?2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
World?s First Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle with DC Fast Charging

A few major considerations confront the consumers of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ? the first is range capability, followed by overall fuel efficiency, and then time required for recharging. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers a total combined gas and electric range of 310 miles and a 74 MPGe with a 25 MPG gas only EPA rating. The electric depletion rate is 45 kWh per 100 miles and its charging times are 25 minutes w/CHAdeMO DC up to 80% / to 13 hours w/120V/ 8A. It is the world?s first PHEV to feature CHADEMO DC Fast Charging capability. A free Outlander PHEV II app may be download the to your smartphone to control vehicle functions over Wi-Fi. Preheat or cool the cabin, set the most efficient charge times and more from the comfort of your own home.


Mitsubishi?s advertising tagline is ?Find Your Own Lane? and the Japanese automaker seems to have done just that. There are two trim levels of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ? the base model is the SEL S-AWC with the GT S-AWC model the top of line.

OVERVIEW

All Outlanders fall into the premium compact SUV category, and the 2018 stable of Outlanders are elevated to a higher level of sophistication, with better quality, improved driving dynamicism, technological advancements and more efficient operation. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the latest addition to the Outlander family.

Essentially, Mitsubishi chose to drop several once popular vehicles from their inventory and now devotes their primary focus on maintaining a competitive position with the Outlander and Outlander Sport models.

Last year, more than 100 improvements and enhancements were incorporated into the Outlander, with third row seating becoming standard for all models.

POWER SOURCE

Propulsion for the 2018 Outlander PHEV GT comes from a transversely mounted 4B11- 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder gas engine with continuous variable valve lift system. Horsepower is 117 at 4,500 rpm along with 137 pound feet of torque also at 4,500 rpm. The gas engine combines with two electric motors. Up front ? a S61 Twin AC synchronous permanent Magnet motor. Motor Power is 60kW and Motor Torque is 137 Nm. In the rear is a Y61 electric motor ? power=60 kW and torque is 195 Nm. The auxiliary Battery is an S46824L(S)-Generator Max Ouput-70kW. The driving force reaches the Super All-Wheel Control system via a Single Speed transmission with a fixed reduction gear.

THE SEL model?s features and capabilities are expanded by moving up to the GT model, which offers: Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and the Multi-View Camera System. There are also two AC power outlets with a combined 1500W power supply.

In addition to the two trim levels, there are also available option packages that provide extra features. There?s an All Weather Package; a Cargo Mat Package, a Chrome Package, an Entertainment Package, Protection Package, Quick Value Packages 1 and 2, and a Towing Package with a 1,500-pound capacity.

TOP TRIM

My test 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was in GT trim with S-AWC. The exterior was sprayed Ruby Black Pearl, while the interior was done in Charcoal and Gray tones. The Base Price was set at $40,295., with the metallic paint, accessory Cargo cover, Body Graphics, Hood emblem, Carpeted floor mats and Portfolio and Destination and Handling charge elevating the final tally to $42,225.

SUMMARY: The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC, is a visually appealing and sporty crossover SUV, with a bold, athletic and aerodynamic form, adding new state-of-the-art technological features for added comfort, convenience and security. My GT version featured an impressive list of standard features and equipment, with more than enough power to accomplish virtually any assigned task, delivering plenty of zip off the line. Te CVT gearbox operated smoothly and the S-AWC elevates the level of driver control along with Hill Start Assist. Driving force is directed intelligently from front to rear and left to right to the front wheels.

The Outlander PHEV GT manages to blend pleasing driving dynamics with contemporary visual appeal, functionality and versatility. It’s not only comfortable, but agile as well. The S-AWC version may be operated “on-the-fly” via a simple control knob. Seating up front is infinitely adjustable for optimum driving comfort. The ride quality is comfortable and the steering borders on sport sedan input and feel. The folding and reconfiguration of seating is simplified for optimum user friendliness.

FINAL TAKE

The Outlander is attainable for a wide range of consumers thanks to its broad price range and various trim choices across the model lineup. The optional equipment packages are also reasonably priced, allowing consumers to personally equip their selected Outlander model to best fulfill their requirements and desires.

The Outlander PHEV is the optimum model choice, providing more room and features, but should you happen to want a more compact crossover, the smaller Outlander Sport may likely prove to be more to your liking. Unfortunately there?s no PHEV version.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

Base Price: $40,295.
Price as Tested: $42,225.

Engine Type and Size: 4B11- 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with continuous variable valve lift system.

Horsepower (bhp): 117 @ 4,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 137 @ 4,500 rpm

Front Electric motor: S61 Twin AC synchronous permanent Magnet motor.
Motor Power: 60kW
Motor Torque: 137 Nm
Rear Electric motor: Y61
Motor Power: 60kW
Motor Torque: 195 Nm

Main Battery: 12.0kWh Lithium ?ion, 300-Volt
Charging Time: 25 minutes w/CHAdeMO DC up to 80% / to 13 hours w/120V/ 8A
Auxiliary Battery: S46824L(S)-Generator Max Ouput-70kW

Transmission: Single Speed with fixed reduction gear.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Super All-Wheel Control.

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar.
Rear ? Multi-link with stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with 4-Wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor with EBD and BA

Tires: Toyo A24 225/55 R18 97H mounted on 8-?Geo?-spoke Machine face with Painted inner alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length Overall: 184.8 inches
Width: 70.8 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4,178 lbs.
Turning Circle: 35.6 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 11.3 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 74 MPGe combined gas and electric / 25 mpg gas only. Total Range ? 310 miles. Electric depletion rate 45kWh per 100 miles.
Drag Coefficient: Not listed.
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.