Yahoo Autos 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Road Test Review | Improved but falling behind
You can’t tell by looking at it, but the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a thoroughly upgraded version of the plug-in crossover that initially debuted in the United States for the 2018 model year. Yes, despite the fact that there is a completely new, from-the-ground-up version of the gas-only Outlander for 2022, the previous generation soldiers on in its plug-in hybrid form for at least the next couple of model years as the engineering team puts the finishing touches on an edition based on the new platform. Still, there’s a lot of new bits and pieces under the skin that make this a better and more useful electrified SUV than before.
A new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.0-liter, bumping power to 126 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It join forces with upgraded electric motors to send as much as 221 hp to all four wheels. That's a 31-horsepower increase over the old Outlander PHEV.
Most of the time, the gasoline engine sends its power to the battery pack, leaving motive force to come from the two electric motors. Up front is a motor that delivers 60 kilowatts (around 80 hp) and 101 lb-ft; at the rear is a second motor that spins out 70 kilowatts (94 hp) and 144 lb-ft. That rear motor is up 10 kilowatts over the old version, which is significant. Electric range is boosted from 22 to 24 miles thanks to a 13.8-kWh battery in place of the old 12-kWh pack.
These powertrain enhancements make the 2021 Outlander PHEV feel quicker around town than the old one while simultaneously improving its efficiency. Win/win. There are Eco, Save, Charge, Normal, and Sport driving modes, and they all make sense with the possible exception of Sport, since this is very much not a sporty sport utility vehicle. Save mode preserves the battery pack’s current state of charge in case you want to choose when to unleash your electrons (stop-and-go city driving after a lengthy highway commute, for instance), and Charge mode keeps the engine running to top off the battery pack while the vehicle is driven. We mostly left the vehicle in Normal mode and let it choose how to dole out the power.
The overlying theme of the 2021 Outlander PHEV is one of peace and serenity. It’s quiet inside, and the electric motors provide a smooth driving experience with softish initial power that gains steam as the vehicle gets to normal around-town speeds. There aren’t any gear changes, so the powertrain always feels smooth. A soft and comfortable ride, and one-finger-light steering also add to the perception of the crossover’s calm demeanor. Unfortunately, heavily pockmarked roads and big bumps will upset the otherwise smooth ride.
It’s best not to push the Outlander PHEV past its comfort zone. A heavy push of the throttle pedal causes the engine to fire up and, once over city speeds, send some of its power to the wheels instead of its more common and happier role of charging the batteries. The four-cylinder can sound thrashy as the revs climb. Hard cornering equals significant body roll. On the positive side, the gasoline and electric powertrain combination provides better acceleration that we had expected, and the powerful rear motor helps push the Outlander PHEV through corners.
There are two very nice aluminum paddles mounted to the back of the steering wheel, but instead of using them to change gears — there’s no traditional stepped-gear transmission anyway — the driver can call up varying ranges of regenerative braking force. In its lowest setting, the Outlander PHEV drives pretty much like a gas-only vehicle with minimal regen. In its highest setting, a certain amount of one-foot driving is possible, though not entirely.
