Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2019 Review

First impressions suggest the revised specification for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is a case of change for the sake of change.

The battery capacity has improved from 12 to 13.8kWh, but the electric-only driving range remains 54km.

There's more equipment and a lightly redesigned interior to justify a price increase of $1000 at entry level. But the Outlander PHEV for 2020 is an evolutionary update as opposed to breaking the mould.

The major change is the 2.4-litre engine that replaces the 2.0-litre specified previously. Its larger displacement has resulted in notional fuel economy that's worse than the figure for the superseded 2.0-litre model (1.9 versus 1.7L/100km).

There's more power and torque available for those occasions when you're overtaking a B-Double, but the increases aren't huge. Nor do they really need to be though. The two electric motors – the rear motor now producing 70kW (up 10kW) – deliver substantial torque between them.

Out on the road, my perception of the Mitsubishi changed. The Outlander PHEV is not just marking time. Ride quality is improved from the previous model and the steering (light as it continues to be) did provide better feel on centre than the Outlander PHEV we last reviewed in 2017.

Noise suppression in the cabin remains a highpoint, and there is little if any road roar from the Toyo Proxes 225/55 R18 tyres fitted. That, admittedly, was on Canberra's extremely well-made bitumen.

Some wind noise was present, but primarily because of the blustery conditions.

Rattles and squeaks noted previously appear to have been eradicated and you will have to strain really hard – with the accelerator pedal nailed to the floor – to hear any noise at all from either of the electric motors. The engine too, when working, is highly refined in the mid-range, where it operates most often.

Mitsubishi claims that the 2020 Outlander’s two electric motors – working independently of each other – contribute to the adept cornering through the company's S-AWC system. That's actually apparent when you lift off the accelerator with a surfeit of speed on the entry to the corner.

Driven in its default drive mode the Outlander PHEV is effortless. The torque from the two electric motors gently pushes the SUV up to speed without much fuss.

Mitsubishi claims that the added power from the rear motor, plus the bigger battery will keep the vehicle in full electric mode longer. That's certainly how the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV felt in the launch environs around Canberra. When the petrol engine does fire up, it does so with grace.

In Sport mode the Outlander PHEV powered up one steep, winding grade with the sort of performance expected from a torquey 2.0-litre diesel-engined SUV of similar size. Yet the Mitsubishi finished that test loop using just 2.8L/100km, according to the trip computer.

Cranking up the petrol engine in 'Charge' mode to recharge the lithium-ion battery and then changing back to Sport mode for another mountainous climb resulted in fuel consumption rising to around 4.3L/100km.

Finally, our Outlander PHEV in flagship Exceed trim – fully recharged – set out on a short (24km) journey without using petrol power at all. At the summit of Canberra's Black Mountain, where we turned around, range was down to 12km, but by the time the Outlander returned to its embarkation point the range remaining was still 6km, thanks in large part to regenerative braking. The vehicle completed the journey without using the petrol engine at all.

The designers have largely limited the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s interior changes to a new centre fascia and upholstery. In the case of the former, climate control switchgear and a new infotainment screen have tidied up the looks and improved practicality.

Most aspects of the Outlander's packaging are carried over, however, and the driving position remains slightly compromised. More reach adjustment in the steering column would be useful, and as a passenger I noted that the front seat doesn't hold the occupant in place under heavy braking. This was particularly noticeable in the Outlander PHEV Exceed, with its new leather upholstery.

Despite its design age telling against it, the Outlander PHEV is fairly roomy and functional. Rear-seat accommodation is fine although there's a bump in the headlining of the Exceed variant for the retracting sunroof. At least that won't have much impact on taller adults once they're seated. It's only while climbing in that headroom is restricted.

The rear seats do recline in varying degrees to suit individual passengers and they also fold down for added load space. However, they don't fold completely flat and the seatbelt for the centre/rear seat position dangles from the headlining rather than draping over the seat for easier use.

Mitsubishi has reshaped the urethane cushioning of the rear seats for improved contouring. The cushioning feels firm, but the bolstering will support occupants everywhere and likely provide better comfort over touring distances.

Another change for the updated Outlander PHEV is the addition of two new USB recharging ports in the rear of the centre console for use by rear-seat passengers.

At 463 litres, with another 35 litres in an under-floor box, the boot is usefully large, without being massive. Its capacity is, however, diminished by the battery under the floor and there's no spare tyre -- instead the Outlander PHEV makes do with a tyre repair kit.

No spare may be reason enough for owners to forgo off-roading in the Outlander PHEV but in the urban driving environment this is a very practical family wagon. It's even acceptably kind to the environment, if used the way the designers intended.

If there's any objection to the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, it stems from cost – purchase price and ultimate running costs, including resale value.

The purchase price is now cheaper than the original Outlander PHEV from 2014, but with the rapid gains made by battery-electric vehicles, consumers will be looking ever closer at the alt-energy options available – and plug-in hybrids may miss the boat.

All that said, however, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV mounts a strong argument for buyers who can't wait for battery-electric vehicles to come further down in price, or need driving range in an SUV package.

For the moment, at least, it's hard to walk past the Outlander PHEV for that kind of application.

How much does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES cost?
Price: $46,990 (plus ORCs) or $50,990 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Electric motor output: 60kW/137Nm (front), 70kW/195Nm (rear)
Transmission: Single-speed multi-mode reduction gear
Fuel: 1.9L/100km (ADR Combined); 4.3L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 43g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP, 2014)