The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an upscale interior with a dandy list of standard features.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC* Exterior color: Quartz Bronze Metallic* Interior color: Dark Brown* Engine: Twin 60kW electric motors, and 2.0-liter gas-engine range extender* Transmission: CVT* Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined city/highway (gas)* Local Dealer: Ed Kirby Mitsubishi, 400 West M.L.K. Boulevard* Price (as tested): $41,985
The long-awaited Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in crossover has finally hit American shores. A much-in-demand vehicle in Europe, the 2018 Outlander PHEV is a fast-charging, all-wheel-drive compact SUV that seats five passengers. (No third-row option is available.)
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The Outlander PHEV is the world's first plug-in hybrid crossover. It represents an evolution of the hybrid drive train. A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine charges a generator that powers twin 60kW motors powering the front and back wheels. This arrangement is perfect for all-wheel-drive, which is great for those who have to zip up and down our Chattanooga-area mountain roads in the winter months. Meanwhile, in certain drive modes the gasoline engine actually powers the front wheels directly.
More and more, the Outlander, and the smaller Outlander Sport, have become the core of the Japanese car-maker's United States fleet. The PHEV version gives the line a deeper bench and may appeal to those who want to leverage the grid for better fuel efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint.
THE BASICS
The current-generation Outlander, last redesigned in 2014, is a competent SUV in a segment with a lot of competition. Using gas only to power the generator the Outlander PHEV will return 25 mpg in combined driving. For those willing to dutifully recharge the batteries overnight, a much better mileage return is possible.
HOW MUCH
A base Outlander PHEV SEL-S sells for $34,595 before options. A better-equipped GTS model goes for $40,295. Our Quartz Bronze Metallic tester, provided by the manufacturer, has an asking price of $41,985, including about $1,700 in options and destination charges.
WHERE TO FIND IT
Ed Kirby Mitsubishi, at 400 W. M.L. King Boulevard in downtown Chattanooga, has six Outlander PHEVs in digital inventory this week.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The torquey powertrain is fun to drive. On a soccer trip to Middle Tennessee, our fuel-efficient Outlander PHEV tester provided plenty of storage space for folding chairs and soccer gear. The interior is comfortable and airy. Premium leather seating surfaces are a plush upgrade.
While the driving experience was solid, a couple of back-seat passengers complained about the drone emitting from the single-gear transmission.
FAVORITE FEATURES
Two AC power outlets located in the rear seat and cargo area allow a tremendous amount of versatility. A 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system is also a kick. A five-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty inspire confidence.
SAFETY TECH
Our tester has a full compliment of safety-tech features including forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control keeps the vehicle cocooned at a safe distance from surrounding traffic.
CHARGING REQUIREMENTS
On a standard 120-volt plug, the Outlander PHEV fully recharges in about eight hours, or 3.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. It can charge in less than two hours on a public Level 3 charger.
IMPORTANT SPECS
The Outlander PHEV weighs about two tons and has a modest towing capacity of about 1,500 pounds. It's 184 inches long and sports attractive 18-inch alloy wheels. The zero-to-60 mph time has been clocked in the nine-second range.
BOTTOM LINE
With European sales topping 100,000 units per year the Outlander PHEV is time-tested.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.