I’ve had an Outlander PHEV 2018 for three months and can fill in a few areas. Accurate review overall. If you’re considering this vehicle because of its electric mode, the distance of regular trips is what will make it economical, or greener, for you. -With an average commute of 35 miles and some 150 mile weekend trips, I have averaged 77.4 MPG. Since I can charge at work, I typically use 1/2 gallon to go 70 miles round trip. -Seems to operate reliably in EV mode up to 75mph+ without needing gas engine. -Heater use on cold days will reduce range from 22-26miles, to 12-16 miles ev range. -Heavy heater use will trigger gas engine to help produce heat on days below 45°. -Apple CarPlay integration is very nice, good screen. -Battery pack does have a heating system for protecting it in cold weather. -Phone app operates via WiFi connection, so it won’t do long-range unlocking/remote starting like Onstar can. -Bump-handling could be better, and I have a feeling nice Michelin tires would help the suspension. -You can program cabin heating, cooling, and charging schedules with the app. -The DC fast charge port is great for being able to use EV mode more. -Essentially, every time you charge the battery you are getting a gallon of gas range for $0-$1.50 depending on if it’s a free charge or you’re paying for electrons. -After using it in several heavy snow-storms in Colorado, it is stable and has a great 4wd system. Even with factory tires. I love having the efficiency of a hybrid with full time AWD. Basically I bought this car to use less gas and have one car that I can go skiing and to trailheads with, and feel safe in winter. It’s doing all those things well. The Chevy Bolt is one of the only cars that can do 100% performance in EV mode. Until Tesla comes out with a 300 mile range compact SUV with all wheel drive for $40k, this is a good option.

I have a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2018 and my average for the past 5000 km is 4.29 l/100 km (Measured) . I do about 60% highway and 40% city. I charge at home, it’s 0.09$ per kWh. Love the awd.

If you buy used: 1.Change the generator fluid (it's cvt j4 fluid but this vehicle does not have a cvt) 2. Change the front and rear differential fluid (SP-3 transmission fluid) 3.Change the oil every 3k (I don't care what the book says, do it every 3k with full synthetic) 4.Have a qualified mechanic check your ground wires for corrosion. I'm a ASE master tech that has 2 outlanders, these are my suggestions.

I've had a PHEV for 2.5 months and love it. One of my favorite things not mentioned in the video is the ability to schedule it to heat, defrost, or cool. After a cold 7 minute walk after work, getting in a warm vehicle makes me so happy. I drive 7 miles a day and don't use much fuel so it's a great vehicle for me. 4WD is excellent as stated in the video and I like the appearance. Mitsubishi's warranty made me comfortable purchasing it.

I've never seen any car reviewer making this clear review. Absolutely nailed it 👍👍

You can't really compare this car to hybrids its in a totally different level, I had the car for 3 months now, and didn't use gas once! I have a 29 mile commute (they let me charge it at work also) it's an amazing car, I had the 2012 Lexus RX 450 hybrid, and this car is insanely more advanced.

I have had one of these for over 4 years and in excess of 100,000 miles since new. Its been fully reliable and everything works today. Main issues with these (all well known to dealers) are brake calipers seizing up and needing replacing, rear electric motor mount can get damaged causing an easily spotted transmission shunt 'thump' at stepaway. Vertical windshield get chipped easily, I am on my 3rd, paint is not tough, my front hood edge looks like its been hit with a shotgun. Also my seat has lost support and gives me lumbar backache. Ride is not as good as it should be but OK. Mine is being sold soon. Good points? well there is a myth that due to the short range on battery the car is pointless, not so, sure running on gas only can give poor figures but even if ONLY a PROPORTION of the journey is done on battery then the AVERAGE MPG for the trip can be raised to a very respectable figure. I rarely average less than 40mpg even on 100 mile+ drives. I should add the car suits a relaxed driving style, using the regen. paddles to slow in time to avoid having to stop so you can just pick up speed gently as it clears ahead. We get a lot of frosty mornings in the UK and I have not had to wait to defrost or scrape a windshield for 4.5 years. Using the remote phone app to activate the cars electric heating for 20 minutes in advance I just go out to a warm, fully de-iced car, no jacket needed even. It depends on tires but even on standard I found it usable in snow, the electronic systems working hard to keep the car running straight, its a very heavy car, you don't want it getting frisky or its going to bite you! Biggest surprise is in the US you getting the 'old' 2.0L version, in Europe we have a new 2.4L engine PHEV MY2019 which makes more power both to the generator and in direct drive whilst giving better economy, a slightly bigger battery, upgraded motors for quicker stepaway.

