Yep, the Phev nonetheless makes use of the previous Outlander’s physique.

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I’ve come to like plug-in hybrids for a way they ease you into electrical automobile possession. Within the case of this 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev, I can resolve when to make use of its 24 miles of all-electric vary, however I nonetheless have the peace of thoughts of an inner combustion engine to maintain me chugging on lengthy journeys. PHEVs actually do make going electrical straightforward. Sadly, this Mitsubishi is just not a plug-in I might suggest.

As you’ve got most likely seen, the 2021 Outlander PHEV remains to be the previous model of Mitsubishi’s midsize SUV, not the swanky new 2022 mannequin that shares its underpinnings with the Nissan Rogue. Nonetheless, the previous SUV does have some up to date methods, by means of a brand new 2.4-liter I4 engine supplemented by a pair of 60-kW and 70-kW motors, giving the Outlander all-wheel drive. Mixed, this powertrain produces 221 horsepower — 31 greater than final yr. The 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack is bigger than earlier than, permitting for an EPA-estimated 24 miles of electrical vary (up from 22). Additionally, the battery can settle for a 50-kW DC quick cost by way of its CHAdeMO plug, which permits the battery to attain 80% capability in 25 minutes. That is gradual in comparison with the 150-kW and 350-kW choices for full EVs, however not all plug-in hybrids have fast-charging capabilities, so this 25-minute time is some extent within the Mitsu’s favor.

The Outlander PHEV has a tiny gasoline tank — solely 11 gallons — so the SUV’s complete vary is simply 320 miles. After every week of testing, I averaged 32.1 mpg in gas-only operation and three.9 miles per kWh. The EPA says the PHEV ought to get 26 mpg and a couple of.2 miles per kWh for a mixed complete of 74 MPGe, however I clearly discovered these numbers straightforward to beat.

The Outlander has Regular, Eco and Gravel driving modes, along with Sport and Snow, that are new this yr. The Outlander PHEV could possibly be a good selection for many who need to cope with inclement climate. I also needs to level out that the Outlander PHEV competed within the 2020 Rebelle Rally, a seven-day navigational rally that takes place on the filth with out assistance from GPS. The Rebelle Rally goes by way of a few of the hardest desert and mountain roads of California and Nevada, and except for getting caught within the dunes of Glamis for a bit, the Outlander had no mechanical points and ended the rally with a third-place end within the crossover class. It is extra succesful than you would possibly suppose.

Along with driving modes, there are additionally particular EV settings. I can function the automobile in full-EV mode for that zero-emission goodness, a sequence hybrid mode that prices the battery whereas I am driving or a parallel hybrid mode that makes use of each the battery and the gasoline engine concurrently. I may even choose and select when to make use of the electrical energy, saving it for around-town errand working. As soon as the battery is depleted, the gas-powered engine kicks on. No matter what mode the automobile is in, energy swaps are easy and simple.

The upgraded plug-in powertrain is each extra highly effective and extra environment friendly than earlier than.

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Sadly, the Outlander is not precisely good to drive. Its steering is free and sloppy and the SUV feels prefer it’s in every single place on the street. The dealing with is roly-poly but the experience high quality is harsh and uncomfortable. The brakes, nevertheless, are agency and assured, and so they do double obligation with regenerative braking sending energy again into the battery. The additional oomph from the electrical motors means there may be loads of get-up and go, however total, this is not a automobile I might need to drive on a regular basis.

On the plus facet, each Outlander PHEV comes customary with forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and automated excessive beams — and my GT trim will get the additional benefit of adaptive cruise management. All these programs work as marketed. The lane-keeping help can simply be turned off for many who discover it annoying.

Inside, Mitsubishi’s infotainment system is simple to make use of however the touchscreen’s graphics are very dated, there aren’t any bodily quantity or tuning knobs and I had various points attempting to get my cellphone to truly join utilizing the USB-A port. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are each customary, however I could not get the Outlander to register my cellphone on a couple of event. Wi-fi cellphone charging is just not provided, both.

Total, the inside is hit and miss. My GT tester’s seats look fairly cool and I really like the usage of contrasting stitching. Heated entrance seats are customary on all trims and the GT even has a heated steering wheel. Nevertheless, there are tons of exhausting plastics and proof of cost-cutting all through the cabin. Working example: a set of cup holders resides within the cargo space, a vestige from when you possibly can get a 3rd row within the gas-powered 2020 Outlander.

The supplies, the infotainment… nothing is de facto nice contained in the Outlander.

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That cargo space is a bit small, as effectively, with 30.4 cubic ft of area with the second row seats up and 62.8 cubes when folded down. The rear seats do not fold completely flat both, so be ready to have smaller gadgets sliding in direction of the again.

Even with its minor updates, the 2021 Outlander PHEV is priced the identical because the 2020 mannequin: $37,490, together with $1,195 for vacation spot. However this crossover is so, so robust to suggest. I actually just like the Toyota RAV4 Prime which is a a lot nicer SUV total, and presents 300 hp and higher vary. A whole lot of people criticize the RAV4 Prime for being costly, however my Outlander PHEV GT is available in at almost $44,000, which is a ton of cash for one thing this previous.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has so much going for it by way of gas financial system and electrical vary, however the driving expertise, supplies and tech all go away so much to be desired. Here is hoping Mitsubishi places this PHEV drivetrain into the spiffy 2022 Outlander as a substitute.