Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 2018

Description

Overview

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s popular five-door midsize SUV. It combines a petrol engine with two electric motors and a rechargeable battery, giving it the ability to operate using electric power for shorter journeys while retaining a petrol engine for longer trips. The 2018 model is particularly notable for combining SUV practicality, four-wheel-drive capability and relatively low-emission urban driving.

Powertrain and Performance

The Outlander PHEV uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine together with electric motors mounted at the front and rear. The electric motors provide all-wheel-drive capability through Mitsubishi’s Twin Motor 4WD system.

The plug-in hybrid system uses a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from an external power source. Depending on driving conditions, battery state and specification, the vehicle can travel using electric power alone before the petrol engine is required. The system is designed to switch between EV, series-hybrid and parallel-hybrid operation automatically to balance performance and efficiency.

Exterior Design

The 2018 Outlander PHEV has the characteristic SUV styling of the Outlander range, with a relatively upright body, substantial ground clearance and a practical five-door layout. Depending on trim level, exterior equipment can include LED headlights, daytime-running lights, fog lamps, roof rails, power-folding mirrors and alloy wheels.

The PHEV version is visually similar to conventional Outlander models, although it has specific badging and charging hardware that identifies it as a plug-in hybrid.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Outlander PHEV provides seating for five occupants. The cabin is designed around practicality, with a raised driving position and a spacious passenger compartment. straightforward rather than heavily luxurious, but its controls are designed to be practical and easy to use.HEV can be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls. Higher-grade versions may also feature a Depending on specification, features can include leather upholstery, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start.

The interior is generally straightforward rather than heavily luxurious, but its controls are designed to be practical and easy to use. Rear passengers benefit from reasonable legroom, making the Outlander suitable for family use.

Infotainment and Technology

Depending on the market and trim, the 2018 Outlander PHEV can be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls. Higher-grade versions may also feature a premium audio system and additional convenience technology.

A key technological feature is the vehicle’s ability to monitor and manage its hybrid powertrain automatically, while the driver can select different driving modes according to conditions.

Safety Features

Safety equipment varies by market and trim, but available features can include multiple airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assistance and a reversing camera.

Higher specifications can include Mitsubishi’s advanced driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. These systems were designed to reduce the likelihood or severity of accidents and make long-distance driving less demanding.

Four-Wheel Drive and Driving

One of the Outlander PHEV’s major advantages is its Twin Motor 4WD system. Rather than relying on a conventional mechanical connection between the front and rear axles, electric motors independently drive the front and rear wheels. This arrangement provides good traction on wet roads and loose surfaces while also supporting the vehicle’s hybrid operation.

The Outlander PHEV is primarily designed for road use rather than serious off-road driving. Its elevated ground clearance and four-wheel-drive system nevertheless make it useful on rough roads and in conditions where additional traction is required.

Charging and Fuel Economy

As a plug-in hybrid, the 2018 Outlander PHEV can be charged from an external electricity supply. Home charging is convenient for owners who regularly make short journeys, while public charging can be used when available. Once the battery’s usable charge is depleted, the petrol engine and hybrid system allow the vehicle to continue operating like a conventional hybrid vehicle.

Actual fuel consumption and electric range can vary substantially depending on driving style, temperature, terrain, battery condition and whether the battery is regularly charged.

Practicality

The Outlander PHEV offers the practicality expected from a midsize SUV, including five seats, a useful rear cargo area and a relatively high driving position. The battery system does take up some space compared with a conventional petrol Outlander, but the vehicle remains suitable for family transportation, commuting and longer journeys.

Overall Summary

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV combines the practicality of a midsize SUV with the efficiency advantages of plug-in hybrid technology. Its 2.0-litre petrol engine, twin electric motors, 12 kWh battery and Twin Motor 4WD system give it a distinctive combination of electric driving capability, all-wheel drive and long-distance flexibility. Its comfortable five-seat cabin, useful cargo space, safety technology and ability to charge externally make it particularly suited to drivers who can regularly recharge at home or at work.