After several years away from the UK new car market, Mitsubishi is back with an all-new Outlander PHEV.
Supplied for test by A.F. Noble & Son, Penicuik, the latest Outlander arrives at a time when many rural motorists are weighing up whether a plug-in hybrid could provide a practical alternative to diesel power.
The original Outlander PHEV was among the first plug-in hybrids to find real favour with buyers, becoming a regular sight on farms and at agricultural shows across the UK. This latest version builds on that success with more power, improved refinement and, for the first time in the UK, seven-seat availability.
The styling is a big step forward too. With its bold front end, slim LED lights and angular design, the new Outlander has far more road presence than previous Mitsubishi models. Large 20-inch alloy wheels help give the SUV a purposeful stance, while the overall design manages to look modern and upmarket without becoming overly flashy.
Available in five-seat Diamond or seven-seat Nativa trim, prices start at £46,995.
At home in the countryside
One of the biggest selling points of the new Outlander is that it remains a proper four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Its Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system constantly distributes power between all four wheels, helping maximise grip in difficult conditions. That should appeal to Scottish buyers who regularly contend with muddy tracks, steep roads, snow and wet weather – sometimes before lunch.
The system offers several selectable driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Lock. During our time with the vehicle, the Normal setting handled most situations comfortably, while Lock mode gave extra reassurance on loose and muddy surfaces.
Although this is very much a road-focused SUV, it feels well suited to life in the countryside. Ground clearance is generous and visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, providing confidence on narrow roads and when manoeuvring around yards and gateways.
The Outlander offers a braked towing capacity of 1750kg. While it won’t replace a pickup for heavier towing, it is capable of handling many small trailers, caravans and leisure loads, adding to its usefulness as a family vehicle.
Getting the best of both worlds
Power comes from a 2.4-litre petrol engine paired with electric motors on both axles.
Combined output is more than 300bhp, giving the Outlander plenty of performance when needed. Mitsubishi quotes a 0 to 62mph time of 7.9 seconds, although outright pace is not really the vehicle’s main selling point.
More important is the flexibility offered by the plug-in hybrid system. With up to 53 miles of electric-only range available, many drivers could complete their daily commute, school run or trip into town without using the petrol engine at all.
For longer journeys, the petrol engine is there to take over when the battery runs low. That gives the Outlander the flexibility of electric motoring for shorter trips without some of the planning often associated with a fully electric vehicle. Mitsubishi claims a total range of more than 500 miles.
For rural drivers covering a mix of local and long-distance mileage, the setup has obvious appeal. Shorter journeys can be completed on electric power, while the petrol engine provides the flexibility needed for longer trips where charging opportunities may be limited.
An 80% charge can be achieved in around 32 minutes using a rapid charger, while overnight charging at home is likely to be the most practical option for many owners.
Room to spare
Step inside and it’s immediately clear Mitsubishi has put plenty of effort into the cabin. The layout is clean and uncluttered, while the materials used throughout give the Outlander a more upmarket feel than some buyers might expect.
A 12.3-inch infotainment screen sits at the centre of the dashboard and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Thankfully, Mitsubishi has retained physical buttons and controls for key functions, meaning drivers are not forced to navigate touchscreen menus for every adjustment.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making the Outlander an easy vehicle to spend time in. Higher-specification models add features including massage seats, wireless phone charging and a Yamaha sound system.
Rear-seat space is generous, with plenty of room for adults, while the Nativa model adds a third row to create a seven-seat layout. The rearmost seats are best suited to children or occasional use, but they add useful flexibility for larger families.
Luggage space is respectable, particularly with the third row folded flat, and there is no shortage of storage space throughout the cabin.
Safety equipment is well covered, with blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and rear parking sensors fitted as standard, alongside a range of additional driver assistance systems on higher-specification models.
The bottom line
The Outlander is not trying to be the fastest or most exciting SUV on the market, but that’s unlikely to concern most buyers.
What Mitsubishi has produced is a practical family vehicle that combines useful electric-only range with the reassurance of a petrol engine for longer journeys. Permanent four-wheel drive, a 1750kg towing capacity and the option of seven seats only add to its appeal.
For rural families covering a mix of local mileage and longer trips, the Outlander offers something many rivals struggle to match – the ability to run on electric power day-to-day without the commitment of going fully electric.
It won’t replace a pickup truck, but for those looking for a comfortable, capable and well-equipped family SUV, the new Outlander is well worth a look.
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