Alex's videos are always excellent, and I especially appreciate this one's descriptions of how the drivetrain works. However, he made a couple of choices in the video that may leave viewers with a mistaken impression of the car. First, fuel economy. At one point in the video he states "we're getting 26 mpg," which is possible...but only if "we" are rarely or never plugging in the car, which defeats the point of a plug-in car. (Presumably a snowmobile operated on desert sand would not perform as expected either.) He then calculates annual fuel cost assuming that the average driver drives a 48 mile round trip every day without a recharge in the middle, concluding that operating cost versus a conventional hybrid is a wash---but this is misleading. Per AAA, the average American drives 29 miles per day, split into two trips...meaning that most or all of the average American's daily driving could be competed within the Mitsubishi's electric range, thus using little or no gasoline at all. Second, because the Outlander PHEV can operate as a pure EV for 22 miles at a stretch, it is a uniquely pleasant and relaxing way to get around town---wafting in silence from stoplight to stoplight on a wave of instant electric torque. This quick-and-quiet nature in daily driving is one of the most endearing features of the car, and Alex oddly omitted it from the review---citing instead its lackluster 0-60 time and highway road noise level. The fundamental problem, I think, is that Alex is trying to shoehorn a PHEV into a hybrid box for comparison's sake. But a "strong PHEV," like this one or a Chevrolet Volt, isn't just another hybrid. It's training wheels for an all-electric future. It fits a specific use case, and it appeals to a specific kind of buyer.

Glad to see Mitsubishi is surviving in America.

An auto review on Monday? Alex is on a roll. It's great way to start the work week.

I have one. I drove from Albuquerque to Phoenix and averaged 35 mpg on the interstate up and down hills at 70mph. The trick is to fully charge the battery then put it in save mode and cruise control.

Thanks for your review Alex! Ended up buying one just over a month ago and couldn't be happier. Your review definitely helped. I'm just down the 101 in Monterey. Perfect for the 6 mile round trip commute to work and loading up the dogs for weekend adventures around the coast.

You do really good reviews .. I especially like the detail taken with the engine and powertrain.

The best and most thorough and helpful review of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that I've seen! Thank you, Alex. We JUST BOUGHT ONE, and we love it! We live in Reno, Nevada, a very hilly place, with frequent snows and need for AWD (I believe Reno has the highest percentage of AWD/4WD SUVs in the U.S.). We live up Mt. Rose about 1100 feet above the valley floor, with a total daily round-trip commute of around 20-30 miles, depending on errands, and little or no highway driving. Accordingly, the Outlander PHEV is IDEAL for us. Frankly, I'm not sure why I haven't seen more of them around here, as they seem particularly well-suited for most Reno/Northern Nevada drivers - I think Mitsubishis simply aren't very well known or appreciated by most Americans. The AWD capabilities of the Outlander PHEV are nearly a necessity around here. We'll be driving it on city streets and country roads 90% of the time, less than 30 miles per day. Accordingly, we should get EXCELLENT fuel economy. Regenerative braking is excellent coming down the hill, regaining much of the energy used going up. We're not using ANY gasoline most days, or at least not perceptively. Thanks, Alex!

Very good review Alex. Combination of straight to the point talk and fast speaking results in huge amount of valuable information. Probably a 200-pages book if one should print on paper :) Will need to view this ones more time for details I missed. Keep up the good work!

this was by far the best review of this suv I have seen. thanks for sharing

I have a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with the 3rd row, it’s an amazing car, but my overall problem is the service. I have to drive 30-40 miles for service. My family goes on road trips, you just have to sacrifice your leg room for the second row in order for 3rd row people to sit. Two 5’8 people always sit in the 3rd row with me. They don’t mind. After 5’8 or 5’9 it’s pretty much impossible for a lot of people...so if you need a good suv, and you have good location, I recommend the Mitsubishi Outlander...(The PHEV doesnt have 7 seats...)

The fuel economy comparisons in this review are a bit skewed. Of course the competitors have better overall fuel economy, but this vehicle is designed to use in conjunction with charge points, thats the advantage. Between my mixed roadway test drives of the Rav4 and Rogue hybrids, I absolutely annihilated the others with the outlander PHEV, but I used my brain by actually utlizie the vehicle how it was designed. This review is like comparing 4x4 to AWD, its not the same, and when used incorrectly, you get sub par results. I never once got under 50mpg with this thing and overall average was over 80mpg. See the charge point, use it. Its not there for decoration.

I love this combination of gas on the highway electric in the city. No transmission, no revving up to speed for combustion engine, and no range anxiety. Only the outlander and honda accord hybrids have this, from what I have seen.

