The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that provides 22 miles of travel on its twin electric motors. You can save money on petrol while you take advantage of the Outlander PHEV’s 4×4 capabilities. The acceleration is a bit tame, but Mitsubishi doesn’t try to market the Outlander as a performance powerhouse. It’s an electric SUV that most people can afford.
There are two models available for the plug-in electric SUV. There are the SEL and GT. There’s not much difference between them mechanically. Despite the name, the GT model isn’t faster or sportier when it comes to performance.
It’s more about style and luxury. The GT Outlander PHEV equips LED lights, GT badges, and some cosmetic upgrades to the interior. The GT model does add adaptive cruise control and a multiview camera system. So, consumers will have to decide whether those features are worth the extra $5,000 for the 2020 Outlander PHEV GT model.
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2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV has 3 driving modes – EV, Series Hybrid, and Parallel Hybrid. The Outlander cycles through these modes to give the driver the best fuel economy. It’s perfect for daily commuters. Drive your Outlander on a city commute in EV mode and you’ll have 22 miles of all-electric driving.
When in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV utilizes its twin electric motors. If you need a recharge or want some added acceleration, the Series Hybrid mode utilizes the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. When operating in Parallel Hybrid mode, the gasoline engine takes over as a normal front-wheel-drive powertrain.
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Performance Capabilities of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The twin electric motors of the Outlander PHEV are mounted on the front and rear axle. This gives the vehicle instant torque and acceleration. You can forget about the acceleration lag. Just press the accelerator and the Outlander responds with power to all four wheels.
Mitsubishi Outlander has a Super All-Wheel Control System that maximizes the Outlander’s 4×4 capabilities with enhanced traction control. There are settings for snow, gravel, normal terrain, and eco mode. Together with the electric motors, this combined 4×4 functionality makes the 2020 Outlander PHEV remarkably stable and comfortable to drive in adventurous conditions.
It has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when equipped with a towing package. So, the Outlander electric SUV is prepared and equipped for a weekend camping trip, a holiday to the beach, or any other light off-roading that you might want to do.
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Charging the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
There are several options for charging the Mitsubishi electric SUV. You can charge it from home using a standard 120V household plug and get a full charge in 8 hours. There’s an option to have a 240V charging station installed, and that will cut your charging time in half. If you’re out and about you can visit a DC fast charging station and get up to 80% of your battery charge in just 25 minutes.
Safety Equipment from Mitsubishi
All the hybrid gains of the Outlander PHEV wouldn’t amount to much without some top tier safety equipment onboard. Most of the competitors in this arena bundle their highest levels of safety gear into pricey packages, but Mitsubishi has made most of its safety equipment standard features.
There’s a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features on the Outlander PHEV. You get Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warnings, Pedestrian Detection technology, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. That’s an impressive set of standard safety equipment for the Mitsubishi electric SUV.
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Style Points of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Plug-in hybrids don’t have to look like science fiction movie props. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t follow gimmicks and trends. It’s a mid-sized crossover SUV with well-sculpted lines and plenty of stylish accents. LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels elevate the exterior to a modern, luxurious standard. The contrast of Ruby Black Pearl or Red Diamond exterior paint with the chrome accents in the Outlander’s front grille makes it stand out from the crowd. The interior carries on the dark, sophisticated motif. The GT model comes with an optional black console and floor panel, diamond-quilted leather seating, and a power sunroof. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out with controls in the right places and no excess clutter.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Interior Amenities
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has seating for 5 passengers and 102.1 cubic feet of total passenger volume. There’s plenty of room to get comfortable. Front passengers have 40.9 inches of legroom and 40.6 inches of headroom. For a point of comparison, the 2021 Audi E-Tron only has 38 inches of headroom.
Leather seating is a standard feature on the Outlander PHEV and the front seats are heated. The Outlander has a customizable rear compartment for flexible storage space. You can adjust the interior to accommodate up to 66.6 cubic feet.
You’ve got plenty of technology on deck in this electric SUV. The center console has an 8-inch touchscreen display that comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. You’ll never miss out on your digital life just because you’re heading out on a camping trip. The GT model adds 2 outlets for 1500 watt AC power.
The Mitsubishi Remote Control app helps you monitor your electric power demands and plan your next charging session. The app is easy to use with colorful displays and large icons that show valuable information about your vehicle’s electric needs.
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At the Finish Line
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is poised to be a serious contender in the plug-in hybrid space. It’s got utility, an adventurous equipment list, and it’s affordably priced. Being able to drive 22 miles in the city with zero emissions is a huge bonus. It has an MSRP of $36,295 with the 2020 GT model coming in at $41,695.
Sure, there are more upscale vehicles on the market, but given the current economic climate, an Outlander PHEV is worth a test drive before you shop at Audi or Volkswagen. Saving a bundle of money makes up for nearly every area where the Outlander lags behind the competition.