It can be said that Mitsubishi was very forward-thinking with its Outlander PHEV, as it was one of the first plug-in hybrid SUVs to offer above-average range, a functional interior, and some off-road driving capabilities. In short, it's a vehicle many manufacturers should have taken as an example from the start, but didn't. Today, we have a myriad of plug-in hybrid SUVs, but the first name that comes to mind when talking about this category is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
There are no major new features for the Japanese manufacturer's SUV in 2025, but that is far from being an issue since the model still performs very well. In fact, the Outlander PHEV remains one of the most interesting plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market. Its quality/price ratio is impressive, and it is one of the few models in its segment to offer 7 seats, which gives it a clear advantage over the competition.
Range and Price
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is also one of the plug-in hybrid models that offers the widest and most diverse range. Its starting price is $48,698. There are 5 other versions in its lineup, with prices ranging between $50,798 and $58,798.
Category and Competition
The compact SUV category is one of the most competitive on the market, and it's clear that the battleground is shifting towards the plug-in hybrid segment. Many new players have entered this category in recent years. However, the older models are definitely the ones that offer the best value for your money, as is the case with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Let's just say that the Japanese manufacturer's SUV benefits from a certain level of experience that others don't have.
Rivals: Dodge Hornet, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota Rav4
Design and Technologies
I have to admit that I wasn't particularly fond of the previous generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander. But that's completely the opposite with the current model. It's a vehicle with character and a certain presence on the road. In fact, in many ways, it almost looks like a luxury vehicle.
The interior design is also more appealing, and the quality of the finish has significantly improved over the years. As for the driving assistance technologies, they are very efficient. The multimedia system is simple and intuitive.
Performance
There is only one mechanical option for the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. The front axle motor delivers 114 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. The rear motor offers 134 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the gasoline engine adds 131 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. When all these powertrains work together, they provide a total combined output of 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, you would have guessed that all-wheel drive is standard here. The most interesting data about this powertrain, however, isn't its power but its fuel consumption, which averages 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway. Not to mention, you can travel up to 61 kilometers on a full charge. Finally, that's an average because I managed to do better myself even with temperatures around 0 degrees.
Weak Points
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV doesn't offer particularly dynamic handling.
Strong Points
It's a very spacious model, and its interior design is appealing. Its quality/price ratio is excellent, and its powertrain is among the most reliable on the market. Not to mention its electric range, which is above the industry average.
Signature Element
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is nothing less than the benchmark for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Final Word
Now that electric vehicles seem to have hit a certain ceiling, everyone is looking to return to the ideal middle ground of plug-in hybrids. But if there's one thing I must warn you about, it's being overly excited about new technologies. Novelty often means problems in the automotive industry. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, however, has been around for many years, and its technology has been perfected over time. In short, this means it's generally more reliable than average. Not to mention its basic warranty is among the best in the industry. All in all, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is more than just a logical choice when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier