Used 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Detailed Overview

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV represents a significant evolution for the brand's plug-in hybrid SUV, offering a blend of electrified performance, practical utility, and a host of modern amenities. This generation marks a substantial departure from its predecessor, boasting a more robust powertrain, a completely redesigned interior and exterior, and a renewed focus on advanced safety technologies.

Highlights

• Powertrain: The heart of the 2022 Outlander PHEV is its advanced plug-in hybrid system. It combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors (one on the front axle and one on the rear axle). This setup provides all-wheel-drive capability (Super All-Wheel Control - S-AWC) as standard, delivering confident traction in various conditions. The system delivers a combined output of approximately 248 horsepower, offering brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet driving experience, especially in electric-only mode. The 20 kWh battery pack provides an estimated 38 miles of all-electric range on a full charge, allowing for many daily commutes and errands to be completed without using gasoline.

• Safety Features: Mitsubishi has equipped the 2022 Outlander PHEV with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies designed to protect occupants and enhance awareness. Key features include:

  • Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection: Uses radar and cameras to detect potential frontal collisions and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent, or if a pedestrian is detected in the vehicle's path.
  • Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver audibly and visually if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated.
  • Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots and provides an audible and visual warning. The Lane Change Assist feature can also provide a steering input to help prevent a dangerous lane change.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting speed to keep pace with traffic.
  • Active Blind Spot Assist (Available): Goes a step further than Blind Spot Warning by actively intervening with steering and braking to help prevent a lane change into an occupied blind spot.
  • Multi-View Camera System (Available): Provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, greatly assisting with parking and low-speed maneuvering.

• Trim Summary: The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is offered in a few well-appointed trims, each building upon the previous one with increasing levels of comfort, technology, and convenience.

  • ES: The entry-level trim provides a solid foundation with essential features, including the PHEV powertrain, S-AWC, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a good selection of advanced driver-assistance systems.
  • SE: Building on the ES, the SE trim typically adds features like larger alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, and enhanced infotainment options, often including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • SEL: This mid-tier trim usually introduces more premium amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a power liftgate, and potentially a panoramic sunroof.
  • GT (or Touring): The top-tier GT trim is designed for ultimate luxury and convenience, often featuring a premium audio system, advanced driver assistance features like the Active Blind Spot Assist, a head-up display, and potentially premium exterior styling elements.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Refined Interior: The cabin has been completely redesigned with higher-quality materials, improved ergonomics, and a more modern aesthetic. The spaciousness is a strong point, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system is generally intuitive and responsive, offering essential connectivity features.
  • Versatile PHEV Modes: The Outlander PHEV offers multiple driving modes, including EV (all-electric), Series Hybrid (engine acts as a generator), and Parallel Hybrid (engine and electric motors work together), providing flexibility for different driving scenarios and maximizing efficiency.
  • Three-Row Seating (with a caveat): While the Outlander PHEV technically offers a third row, it's quite small and best suited for children or very short trips, making it more of a 5+2 seating configuration than a true seven-seater.

What to Expect

The typical ownership experience of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is characterized by its smooth and quiet operation, especially when running on electric power. Commuters will appreciate the ability to cover a significant portion of their daily driving on electricity, reducing reliance on gasoline and lowering fuel costs. The S-AWC system provides confidence-inspiring handling and stability, particularly in inclement weather.

Maintenance for a PHEV is generally similar to a conventional vehicle with some added considerations for the hybrid components. Regular oil changes for the gasoline engine and routine inspections of the hybrid system are necessary. Mitsubishi typically offers competitive warranty coverage for its PHEV components, which can provide peace of mind. Owners should expect to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and longevity of both the gasoline and electric powertrains.

Insurance premiums for the Outlander PHEV will likely be in line with other mid-size SUVs and plug-in hybrids in its class. Factors influencing the cost will include your driving record, location, chosen insurance provider, and coverage levels. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.

Potential Considerations

While the 2022 Outlander PHEV is a compelling package, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of:

• Third-Row Usability: As mentioned, the third-row seating is quite cramped and best suited for occasional use by smaller occupants. If frequent seven-passenger capacity is a priority, a larger SUV might be a better fit.
• Infotainment System Responsiveness: While generally user-friendly, some reviews have noted that the infotainment system can occasionally feel a bit less responsive than those found in some competitors.
• Charging Infrastructure: While the all-electric range is commendable, relying on the PHEV system effectively requires access to charging, whether at home or at public charging stations. The charging speed from a standard 120V outlet is quite slow, making a Level 2 (240V) home charger highly recommended for practical overnight charging.
• Overall Performance vs. Dedicated EVs: While the PHEV powertrain offers a good balance of power and efficiency, it may not provide the instant, exhilarating acceleration that some buyers might expect from a vehicle with significant electric motor involvement, especially when compared to fully electric vehicles.

Overall Summary

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a strong contender in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment, offering a refined and capable package. Its impressive all-electric range, standard S-AWC, comprehensive safety features, and a significantly improved interior make it a practical and attractive option for families and individuals looking to reduce their fuel consumption without sacrificing utility. While the third row is best suited for children, and some competitors might offer slightly more cutting-edge infotainment, the Outlander PHEV delivers a well-rounded and efficient ownership experience.