Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Hybrid SUV Deep Dive

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Plug-in Hybrid SUV Explained

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a vehicle that boldly bridges the gap between traditional SUVs and the burgeoning electric revolution, has been a significant player in the plug-in hybrid market. Launched with the promise of exceptional fuel economy and reduced emissions, this SUV offers a compelling blend of electric power and petrol capability. But how does it truly perform in the real world? This article delves into the intricacies of the Outlander PHEV, examining its functionality, practicality, and overall value proposition for drivers in the UK.

Understanding the Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain

At its core, the Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This means it combines a traditional internal combustion engine (a 2.0-litre petrol engine in early models) with one or more electric motors. The key differentiator for a PHEV is its ability to be plugged into an external power source to recharge its battery. This allows for a significant all-electric range, meaning you can complete many daily commutes without using a drop of petrol.

When the battery is depleted or under heavy acceleration, the petrol engine seamlessly kicks in. The system is designed to maximise electric power usage, especially at lower speeds and during gentle acceleration. This results in a remarkably quiet and smooth driving experience, often devoid of the typical engine noise associated with SUVs. The transition between electric and petrol power is generally smooth, though some drivers may notice the engine engaging during more demanding driving scenarios.

Charging and Range: The Electric Experience

The effectiveness of the Outlander PHEV hinges significantly on how and how often it is charged. Charging from a standard three-pin domestic socket typically takes around five hours for a full charge, providing a claimed electric-only range of approximately 30 miles. However, real-world testing often shows this figure to be closer to 20-25 miles, particularly with more spirited driving or the use of climate control.

For faster charging, the Outlander PHEV is equipped with a port for DC rapid chargers, capable of replenishing the battery to 80% in under 30 minutes. This is a crucial feature for those who rely on public charging infrastructure, such as those found at motorway services.

The efficiency of the electric range is heavily influenced by driving style. Regenerative braking, controlled via paddles on the steering column, plays a vital role. By selecting higher regeneration levels, drivers can recapture energy when decelerating, feeding it back into the battery and extending the electric range. Mastering these paddles can become an engaging part of the driving experience, turning deceleration into an opportunity to save energy.

Charging Methods and Infrastructure

The UK's charging infrastructure has been a key consideration for PHEV owners. While home charging is straightforward, public charging can present a mixed experience.

While many service stations offer rapid charging, issues such as chargers being out of order or occupied can be frustrating. The reliance on public charging, especially for longer journeys, highlights the importance of a robust and reliable charging network. For drivers who can consistently charge at home or work, the PHEV's electric capability is most beneficial.

Real-World Economy: Beyond the Claim

Mitsubishi's claimed economy figure of 148.6mpg is an ambitious target, achievable only under very specific conditions where the electric range is maximised. In reality, most drivers will experience a blend of electric and petrol driving. For longer journeys, where the petrol engine is used more frequently, the economy figures tend to settle in the 40-60mpg range. While this is still respectable for a large SUV, it falls significantly short of the headline figure.

The actual economy achieved is heavily dependent on charging habits. Drivers who diligently charge their Outlander PHEV daily can expect to see much higher average mpg figures than those who rarely plug it in. The cost of electricity versus petrol also plays a role. Mitsubishi estimated a full charge to cost around £1, yielding approximately 25 miles, compared to the £2.22 cost for the same distance in a petrol equivalent, based on then-current fuel prices.

Practicality and Interior Space

As an SUV, practicality is a key selling point for the Outlander PHEV. It boasts a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The large boot offers significant carrying capacity, making it suitable for families, luggage, or even larger items like a moped, as one reviewer discovered.

The rear seats fold flat, creating a versatile load area. While the PHEV model does not offer the seven-seat option found in some other Outlander variants due to battery placement, the five-seat configuration provides generous space. The ride quality is generally comfortable, contributing to a relaxed driving experience on longer journeys.

The interior, while functional, has received mixed reviews. Some found the infotainment system and navigation to be clunky and unintuitive, with particular criticism directed at the "sinister" voice prompts of the navigation system. However, the ability to pre-condition the cabin (heating or cooling) remotely via a smartphone app is a notable convenience.

Company Car Appeal: The Benefit-in-Kind Advantage

The Outlander PHEV has been a particularly attractive proposition for company car drivers due to favourable Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates. Its low CO2 emissions (44g/km for the initial models) placed it in a significantly lower BIK tax band compared to equivalent diesel or petrol SUVs. This translated into substantial annual savings for company car users, often making it a financially prudent choice despite a slightly higher initial purchase price than its non-hybrid counterparts.

Furthermore, its exemption from the London Congestion Charge (due to emissions below 75g/km) and free road tax (VED) for certain periods added to its appeal. While VED rules have since changed, the initial purchase and ongoing tax benefits were considerable.

Alternatives in the Plug-in Hybrid Market

While the Outlander PHEV carved out a unique niche as an affordable, practical plug-in hybrid SUV, other options have emerged. Competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTE offered a more car-like driving experience and a lower price point, but lacked the SUV's size and practicality. The Passat GTE estate presented a larger alternative from VW, but still didn't match the Outlander's SUV stature.

More premium plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as those from Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Volvo, offered superior refinement and driving dynamics but came at a significantly higher cost. This positioning left the Outlander PHEV in a relatively uncrowded segment, offering a compelling blend of size, technology, and affordability for many buyers.

The Verdict: A Stepping Stone to Electrification?

After extensive testing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was often described as a stepping stone towards full electrification. It successfully demonstrated the viability of plug-in hybrid technology for everyday use, particularly for commuters who could leverage the electric range. The ability to switch between electric and petrol power provided a safety net, mitigating range anxiety often associated with pure electric vehicles.

However, the commitment required to maximise its economy – consistently charging the vehicle – was a significant factor for some drivers. For those undertaking frequent long-distance motorway journeys without the ability to charge regularly, a conventional diesel SUV might still be a more practical and economical choice. The Outlander PHEV's appeal is strongest for drivers with predictable daily commutes that fall within its electric range and who have consistent access to charging facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a plug-in hybrid?

Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines a petrol engine with electric motors and can be charged from an external power source.

What is the real-world electric range of the Outlander PHEV?

While officially rated for around 30 miles, real-world electric range typically falls between 20-25 miles, depending on driving conditions, speed, and the use of climate control.

How long does it take to charge the Outlander PHEV?

Charging from a standard 3-pin socket takes approximately 5 hours for a full charge. Using a DC rapid charger can achieve an 80% charge in about 25-30 minutes.

Is the Outlander PHEV good for long journeys?

The Outlander PHEV can be used for long journeys, but its fuel economy will be significantly lower than the claimed 148.6mpg once the battery is depleted. For drivers who cannot consistently charge, a diesel version might be more economical on long trips.

What are the tax benefits of the Outlander PHEV?

Historically, the Outlander PHEV benefited from low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates for company car drivers due to its low CO2 emissions, as well as exemption from the London Congestion Charge and free road tax (VED) for certain periods.

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