The Outlander PHEV is Mitsubishi Motors’ pride and joy, a plug-in hybrid SUV . While it’s an appealing vehicle that combines environmental friendliness with the power of an SUV, some critics have described it as “the worst” and “a regrettable purchase.” In this article, we’ll examine the reasons behind this from multiple angles and get to the bottom of the Outlander PHEV from various perspectives, including performance, safety, economy, and environmental friendliness.
Is the new Outlander PHEV’s reputation really “the worst”?
A thorough review of the new Outlander PHEV reviews and ratings

As of June 2024, when searching for the new Outlander PHEV , it appears that many searches result in terms like “the worst” and “regret.”
The new Outlander PHEV has received mixed reviews across social media, automotive media, and review sites. Positive comments include its stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. Negative comments, on the other hand, include the cramped rear seat, insufficient luggage space, and high price.
Why the Outlander PHEV has mixed reviews

The Outlander PHEV has been well received by many users due to its innovative technology and high environmental performance. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the vehicle, such as:
- High price: Because it is equipped with a PHEV system, it is more expensive than a gasoline-powered vehicle.
- Charging environment: In areas where charging infrastructure is not well developed, charging can be inconvenient.
- EV driving range: The EV driving range is short, so it is not suitable for long distance travel.
- Fuel economy in hybrid mode : Some people say the fuel economy in hybrid mode is not great.
- Rear seat and luggage space: Because it is equipped with a PHEV system, the rear seat and luggage space is smaller than that of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Car Review – Outlander PHEV Minakara
Outlander PHEV performance and problems
Actual driving performance and fuel economy
The Outlander PHEV’s driving performance is characterized by powerful acceleration from the motor drive and stable driving performance from the 4WD system. By combining EV driving and engine driving, fuel economy is significantly improved compared to gasoline vehicles.
三菱のPHEVの出来は良いんですがエンジンを回した際の燃費がイマイチですからね…😓
アウトランダーPHEVとRAV4 PHEVで比較するとアウトランダーの方が2割以上悪いですからね…😵
ハイブリッドの延長線上にあるPHEVですからトヨタのハイブリッド技術が凄いって事なんでしょうね…— ふぁーむすずき (@farm_suzu) May 28, 2024
Long-distance driving feel
The Outlander PHEV is quiet when running in EV mode, making it comfortable even for long-distance drives. However, because the EV range is short, long-distance trips in areas with few charging points should be planned carefully.
Errors, sensor malfunctions, etc.
少し前から頻発していたセンサー故障表示。
ひどい時は信号停止の度出てたので本日Dで点検してもらいました。診断結果はプログラムエラーだったようで、リプログラミングで対処してもらい、今の所順調です。
同様の症状が出てる方は一度点検してみてもらって下さい🔧 pic.twitter.com/0cSOEuJU5Y— 830@アウトランダーphev愛 (@830phev) June 4, 2023
雨の日走行中、信号待ち停止時に前車がいると、頻繁にセンサー故障表示が出ては消えるんですが、他の人もそうなのかな…
30分の通勤時間で20回以上テンテン音がするとさすがに気が散る😅— 830@アウトランダーphev愛 (@830phev) June 2, 2023
私のアウトランダーPHEV
サービスキャンペーンの対象だと、ディーラーから連絡がありました☎️
『アウトランダーPHEVにおける電気装置の制御プログラム』のようです。
これまでに特に不具合はありませんが、12月の一年点検の際にあわせて対応してもらいます🚐🔧#アウトランダー#サービスキャンペーン— 好壱狼@アウトランダーPHEVブラックエディション (@PHEV5656) November 12, 2023
アウトランダーPHEVのSOS壊れました、、
しばらく何もなかったのにどうして、、こんなに不具合が出るの😅
今月、部品が届くみたいアウトランダーPHEV乗りの方でこの症状出た方いますか??#アウトランダーPHEV#三菱自動車 pic.twitter.com/jGVpNcm3zp
— なおき (@nao_miwa615) September 19, 2023
私のアウトランダーはリコールの対象車両のようです。今までリコールの説明にあるような不具合は感じた事ありませんがやはり初期型の車はいろいろありますね😱長いカーライフこんな事もあるさぁ~と別に気にならないです。👍️#アウトランダーphev pic.twitter.com/8PdPybSbkA
— あひるビール (@lGkQu1JqPiF2UTi) July 2, 2022
Is the Outlander PHEV really the worst?

These complaints can certainly be considered disadvantages of the Outlander PHEV, but there are also many advantages that outweigh these disadvantages.
- Environmental performance: The PHEV system significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicles.
- Fuel efficiency: By combining EV and engine driving, the vehicle offers excellent fuel efficiency.
- Quietness: When running in EV mode, the car is extremely quiet, allowing for a comfortable drive.
- Powerful driving: Combines powerful acceleration from the motor drive with stable driving performance from the 4WD system.
- Advanced safety technology: Equipped with the latest safety driving support systems, you can drive with peace of mind.

