2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

How does the Outlander PHEV drive? The Outlander PHEV is significantly quicker than the standard model. Harnessing both the internal combustion engine and the power generated by the electric motor results in 248 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds — a full 2.4 seconds quicker than the non-PHEV Outlander. While that's not as quick as the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (also a plug-in hybrid), it is quicker than the similarly sized Kia Sorento PHEV.

All of that extra electric power also enhances the daily drive too. There's always a welcome swell of torque around town that makes passing and merging onto freeways super easy. Another benefit of the large battery pack is its ability to power the Outlander PHEV up to highway speeds, and maintain it, purely on electric power.

Braking performance from the Outlander PHEV is about average for the class, stopping from 60 mph in 129 feet. It's also easy to perform smooth stops during the daily commute. The steering offers quite a bit of assist but never feels sloppy, and piloting the Outlander around town, or down a twisty road, is effortless. And while we wouldn't say the Outlander PHEV is fun to drive, its suspension and all-wheel-drive system offer satisfying levels of control during cornering.

How comfortable is the Outlander PHEV? The Outlander PHEV rides comfortably over a variety of road surfaces, even more so than the standard Outlander. The front seats are also nicely padded and can keep passengers comfy even on long road trips. Passengers in the second row will appreciate the optional heated seats, but those forced to sit in the tight third row might never speak to you again.

We like that the Outlander is one of the few vehicles in this class with available climate controls for rear passengers. The heated seats get quite toasty in the highest setting. Wind and road noise is unobtrusive, and even the internal combustion engine's noise and vibrations are well isolated during typical driving. You'll hear the internal combustion engine working hard only under hard acceleration or while climbing longer grades.

How’s the interior? Both front seats offer a good range of adjustment, so tall and short pilots alike should be able to find an ideal position. Forward visibility is generally good, and the Outlander's large side windows make it easy to check for vehicles in your blind spots.

Getting in and out of the front seat is a cinch, but adults might have to twist a bit for easier rear seat access. The second-row seat is mounted somewhat high, and even when slid into its most rearward position, there isn't as much legroom as in other two-row SUVs of this size. Even with the sacrifice made to second-row legroom, the third row has only a minimal amount of legroom and is not easy to get in or out of. It's effectively useless for anyone taller than a child.

How’s the storage? There's not much room behind the third row, so long road trips are definitely out of the picture for a family of six. Storage behind the second row is generous at 30.8 cubic feet. There's also plenty of space with the second and third rows folded. One of our drivers fit 20-plus bags of mulch this way.

The Outlander also has plenty of spots to stash your gear. You can use the small tray under the center stack if you aren't charging your phone, and the underarm bin is nicely sized. The rear door pockets are rather small, and so are the cupholders. Accessing the rear cupholders requires folding down the entire middle seat. If you need to fit child seats, only the second row supports them, and watch your fingers while attaching the tethers. They are hidden behind narrow slits behind the seat and are surrounded by sharpish plastic.

Is the Outlander PHEV a good value? Plug-in hybrids of any size, let alone a three-row compact SUV, are kind of a niche market vehicle. The elevated asking price and extra effort required to get the most from your PHEV (you've got to plug it in to maximize efficiency) mean that it won't make a lot of sense to most buyers, but the Outlander PHEV makes the most of this capability. Its entry-level trim undercuts most rivals by nearly $10K, and in fully equipped form, its substantial electric range range, near luxury fit and finish in appearance, and bold styling help it stand apart from other SUVs.

Another strength of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are its strong warranties. Its five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties are bolstered by five years/unlimited roadside assistance and two years/30,000 miles of free maintenance. The only hang-up could be finding a Mitsubishi dealer near you.

It can be difficult for an SUV, in any segment, to differentiate itself. Through its plug-in hybrid powertrain and bold styling, the Mitsubishi Outlander does a decent job of standing out from the crowd. With obvious strengths in its long battery-powered range, attractive interior and comfortable ride, the Outlander PHEV sneaks in a little bit of responsive handling to further distinguish itself from its competition.