by Aiden Eksteen
Mitsubishi has already announced that it would be debuting an all-new generation of the Outlander come the 2022 model year. The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is, therefore, the final entry in the fifth-generation, which was introduced in 2015, and is the only variant available in the latest lineup. The 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, which is strapped with twin electric motors for a combined 221 horsepower, provides ample enough power for typical city driving and the running of day-to-day tasks. However, it feels unrefined compared to engines found in the Outlander's closest competitors. This 4-door Outlander can also only accommodate up to five people, as the placement of its battery pack doesn't allow for the provision of a third-row of seats. With newer, more refined compact SUVs such as theToyota RAV4 Prime,Ford Escape Hybrid, andSubaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the Outlander PHEV SUV struggles to claim a top spot in the flourishing segment.
With a new model on the way, things could have stayed the same, but there have been some significant changes made to the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid for 2021 that significantly boosts its appeal, although the list of features remains unchanged. Mitsubishi has replaced the old 2.0L engine in the PHEV with a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit. This increases the power rating by 31 horses for a total of 221 hp, while the stronger electric motors increase the all-electric top speed to 83 mph. The electric range of the Outlander Hybrid SUV has also been increased to 24 miles, a small two-mile improvement. Other changes include the addition of a mid-range LE trim, additional Sport and Snow driving modes to make the most of the AWD system, and a larger battery pack that qualifies the crossover for higher federal tax credits than before.
See trim levels and configurations:
Under the massive hood of the Outlander PHEV SUV is the new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, which has been augmented with twin electric motors and a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The system generates up to 221 hp that is forwarded to the Outlander PHEVs all-wheel drive setup via a single-speed automatic transmission. Despite a slight improvement in overall performance, the new powertrain still feels notably unrefined and is definitely inefficient relative to rival cars in the classification. Nevertheless, it accords the Outlander PHEV with some decent acceleration responses and a handy 24-mile all-electric range. Charging will take around eight hours on a standard 120-volt household outlet.
不幸的是,尽管新的、更多的战俘erful engine, the 2021 Outlander PHEV still doesn't quite feel as polished or refined as its more contemporary competitors in the US. It's pleasant enough for driving around town but it's to no extent exciting and feels rather uneasy and top-heavy when turning. It's also not particularly fuel-efficient for a compact PHEV. Another downside is the fact that it can't be configured with a third-row of seats. Its 24-mile electric-only range is helpful but many rivals are capable of going further in their EV-only modes. With a spacious cabin, practical trunk, and top-notch safety rating and reliability expectations, the Outlander PHEV is still a good family cruiser. However, at the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In's price of $36,295, shoppers also have the renowned Toyota RAV4 Prime - a superior vehicle in just about every regard. If you're set on buying the Outlander, we'd recommend waiting for the all-new generation next year.
The entry-spec SEL comes with enough standard features for us to recommend it. Spending more money for the higher-tier trims only adds to the cosmetic and luxury side of things, and we feel the SEL has everything one would need in a car. This includes a modern and comprehensive infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, power-operated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The SEL even comes standard with a good selection of advanced driver assists including forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane change assist, and automatic high beam control. Equip it with the tow bar and it's accorded a 1,500-pound towing capacity.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
亨尼西
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
劳斯莱斯
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo