2019 Outlander PHEV reviews and what we know

[Grigou]

A better one I hope : http://news.hybridlife.org/essai-du-mitsubishi-outlander-phev-2019-revolution-silencieuse
I am the author !
Sorry, another French one ...

 

[Woodman411]

A better one I hope : http://news.hybridlife.org/essai-du-mitsubishi-outlander-phev-2019-revolution-silencieuse
I am the author !
Sorry, another French one ...

Thanks, posted. MY2019 looks good in silver, especially with the newer silver trimmings, including the wheels.

 

[TallPaul]

New 2019 Phev turned up this morning. Have been driving a 1st gen 2014 GX3h since Oct 2014.

Upgraded to the 4HS this time and other than the new toys on it a few observations after a short drive - town driving up to 40mph.

Driving dynamics felt greatly improved. Don't know if the facelift 2016 version benefitted from this but the steering feedback is much more responsive and direct - they've definitely taken out some of the vagueness from the 2014 version. Driving over uneven road surfaces also seems to be improved/smoothed out.

Did a run on mix of electric/petrol and engine seemed quieter - don't know if that's insulation or the new 2.4l unit. Responsiveness and power delivery felt greatly improved. The new electric motors have a noticeable difference, more torque, faster power delivery and generally quicker - this is a pretty fast car now. Played briefly with the sport button and whilst not sure it's needed it did up the power/responsiveness even more. Will take it for a spin on a 70mph road later today and see how the engine revs now and whether it's quieter at speed.

Seats - Still no lumbar support but the seats themselves feel much more comfortable. Much better general support then the fabric/faux leather version on the 3h and the side bolsters have a nice support to them too.

Can't comment too much on the interior changes as only had the base version previously but quite like the centre console, not sure how I feel about not having a "proper" handbrake but sure most cars are going that way. Dark roof lining on this model does make it a bit darker in the back of the car but not too much and think it looks better than the cream lining in the old version. Only immediate niggle I don't like is the positioning of the USB cable (again not sure if this is same as earlier models as not a feature on the 3h) but the USB in the centre console has been removed so you have to use one under the heating control area of the dashboard. Means you have to stand the phone in the drinks holder or run a cable up the centre of the dashboard to screen mount the phone.

Just first impressions but pretty positive so far - will take it for a longer run at speed later

 

[ChrisMiller]

A further French review (very positive):
http://www.auto-mag.info/essais/essai-mitsubishi-outlander-phev-4wd-my19-2019
I think we're past the point where new technical information is forthcoming, but the photos are interesting, particularly the slightly modified controls around the 'gear lever'.

I think I will pop into my local dealer for a test drive.

 

[Woodman411]

New 5H and 5Hs trims for Europe, gaining Nappa leather, rear heated seats, and interior LED mood lighting:

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mitsubishi/outlander/93777/mitsubishi-outlander-phev-boosted-with-flagship-5h-and-5hs-trims

 

[ChrisMiller]

Oh great, it's got 'mood lighting'! That must be worth a few grand of anyone's money. /snark

Hey, Mitsi, what about some actual light from a sunroof, as is available in other countries?

 

[Woodman411]

GKN has removed the multi-mode eTransmission case study link: https://www.gkn.com/en/our-divisions/gkn-driveline/case-studies/2016/multimode

There are only passing references to it in their news-releases here:

http://www.gkndriveline.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2015/extremely-testing-environments
http://www.gkndriveline.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2017/gkn-driveline-to-demonstrate-market-leading-innovations-at-auto-shanghai-2017

What does this mean? I initially thought that it was not being developed anymore, but it is: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2018/01/20180122-gkn.html

If I had to guess, under Nissan's control, GKN is no longer the supplier for the upcoming Rogue and consequently Outlander PHEV. They have to know by now since development of the all-new models due around 2021/2022 are already well underway. Since the Outlander was prominent in the case study, it would make sense to discontinue references to it. It's telling that in a recent Youtube GKN advertisement, there is Jeep, Ford, Jaguar, Volvo, BMW, and Porsche, but no Mitsubishi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al0NoRSyIdQ

Nissan currently uses Aichi Machine Industry as its eTransmission supplier, chances are Mitsubishi will too: http://www.aichikikai.co.jp/en

 

[Woodman411]

Back in 2017, when the Outlander PHEV was introduced to the USA market, Mitsubishi boasted that the mpg-equivalent rating and electric-only range will beat any existing plug-in hybrid crossover (at least 56 mpg-e and more than 18 miles of pure-electric driving): http://www.autonews.com/article/20171023/OEM05/171029941/2018-mitsubishi-outlander-phev

For MY2019, the Outlander's WLTP rating has improved to 45 km/28 miles. But this now pales in comparison to Mercedes announcement of a WLTP-rated 100 km/62 mile range for its upcoming GLE PHEV, due in the second half of 2019, more than doubling the Outlander's electric range: https://insideevs.com/mercedes-benz-gle-plug-in-hybrid Due to its premium pricing over the Outlander and its upcoming PHEV competitors, it is highly doubtful they will be able to match or get close to this range. It will be fascinating though to see the electric-specs and price that Hyundai, Ford, Subaru, and Jeep will bring to the SUV PHEV table within the next year.

 

[Woodman411]

I neglected to mention VW's entry into the SUV PHEV segment, the 2020 Atlas Cross, which should start production at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA plant in October 2019: http://newsroom.vw.com/vehicles/vw-atlas-cross-sport-concept-launches-the-atlas-family

This SUV size-wise will be similar to the Outlander PHEV, since it will be smaller than the existing Atlas model but larger than the Tiguan. Sporting an 18kw battery and 26 mile range, the question will be what type of ICE will be coupled to it. If they decide on the 3.6-liter V6 FSI, performance will blow the Outlander away, but pricing would certainly be well north of $40,000: https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/03/atlas-cross-sport

Ideally VW would give a choice of either 4 or 6 cylinder ICE's, and that the 4 cylinder version would be in the same price range as the Outlander PHEV.

 

[ThudnBlundr]

So you're saying that brand new designs with the latest technology will perform better than a 2013 design. Amazing - what will they think of next?

I guess Mitsubishi might as well just quit now...

 

[Woodman411]

So you're saying that brand new designs with the latest technology will perform better than a 2013 design. Amazing - what will they think of next?

I guess Mitsubishi might as well just quit now...

Sorry I should have elaborated more: I was saying a phev suv coupled with a high-powered 6 cylinder would push the Atlas Cross to a different class than the Outlander, both in performance and price. If this does materialize, it would sit between the Outlander and Mercedes GLE, around $48,000-$55,000. A 4 cylinder option would see it possibly in the high 30's or low 40's, at least overlapping somewhat with the higher trim Outlander. Or they might go the Passat route (USA market) and go really downmarket, pricing in the low to mid 30's. I guess we will find out same time next year.

 

[Woodman411]

First pic I've seen with MY2019 side-by-side with the OG 3rd-gen, the greenhouse and belt-line remain identical, with the front fascia as the biggest differentiator:
View attachment Screen Shot 2018-10-29 at 6.09.17 PM.jpg

 

[bounderboy]

Great one here... CarWow have finally reviewed MY19 version ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J4O6nZ3V5E

 

[Woodman411]

Great one here... CarWow have finally reviewed MY19 version ..

Thanks, OP updated. Looks like the MY2019 updates were enough for Matt to improve his recommendation, before he gave MY2018 a "Consider" rating, now he gives it a "Shortlist" rating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCJEJrB20Tg

 

[ThudnBlundr]

I'd not seen the "humping" behaviour at 6:40 - it looks funny but must be quite frustrating till you realise what it is

 

[Woodman411]

While on the subject of new Outlanders, 2nd-gen Outlander PHEV due around 2021/22 will target 80-100km [50-62 miles] of all electric range, potentially doubling the current-gen range: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/mitsubishi-committed-future-phev-development

 

[Woodman411]

2019 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV, marketed as Crosstrek Hybrid (even though it is plug-in), will have about 25 miles/40 km of all-electric range: https://insideevs.com/2019-subaru-crosstrek-hybrid-phev-range

 

[ThudnBlundr]

While on the subject of new Outlanders, 2nd-gen Outlander PHEV due around 2021/22 will target 80-100km [50-62 miles] of all electric range, potentially doubling the current-gen range: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/mitsubishi-committed-future-phev-development

Our 22kWh Zoe only shows a range of 65 on the GOM in winter, so getting a 2-ton SUV to the same range would be good :mrgreen:

 

[gobiman]

Interesting comment in Autocar on next gen model.
In my view, they need to get on with it and stop whinging about the loss of purchase incentives from the UK government.
This car has been around since 2013 ,was way ahead of its time and hit the performance/price sweet spot given that the oppo are only just catching up. Just been looking at the Citroen offering due next year with "a 30 mile range" - a bit late to the party.
However, difficult to avoid the conclusion that Mitsubishi are resting on their laurels/ maximising profit rather than pushing ahead with a more efficient 70 mile replacement.

 

[Woodman411]

Interesting comment in Autocar on next gen model.
In my view, they need to get on with it and stop whinging about the loss of purchase incentives from the UK government.
This car has been around since 2013 ,was way ahead of its time and hit the performance/price sweet spot given that the oppo are only just catching up. Just been looking at the Citroen offering due next year with "a 30 mile range" - a bit late to the party.
However, difficult to avoid the conclusion that Mitsubishi are resting on their laurels/ maximising profit rather than pushing ahead with a more efficient 70 mile replacement.

The Nissan takeover probably delayed the 2nd-gen Outlander by about 1-2 years. Anyway, doubling EV-range *and* maintaining same price points - I would be impressed with that, and it looks like that is what's coming.