Great review, as always. One small point, the cargo area is 30.4 cubic feet according to Mitsubishi's web site (and any other source I could find), not 34.2 cubic feet as Alex says in this video. That puts it well behind the class leaders, although with the seats folded down it's capacity is a cavernous 78.0 which tops anything else I've looked at.

YES! Thank you Alex!! I commented about doing a Mitsubishi product about a year ago, and I’m glad to see one now! Thank you!!

Front end looks awesome

Really appreciate the explanation of the drive modes.

This is the only plug-in hybrid SUV I would've buy it back in the past back in year 2018 Alex.

Sadly, this is literally the only model Mitsubishi is trying with. I say that because of its hybrid system and it’s the one of the only mainstream plug in hybrid crossovers that has like 26 miles of EV Range and AWD.

Great review. Yes if viewed at in isolation outside of its powertrain, the Outlander is really an average SUV at best. However the PHEV really makes it a winner - if you plug-in frequently you can avoid the use of the less efficient gas engine and get mileage that would make a Prius blush. However you get added benefit of SUV storage and AWD capability. If you can't plug in the Rav4 Hybrid is still the best (Nissan oddly enough does not sell the Rogue Hybrid in Canada) but if you can live in a home & have or live nearby an EV charger this is hard to beat.

Good video. I've been debating a lot on moving to a PHEV. My commute is very short. Although I'm not so interested in an SUV (prefer a sedan) it is certainly the nicest looking option when it comes to PHEVs. I'm mainly focused on the ones that qualify for government grants and there is nothing else that seems to come close without of course breaking the bank. The Volt and the Clarity are hideous. The Fusion is nice but is gutless and has virtually no storage.

Fuel economy is really tough to compare since it really depends on how long your commute is. I could do the entire commute in EV mode, making fuel economy very good (it will only use petrol in the winter to help heat the cabin, I guess?). The RAV4 is mentioned as more fuel efficient, but for me it would definitely not be. I live in Europe (The Netherlands) and I noticed our kWh prices for electricity are significantly higher than American prices. We pay about € 0.20 - 0.22 for 1 kWh, which means that if I can charge the battery 1000 times and then have to replace it, I only save € 700 over the life of the battery (4 years if I daily charge it). I've seen battery replacements offered for € 2500 and the savings without battery replacement would be ~€ 3200.

Great comprehensive review as always. I agree with you, I think the front end looks better than the Rav-4. It's rather conservative design means it will look less outdated than the Nissan and Toyota in the future.

Thanks Alex, nice review. I test drove a GT PHEV and I really liked it, did a fair amount of one pedal driving with the regen on high. Really like the quiet too at least at lower speeds. One thing that might be a dealbreaker is the ground clearance, I was hoping for close to 9" like a Subaru. Could you comment on how you think it would do in snow maybe compared to a Subaru in snow/off-road and if you can think of good ways to improve ground clearance (bigger tires, smaller wheels, trimming exhaust tip assuming that's the low point?) One plus for the Outlander imo is that they've been making in Europe for years, so hopefully that means they've already ironed out a lot of the early model problems. Thanks.

I test drove this vehicle I would say, this is more faster than my 2016 Mitsu GT Outlander (224Hp) which I have got 7.6 sec but when I tested this one, I have felt way faster from my 0-60mi because of instant torque.

I really need a 7 seat, affordable Plug-In-Vehicle. It's unfortunate that Outlander's PHEV does not come with a third row. Yes, I'm aware that Chrysler Pacifica suits our needs but Chrycler vehicles are not very reliable and often have several maintenance and repair issues from our experience. Also, as a Nissan LEAF owner, I know that 20 miles of EV-only range is not enough. I hope Mitsubishi will make a few corrections to this great vehicle. An all electric Outlander would be the best update by getting rid of it's fossil fuel engine, clutch, and transmission all together; make good used of the savings from that removal by adding a 60 kWh battery pack. If an all electric version is too much for Mitsubishi to handle, at least at 3rd row seats in PHEV version and increase the battery pack size every year, as battery prices reduce over time. Good review!

This review is exactly what I was expecting! Thank you, Alex!

Curious to see how the 2019 performs. It's hard to get a general consensus on this vehicle. Some say it is great and some say it is just average or slightly below. Sure the interior is a bit dated in terms of the shapes, but it looks higher quality overall than my 2016 Tucson Limited. If you want a midsize CUV with the capability of EV operation and don't have more than $40k to spend this is the only option there is.

