Review: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi came up with a fantastic success formula when it launched its Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid in 2014. However, in more recent times the appeal of the SUV’s cheap-as-chips running costs has been somewhat dampened by the evolution of paid-for pubic charging stations and a reduction in the Government’s plug-in grants and tax breaks.

Yet while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s popularity with private buyers may have waned, it still holds plenty of appeal for business users. This facelifted model’s further-reduced CO2 emissions rating of 41g/km aren’t to be sniffed at, while the electric-only range is now 33 miles and economy is a claimed 166mpg.

On the road, the latest model’s new shock absorbers and rear suspension bushes help give a slightly better ride than before, but it lacks body control through corners and can become unsettled over rough surfaces. And although the steering responds well and feels good, the overall feel is not as agile as more conventional SUV’s such as the Nissan X-Trail.

At least the Outlander PHEV is quieter to drive than its rivals ­– that is, until the petrol motor kicks in. A new EV Priority mode locks the Mitsubishi into electric drive only as long as the batteries have enough charge in them. However, from our test run on a cold morning, this didn’t come close to the claimed range.

When the engine takes over things become less refined, and road noise is rather pronounced even from quite low speeds. Talking of which, the Outlander PHEV’s sheer size and weight mean it isn’t a great performer, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 11.0sec and 106mph top speed. At least the CVT auto transmission has strong and smooth shifts, which helps make the car a good urban runabout. Lockable four-wheel drive aids its off-tarmac credentials, although it’ll never complete with the likes of its Mitsubishi Shogun and L200 stablemates.