2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

History/Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid version of the company’s compact crossover model. The Outlander PHEV was introduced as a 2018 model based on the third-generation Outlander that was new in 2014.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the Outlander PHEV gets a new 2.4L gas engine in place of last year’s 2.0L. The electric drive system also gains a more-powerful rear-axle motor and a larger battery pack for more performance and a touch more electric driving range. Total power output increases by 31 hp to 221 hp. Mitsubishi has also added snow and sport drive modes.

Available Trims

Mitsubishi offers the Outlander PHEV in SE, LE, SEL, and GT trim levels. All use the 2.4L gas engine and plug-in electric powertrain with standard AWD and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Standard Features

SE models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, roof rails, LED taillights, a front wiper de-icer, heated/power-folding/power-adjustable side mirrors, passive keyless entry, and rain-sensing wipers.

Inside, there are power-adjustable/heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone automatic A/C, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, and satellite radio.

SE trim’s standard safety features include blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

LE adds a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, and a power tailgate.

SEL gains LED headlights, LED fog lights, and leather seating.

Finally, GT trim brings quilted leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a multi-view camera system, lane departure warning, forward collision detection with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Fuel Economy

Mitsubishi’s energy consumption estimates for the Outlander PHEV are 3.2 Le/100 km in electric mode, and 9.2/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) in gas-electric hybrid mode.

Competition

Mitsubishi’s closest competitors for the Outlander PHEV are the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape PHEV. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is also a PHEV, but designed for more rugged use, and the Kia Niro PHEV goes the other way as a crossover with no AWD option.