2019-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV used car review

The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) launched in 2014, combining the brand’s expertise in manufacturing AWDs and 4WDs with electric vehicle technology first developed for its all-electric i-MiEV city car.  

Its advantage over an EV is there’s no urgent need to recharge a low battery and, if you’re driving further, the system switches to parallel hybrid mode, where the petrol engine drives the front wheels with the assistance of the electric motors. It feels much like a regular petrol Outlander to drive, with comparable fuel consumption. In essence, you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

Mitsubishi’s first-generation PHEV system used a 13.8kWh battery that provided up to 55km of range. While that doesn’t sound like much, research indicates the average daily commute is around 30-40km, making pure EV driving a reality for many owners. 

Early Outlander PHEV Aspire variants were around $5000 more expensive than their petrol counterparts, and most were sold to government agencies keen to go green. Used PHEVs still command a price premium and the ZL range launched in 2018 is a good starting point.  

Generally, it’s easier to check the condition of a second-hand petrol vehicle and the twist in the tail when buying a used Outlander PHEV (or any EV) is battery degradation and how much range is lost as the battery ages. Before you go out to inspect, ask the seller to make sure it’s fully charged, so you can see it’s at 100 per cent and check the indicated drive range. If the battery range isn’t close to the manufacturer’s figures, the PHEV’s advantages are negated and you’re really buying an expensive hybrid.  

Also note that Outlander PHEVs of this era come with either a Type 1 (J1772) port prior to 2022, or a Type 2 AC port for AC charging. It also has a CHAdeMO DC port, which is being phased out at new DC fast chargers. Pre-2017 Outlanders came only with a Type 1 connection, making it harder to charge in public places. Read more on EV plug types here.  

The rest of the Outlander remains the same as its petrol counterparts, so perform the usual once over for bodywork condition and check the service book to see that regular servicing has been performed.  

It’s important to know the remaining warranty period. Ask to see the paperwork as Mitsubishi’s 10-year warranty doesn’t normally cover fleet or government purchases (they remain five-year/unlimited kilometre). If you’re finding it hard to track down a PHEV, regular petrol Outlanders are generally a safe bet and the 2.4-litre engine is a tried and proven package that delivers 10-12L/100km in real-world driving scenarios. 

Price range:

• ZL Outlander ES PHEV (2019-2022) $34,900-$39,700   
• ZL Outlander Exceed PHEV (2019-2022) $39,800-$52,300