lane departure warning add an extra layer of protection by sounding a warning if you’re too close to traffic or straying from your lane. Other safety features include automatic high beam headlights to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers and a 360 Camera (Exceed and Exceed Safety variants only) to aid parking.

All Outlander PHEV models also include two Isofix seat mounts in the back and one in the front, offering extra security for young passengers.

Whether the Outlander PHEV is the right choice for you will largely depend on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in an SUV. However, its electric ranges makes it ideal for shorter trips that stay close to home, while the petrol engine gives the option for trips further afield. With spaciousness, comfort and safety also at its core, this is a viable option for those after a 4WD SUV that provides a way into electric ownership.

Learn more about Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV / MPG (l/100km) (weighted combined): 139.7 (2.0) / Electric energy consumption (weighted combined): 3.68 miles/kWh / CO₂ emissions (weighted): 46 g/km / Equivalent all-electric range: 28 miles

These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

*Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc, registered in the US and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google LLC