The original/first-generation Mitsubishi Outlander offered one of the first widely available PHEVs, and it has developed a sort of cult following of Outlander PHEV enthusiasts. However, its EPA-rated range was only 24 miles. This new second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a much larger 20 kWh battery and, therefore, a longer EV range of 38 miles, according to Mitsubishi.
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Key Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 1,500 lbs
- Availability – Now
- Price – Starting $39,845 (ES) > $43,145 (SE TECH)
- EV Range – 38 miles pure electric range
- Combined (city/highway) – 64 MPGe and 26 MPG
- Maximum Charge Rate – 7kW AC > up to 50kW DC
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 248 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque
- 2.4L Gas Engine: 131 HP and 144 lb-ft of torque
- Front Electric Motor: 116 HP and 118 lb-ft of torque
- Rear Electric Motor: 136 HP and 143 lb-ft of torque
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Towing Capabilties
If you visited the Mitsubishi website and quickly browsed the Outlander pages, you would come across a dedicated towing page stating the new Outlander can tow 2,000 lbs.
However, after writing multiple PHEV tow car articles, I know when it comes to the PHEV version of a vehicle, the towing capacity is often lower. Therefore, I continued to dig.
I then found a dedicated Outlander PHEV specs page, which did indeed show a lower towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, which I wasn’t surprised by.
In terms of the EV range of the new Outlander PHEV, the EPA has not published their EV range figure as yet, but I believe the 38 miles of EV range to be a fairly realistic figure.
You may have also noticed from the HP figures above if you add up the power of the engine and two electric motors, it obviously adds up to more than 248 HP.
With PHEVs, this is a typical trait, as the engine and electric motors do not produce their peak power at the same time. Therefore, the combined output figure is lower.
You may have also noticed the Outlander PHEV can rapid charge via DC power with a CHADeMO connector. However, that ‘up to 50kW‘ is important to note.
Outlander PHEV EV Range & Rapid Charging
Just like any pure EV, when it comes to range and charging rates, there are differences between vehicle specifications and real-world experiences.
As such, I wanted to include the video below from TFLEV rapid charging and then testing the real-world range of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
So, the video above shows that on a full charge, the Outlander PHEV is likely to achieve a real-world EV range of around 38 miles. However, their rapid charging experience was very poor.
They experienced very slow rapid charging speeds, which they believed was down to the charger and not the car, which could have been the case.
I personally don’t think PHEVs should use rapid charges as it will just add to congestion at rapid chargers. A PHEV is really best suited to home charging, and if you cannot charge at home, a PHEV is not a good option.
Anyway, the most important point of the video above is that it does appear the Outlander PHEV has an EV range suitable to cover most short daily commutes when not towing etc.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
Below, I’ve included a review of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by the MotorMouth YouTube channel, as they do a good job of explaining the drive system.
The reason is, the Outlander PHEV works differently compared to PHEV alternatives such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Outlander PHEV differs as well from the market leader, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which comes with advantages and disadvantages.
My Thoughts On The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV…
The EV range of the latest Outlander PHEV at 38 miles is much more practical/viable at covering most daily commutes than the original Outlander PHEV.
Compared to the current PHEV market leader, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the Outlander PHEV has a more advanced AWD system with a more powerful rear motor. Furthermore, the Outlander has seven seats.
However, the RAV4 Prime offers a greater total power output (302 HP), is more efficient (94 MPGe) and has a longer EV range (42 miles) despite having a smaller battery (18.1 kWh).
Furthermore, importantly for readers of this site, the RAV4 Prime can tow more at 2,500 lbs compared to 1,500 lbs for the Outlander PHEV.
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