Who is the Outlander PHEV for?
The Outlander PHEV is recommended for the following people:
- Environmentally conscious: People who want to reduce their CO2 emissions
- People who prioritize fuel efficiency: People who want to keep gasoline costs down
- Those seeking a quiet and comfortable ride: Those seeking quietness when driving an EV
- Those seeking the powerful driving experience of an SUV: Those seeking the powerful acceleration of a motor and the stable driving performance of a 4WD system.
- Those seeking the latest safety technology: Those seeking a car equipped with the latest safe driving support systems.
Outlander PHEV evaluation and overall review
Overall harsh review
The Outlander PHEV is a car with many appealing features, including environmental friendliness, fuel economy, quietness, driving performance, and safety. However, it also has disadvantages, such as its high price, charging environment, and short EV driving range. Overall, the Outlander PHEV is a recommended car for those who are environmentally conscious, prioritize fuel economy, and seek a quiet and comfortable ride.
The appeal of the new model
The Outlander PHEV is loved by many users, and the new model is also very popular. The new model has a completely new design and a more luxurious interior. It also has an extended EV driving range, making it even more practical.

Comparative analysis with other models
The Outlander PHEV is often compared to other plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 PHV and Mazda CX-60 PHEV. Compared to these models, the Outlander PHEV is characterized by its powerful acceleration and stable driving performance thanks to its 4WD system.
| Specifications | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV |
Toyota RAV4 PHV |
Mazda CX-60 PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,710mm | 4,600mm | 4,745mm |
| Overall width | 1,860mm | 1,855mm | 1,890mm |
| Overall height | 1,740-1,745mm | 1,690mm-1,695mm | 1,675mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705mm | 2,690mm | 2,870mm |
| engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine + 2 motors front and rear |
2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
2.5 L Skyactiv-G inline 4-cylinder engine + motor |
| Maximum power | 98kW (133ps) / 5,000rpm |
130kW (177ps) / 6,000rpm |
138kW (188ps) / 6,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 195Nm/4,300rpm | 219Nm/3,600rpm | 250Nm/4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
Front: 85kW Rear: 100kW |
Front: 134kW (182ps) Rear: 40kW (54ps) |
175ps/5,500rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
Front: 85kW Rear: 100kW |
Front: 270Nm Rear: 121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
270Nm/400rpm |
| System Output | 225kW (306ps) | 241kW (327ps) 500Nm |
|
transmission |
– | Electric continuously variable transmission |
8-speed automatic |
| Drive system | 4WD | 4WD (E-Four) |
2WD (FR) |
| battery | Lithium-ion power capacity: 20.0 kWh |
Lithium-ion power capacity: 18.1 kWh |
Lithium-ion power capacity: 17.8 kWh |
| 0-100km/h acceleration |
8.2 seconds | 6.0 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Passenger capacity | 5 to 7 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5m | 5.5m | 5.4m |
| WLTC mode EV driving range |
87km | 95km | 75km |
Outlander PHEV cost and economy
Vehicle price and maintenance costs
The Outlander PHEV’s base price is higher than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, but you can reduce the purchase cost by taking advantage of eco-car tax breaks and subsidies. Also, because of its good fuel economy, running costs may be lower than those of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
| Model | engine | Drive system |
Passenger capacity |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | 2.4L inline 4-cylinder DOHC + motor |
4WD | 5 people | 4,995,100 yen |
| G | 5 people | 5,498,900 yen | ||
| 7 people | 5,590,200 yen | |||
| P | 7 people | 6,023,600 yen | ||
| BLACK Edition | 7 people | 6,304,100 yen |

Subsidy and discount information
The Outlander PHEV is eligible for the CEV subsidy (Clean Energy Vehicle Adoption Promotion Subsidy). From April 1, 2024, the subsidy will be 550,000 yen. Some dealers may also offer discounts or optional services. Be sure to check the latest subsidy and discount information before purchasing.

summary
The Outlander PHEV is a car with many appealing features, including environmental friendliness, fuel economy, quietness, driving performance, and safety. However, it also has drawbacks, such as its high price and charging environment.
Whether the Outlander PHEV is the “worst” or not depends on your personal values and lifestyle. When considering purchasing one, it’s important to clarify your needs and priorities, weigh the pros and cons, and then make your final decision.
How long can you drive the Outlander PHEV?
-
With proper maintenance , the Outlander PHEV can last for over 10 years . However, the warranty covers free repairs and replacements if a breakdown occurs in the drive battery due to a manufacturing defect within 8 years and 160,000 km after initial registration, and if the drive battery capacity falls below 66% within 8 years and 160,000 km after initial registration, free repairs and replacements are also available.
Is a used Outlander PHEV worth buying?
-
A used Outlander PHEV is worth considering as an option, as it is cheaper than a new car . However, it is important to check the battery condition and past maintenance records, and to purchase from a reputable dealer.
What is the resale price for the Outlander PHEV?
-
The Outlander PHEV is popular in the used car market and has a relatively stable resale value. Low-mileage vehicles in good condition tend to fetch particularly high prices.
Are the new Outlander’s reviews harsh?
-
The new Outlander PHEV has evolved in many ways, including driving performance and design, but some have criticized its high price and short EV driving range . However, overall, it has received high praise and is a popular vehicle.
Why is the Outlander PHEV called the “worst”? Why do people regret buying it?
-
The “worst” rating is the opinion of only a few users, and does not necessarily apply to everyone. One reason for regret is that people may not have done enough research before purchasing and ended up choosing a car that did not suit their needs .
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