I drive many cars, but none have served me so well in my daily endeavors as did the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid this week. Whether driving to work and taking my daughter to school on electricity, or setting sail on the Interstate to see my grandmother, the big crossover did it all with panache and proficiency.
A thirteen-percent larger battery pack (20 kWh) has real world benefits, raising electric range from 38 miles to over 45 miles. That’s enough for most people’s daily endeavors. It’s also pretty quick to replenish: Fast charge 0-80% in 29 minutes, 6.5 hours on a 240v home charger. Or, if you can’t be bothered, the 2.4-liter gas engine fires up to extend driving coast-to-coast without ever touching an outlet and while enjoying 27-MPG.
But those are just the numbers. In daily driving, the electric powertrain is near silent, whisking the big crossover away in a wisp. A combined 297 horsepower and dual-motor all-wheel-drive provide spirited acceleration even with four people and their luggage aboard. On my way to see my grandmother, the battery finally gave up its last electrons. I could only tell from the tachometer coming alive in the instrument cluster.
That cluster is housed in luxurious interior that embarrasses many luxury crossovers, starting with front diamond-stitched leather seats with heat, ventilation and massagers. The steering wheel and rear seats are heated too. Crank up the 12-speaker Yamaha auto system, lounge beneath a twin-panel sunroof and conjure your phone through an intuitive 12.3-inch screen. Connect wirelessly via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and console charger. Three-zone automatic climate control gives rear passengers their own setting. Stitched soft surfaces adorn doors, dash and console – all very lush.
In theory, there’s a third-row seat to carry a couple of extra passengers, but by the time it’s erected from its floor cubby, real adults would have to stow their lower limbs to fit. A couple of kids might sit there on the way to a birthday party or weekend gymnastics class, but barely. With the seat stored behind the power hatch, there’s a cavern of space for luggage, and with the middle-row folded, ample space for a bicycle, stroller or IKEA haul.
Safety is enhanced by automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, adaptive cruise with lane centering and a rear camera mirror to see out the back no matter the people or cargo occupying space between.
Sitting in my driveway, the front looks like a bougie Viking with its angled black grille, stacked LED headlamps and black lettering, but expresses more of itself broadside with 20-inch gloss black wheels, black roof, and bright upturned rear windowline. A black roof spoiler, lower bumper and lettering glorifies the rear. I think it’s a sophisticated looking wagon with sporting design, but the front may not be everybody’s idea of elegant.
The pretension of sportiness goes away the instant you toss the Outlander into a corner. Crossing wide open Interstates on the way to my grandma’s or rumbling over rough city streets, the ride provided wafty isolation as it floats over the road, but twist the chassis through curves or road heaves, and it weaves and bobs like an old-boat luxury car. OK, it’s not that bad, but it’s no sport wagon. It is quite comfortable, though, so props for that.
The Outlander PHEV serves as an EV in everyday life, travels efficiently on gasoline and arrives looking like a fresh-faced luxury crossover. I wouldn’t encourage backroad shenanigans, but it is a very comfy ride. It also provides good value with the Outlander starting at $29,995 and PHEVs rising from $43,245 to our Black edition’s $57,475. Competitors include the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid, Mazda CX-70 PHEV, Toyota RAV4 PHEV and similar Nissan Rogue PHEV.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
