Most car consumers who wish to reduce their carbon footprint are normally stuck with range anxiety-inducing smaller vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt or Tesla Model S and Model 3. For buyers who need and want more passenger and cargo space, and drive farther, are up a creek. That is unless they’re willing to part with a sum and go for Volvo’s plug-in hybrid version of the XC90. Lucky for us, Mitsubishi has blessed the States with their best selling plug-in hybrid crossover in Europe that offers both EV efficiency and SUV capabilities without breaking the bank.
Say hello to the 2018 Outlander PHEV. Boasting a fusion of EV technologies developed for the i-MiEV, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technologies honed from the Lancer Evolution, and SUV expertise learned from the Montero, it promises to outsmart and outperform vehicles in its class. An environmentally friendly family vehicle that’s just as much as a joy to drive off-road.
There are just the right amount of chrome accents to enhance the front fascia, lower panels, and tailgate. Behind the black glossy grille sits a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine that also generates electricity and a generator to continuously charge the drive battery — a high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack — located in the center of the vehicle. The combined drive system total power is 197 horsepower.
Thanks to its unique drivetrain, which combines a twin independent motor, gasoline-powered engine, and generator, it offers three drive system modes for optimal performance and efficiency. The EV Drive mode allows this CUV to make quick jaunts around town on all-electric power with zero emission. The Series Hybrid mode is when the gasoline-powered generator kicks in to assist the battery pack for sudden acceleration. Last is the Parallel Hybrid mode — the gasoline engine supported by battery pack — utilized during high-speed driving on the interstate.
All Outlander PHEV also comes standard with DC Fast Charging capability and can charge 80% of the battery in about 25 minutes at any commercial charging stations. A full charge takes less than 8 hours when done with a standard 120V (Leve 1) home outlet or less than 4 hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) chargers found in public charging facilities.
Inside, the styling features some nice piano black and gloss finishing, and soft leather seats. The cabin is airy and comfortable with a fairly premium overall feel. With 128.2 cubic feet of passenger space, it is certainly roomy, with front and back riders especially looked after. The 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space is ready to adapt and fit your needs.
Standards include a 7-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone and audio, smartphone EV remote, 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and power remote liftgate. Other options to be had includes Rockford Fosgate audio system, heated steering, surround camera system, and a 1500-watt AC power supply with two outlets that can power anything you can plug in a wall making it an ultimate tailgating feature.
Mitsubishi has really upped their game in the technology department as well. Standard on all trim levels is a lot of safety features such as Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, seven airbag SRS system with driver’s side knee airbag, anti-lock brakes and brake assist, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Traction Control Logic. Also available are Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam headlights, Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning.
The 2018 Outlander PHEV is expected to land in the US dealer floors late December 2017. The base price will start around $34,595 and tops off at $40,295. All models come with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile PHEV components and main drive battery warranty.