It is an SUV. It makes "the most amount of sense" for people who use SUV as... SUVs ;) I am looking for a vehicle to take to Japanese mountains for weekend road trips. I do not need fully on Land Cruiser AWD system though. The EV stations are common enough now, even at remote convenience stores. I still need to go toilet, I can use quick charger at that time. It has big enough battery to deal with hills - up and down. That will safe fuel and breaks. Japanese mountains put lots of pressure of both. Japan is hot - using AC on stops and before going inside the vehicle is an usually great comfort feature. 2019 has 2.4l engine, better battery and stronger electrical motors. It has a conventional plug inside the vehicle - I can use it to charge a laptop or make some tea in the forest ;)

As always, I really enjoyed the comprehensive nature of your review. I've been thinking about trading my Volt for one of these, but I think I'll wait to see how the 2019 updates affect electric range and gasoline fuel economy. I was surprised to see that you didn't mention the Mini E-Countryman as a competitor, although the electric range in that vehicle is pretty paltry.

good job on showing how the engine works, really interesting. would love to see this for all hybrids, specialy plugin typs

I think annual operation cost calculation is not precise. PHEV should be considerably more cheaper.

This would make a lot of sense if your daily drive is no more than around 30 miles

thanks realy enjoyed the technical explanation, I love my PHEV, best car ever

One of the best reviewers on the Internet.

This look 100X better than new outlander

Frankly, this is the only Mitsubishi I would consider today.

Your review helped me to figure out the details of this car. Thank you!

Very complete, to the point and informative review.👍

Just got a used Outlander PHEV base model. Question regarding the 4 wheel lock function. When the traction battery is drained down to the minimum level (I assume in conventional hybrid mode?), will activating the 4 Wheel Lock button still distribute equal traction to both the front and rear motors simulating ‘wheel lock’ (even though the lithium battery is down to the lowest level)?

Discarded the Volt and Bolt after going to the dealer and seen how small they were. But this Mitsubishi might be a good option for me🤔

The car's standard ChaDeMo port opens up a unique marketing opportunity. Mitsubishi should install DC fast chargers at dealers -- the usual swipe-your-card-to-charge type units -- and leverage them as follows: 1. Anyone who buys or leases an Outlander PHEV would get a card for 36 months of free fast charges at Mitsubishi dealers. This would be an additional selling point, and would help overcome any reservations about the car's electric range and gasoline MPG. 2. The chargers would be listed on Plugshare -- with a note to register at the dealer to get a card good for three free fast charges. This would a) bring a whole new group of EV-owning, EV-enthusiastic potential buyers to Mitsubishi dealers, where they could ooh and aah over the dealer's Outlander PHEV demo car strategically parked next to the charger, and b) registering for the card would put this horde of potential buyers on an opt-out Mitsubishi EV/PHEV mailing list. 3. For all others, the chargers would be usable for a reasonable fee. This would offset some small fraction of the cost, while still showing Mitsubishi in a good light as a company doing its part to grow the EV charging network. To keep cost down and suit the PHEV's battery, a 24 kW fast charge station would be sufficient.

LOVE your reviews! Thank you so much for the hard work.

I really appreciate this review, Alex. One of my Kia Soul EV will be returned in the fall - this Mitsubishi has been on my radar😄

Here in Australia, I am loving my2015 MITSI PHEV. No govt subsidies, rubbish charging infrastructure but just charging at home, off my solar or at one of a few dozen charging locations in PERTH I still get 2,000km plus off the tiny petrol tank (about 43litres). Can’t weight to see a new 2020 outlander maybe with 100+km of EVmode.

For those who dont read comments before they comment, Mitsubishi is now part of the Nissan/Renault/Mitsubishi alliance making it the 4th largest car company.

Love the idea Hate how broken up the interior buttons are.

Please do another indepth look on the 2019s as soon as you can. From looking at the Geneva show it looks a bit better all around.

This was super great review, best of all i have ever seen about this car.

Thanks for another great video. Car makers are dragging their feet so long on EVs, but I'm glad they are getting better and cheaper.

Wow, I haven't seen "C" grades in a while. I will say I'm impressed and pleased that this has Apple Carplay and Androids Auto unlike the Rav4

I hope Alex does a review of the Niro PHEV

Does this design have any implications for towing? I'm concerned about towing our 1500lb trailer with a CVT transmission, but this is a bit unique.

Alex please make a comparison between all CUVs but please include the car seat test. Thanks

For those who are interested, I've contacted Mitsubishi USA and they have informed me that they are considering a third row for Outlander PHEV in the near future. So please write to them and tell you want the third row!

Alex I’m a bit unclear on default driving function of this car. Normal level terrain, the motor always runs from a stop to power the generator? Or the car starts out in full electric mode default, adding motor+generator only when either battery is low or more power is requested by driver?

