Item: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Rating: 6.0
Author: Stephen Ottley, Daniela Intili

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed she says, he says video review
Does the eco-friendly SUV win over our testers?

She: The eighties electropop hit, ‘Together in Electric Dreams’, was one of my favourite tunes as a young kid. The following millennium, automotive manufacturers are building electric dreams of a different kind, in a bid for a greener, cleaner future. Mitsubishi is fulfilling its environmental commitment, updating the Outlander PHEV - or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The Japanese brand has invested heavily in what it declares to be the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. What do you think of it, Steve?

He: It’s an interesting offering, Dani. On the one hand the Outlander is only an average mid-size SUV. It’s certainly not a match for the class leaders in terms of presentation or dynamics. But on the other hand the Outlander PHEV is a great step forward for the segment, offering fuel-free motoring if you only do short trips (Mitsubishi claims an electric-only range of 54km), which is unique in its segment. But at $55,490 plus on-road costs it’s still priced at a premium over a petrol or diesel model.

She: You are paying a fair chunk more upfront and it’s debatable as to whether it pays for itself over time but this is still one of the more affordable plug-in hybrids for families. As well as benefiting the environment, this top-spec Exceed is loaded with advanced safety gear including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, forward collision warning and a 360-degree camera. There’s also Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (but disappointingly no sat nav) and an EV smartphone app that allows you to remotely schedule your vehicle charging or take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates. How was it on the road for you?

He: Mitsubishi has made some changes under the skin to reduce the noise inside the cabin, including modifications to the suspension. But, as I said earlier, the Outlander isn’t as sharp on the road as its rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson. The steering is a touch too light and slightly vague off-centre. The ride comfortable most of the time but can occasionally get unsettled by larger bumps. It’s also so soft that it tends to lean noticeably in the corners.

Having said that it’s an easy and comfortable SUV to drive and the hybrid powertrain does a good job in urban traffic. The electric motor offers good performance off the mark and the improved sound deadening helps reduce the noise when the petrol engine kicks into action.

She: That sound of silence when the engine starts initially feels strange. The quietness however does provide a more serene driving experience, even when accelerating. It’s probably not the most exciting car to drive but it’s comfortable and poised on the road. Understanding the Outlander’s set-up does take some getting used to and you may need to re-evaluate your driving style.

One thing you do have to consider is how you charge it. My current place has a lock-up garage so I was able to recharge the PHEV overnight. However, there’s no way I could’ve done this in our old place which lacked an outdoor powerpoint, so that could be an obstacle for prospective buyers.

Related Content

He: Yes, this isn’t the type of car you can just park on the street, not if you want to get the best from it. It needs to be garaged so you can recharge it when you’re not driving it.

You may not use much, or any, fuel when the batteries have full power but once they are drained the petrol engine fires up to recharge them. That, in turn, ramps up the fuel consumption to well above the claimed 1.7-litres per 100km. But if you keep your trips within that 50km range and keep the batteries topped up you could really stretch your visits to the bowser.

So has the PHEV won you over to greener ways, Dani?

She: The UK recently announced it would follow Paris’ move to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. I think it’s a conversation we should all be having with ourselves at some stage and the ‘Fev’ has certainly done that for me. Although it’s not fully electric, it’s a step in the right direction and a more affordable option for the conscientious driver keen to do their bit for Mother Earth. When choosing a car, safety is always the top priority for me. But investing in a cleaner future for our kids and their future generations is just as important.

He: Yes, the Outlander may not be perfect and you certainly have to be willing to pay the price premium, but if you do you get a very efficient and practical SUV. And one that helps move the game along and that’s got to be a good thing.