Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

We've been behind the wheel of the plug-in hybrid SUV that gives a glimpse of the future

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mitsubishi Outlander
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This is Mitsubishi at its best – an expertly engineered car complete with tech to deliver the holy grail of performance, economy and few compromises. The EV range of 30 miles is a sensible commuting distance, and a punchy engine can cut in over longer trips. It works smoothly, too. With a sub-£30k price, this could be a winner.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car has been gearing us up for the main event: plug-in hybrids. The company reckons that models boosted by electricity will account for 20 per cent of sales by 2020, with PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) versions of the ASX compact SUV and the next-generation Outlander SUV blazing the trail.

This prototype is the test bed for the latter, due in 2013. The PX-MiEV seen at the Tokyo Motor Show previewed the looks; now we get an early taste of what it will be like to drive. Three powerplants do the work: a 134bhp 2.0-litre petrol and two 80bhp electric motors – one in the front, one at the rear.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Outlander

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69226","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Here is how it works. At around 70mph, the engine is directly connected to the front wheels with electric power merely assisting. There’s only one gear, so when the engine is called on to help at lower speeds – for example when accelerating, instead of driving the wheels – it powers a generator to feed the electric motors.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Micra

2019 Nissan

Micra

17,435 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,470
View Micra
2008

2021 Peugeot

2008

27,639 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,085
View 2008
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

73,299 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £16,400
View Model 3
Q3

2026 Audi

Q3

28,812 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,000
View Q3

The process feels seamless from the driving seat. The idea is that for the first 30 miles the car can run on battery power, with only brief assists from the engine. In this way, Mitsubishi reckons that an astonishing 170mpg is possible.

That strong, smooth urge from standstill is muscular enough to avoid activating the petrol engine, and it takes a really heavy foot to wake the powerplant at all. At high revs it produces a harsh clatter that quickly dies, CVT-style, as you ease off. Over 30 miles or so, the engine is called on again to top up the batteries, but it runs so quietly at low revs that you don’t hear it.

The heavy batteries under the floor reduce the centre of gravity by 30mm (and ground clearance by 10mm), giving more stability. And while the final PHEV will certainly weigh more than a standard Outlander, it does claw back some of the deficit by shedding its alternator, starter motor and gearbox, as well as using a smaller flywheel. Electronics will make the newcomer safe, too, with the twin electric motors combining traction control with ESP.

Power delivered with economy and refinement is what makes the plug-in Outlander desirable. Its viability depends on the missing piece of the jigsaw – price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £14,910
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025