This may be of help for the 2019 model. It refers to the spec changes to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show. www.autoexpress.co.uk/mitsubishi/outlander/102706/revised-2019-mitsubishi-outlander-set-for-geneva-with-phev-tech-upgrade

There is just no simple explanation for the drive train, as good as Alex is I still find it hard to get my head around.

Thanks for thumbs up on amber turns.

Yes, I want this, as I drive 22 miles daily for work, I can now save lots of Gas, and 4 wheel when in snowing day. Nice . Deal,

hadn't watched this channel for a while, but wow what a great test. especially if you'd film more cars, esp. crossovers, on icy/snowy/uphill gravel conditions, i.e., torture them a bit more. also - those door ajar sensors are EXACTLY the same as on my 2004 lancer... but hey, they work. ...as are the heated seat buttons. I'd like to own the factory making those buttons as mitsu has been probably buying holy craploads of them over what is nearing to be 15 years. but hey, they work - naaaaah, not exactly. when I was still using the car, had to buy a set of new ones, just because the heated seats didn't work as the buttons were jammed/broken. anyway. cool to see mitsu getting back on its feet, hard to say if nissan's aqcuiring of 30% of mitsu has to do anything with it.

Its a very attractive all round purchase and this one is the best looking to date - always mirroring the Range Rover in its design cues

Which is the best plug in propulsion system, the system with a tradional transmission or the system in this vehicle...?

The high end stereo system in the GT model tested was not commented on, is it worth the extra money over the touring model?

That's a great review! Thank you!

Love your Reviews. Can you review the Refresh 2018 Lexus NX 300. Lexus says it has revised the suspension.

Did they improve the ride and handling in the 2020 model?

I'm trying to find info on if 2019 actually did improve the HP and towing capability with 2.4L and 90hp rear motor and 13.8kwh batt, in the US and Canada. I find hints for it but haven't found confirmation cuz lots of reviews for 2019/2020 say the PHEV is still 2.0L 197hp and 1500lb towing. 3000lb towing please!

Very thorough and well explained. Thank you

I bought 2018 PHEV model Feb-019 back by trading mu 2017 Subaru forester that had collision mitigation system. But the PHEV is not giving me collision warning oh highway drive even if i have the far distance setting. I am happy for everything else but disappointment when i compare with Subaru for FCM. I tried all kinds of adventurous drive to get one collision warning oh higher speed but no success.any comments whats going on here?

So throughly informative! We were lucky to get the clarity , your review is accurate. Thanks for the motor tip off- I will wait to purchase the outlander when they install the atkinsons motor* a superior product as evidenced in the clarity. And we are lucky that the outlander range in electric works for our situation , ha ha ha to fossil fuel! You have great reviewing capabilities it really helps in making a informed decision about a significant purchase. .

The cool thing about this car is it uses technology similar to the VOLT. If Chevy created a CUV similar like this, the VOLT would of lived on.

You are reporting that this vehicle only gives 25 mpg as a hybrid. Is that a typo? Why would I buy a hybrid that gets 25 mpg?

Alex Do all these generate the same pollution? It would seem the Outlander would be less but with the low MPG maybe not?

What's a "toada"?

Thanks. Good work, very informative.

Wow What a complicated system ...but the car covers all scenarios,..will not leave the driver stranded ever

Thanks for review this Alex

Please get rid of the blank key ignition cover.... Mitsubishi come on!

Why won't they allow the battery to feed to both motor? 80HP is not so good that mean the gasoline kick in all the time.

Last and least don’t forget there’s the Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 (jeez that’s a long name), 12 EV miles, 65 MPGe, 26 MPG combined.

How many cars are there that don't have a transmission? I think that's so cool! Show me more of these!

carplay and android auto standard, 1 up on toyota/lexus.

Could you do a review on the regular Outlander?

I thought this competed with the explorer and such and not the CRV

Eclipse cross now !

daaannggg man, a model 3 cameo.... nice!

Campers and commuters trust for now this is the best vehicle good size good range good tech

wish it was also compared to the Pacifica plug-in

3 cars in one. Damn. I just want one car, not three.

Does low sales = expensive parts?

Whatever happened to the bigger battery and new ICE for the 2019 Outlander PHEV?

Niro is my pick, even though it's smaller and has 2wd. Who really actually goes offroad in these things anyways. If you live in the snow belt, get winter tires. Good on Mitsu for doing something different though. This could make good sense in urban settings where the e is generated by renewables. But then again, who needs 4WD in a city?

25 MPG on hybrid mode is a joke 👎