Mitsubishi was the first to offer a three-row compact SUV plug-in hybrid over a decade ago and after a much-needed major over-all in 2023, it has remained largely unchanged with the electrified plug-in market now swarming with competitors.

Outlander is the flagship SUV for Mitsubishi and like every 2024 Mitsubishi model, it now gets two years free maintenance – a growing industry-wide benefit luring buyers worried about reliability.

Outlander PHEV has a top reliability score, a top customer and best service rating, top crash safety scores and is Mitsubishi’s fastest and most powerful 2024 vehicle.

It has been the worldwide leader in its category with sales in more than 60 countries, globally totaling roughly 300,000 units at the end of 2022.

Our test-drive was the seven-seater Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC, slotted above base ES, SE and below the top Platinum trim (new for 2024) - all have all-wheel drive and use the same hybrid set-up reaching an impressive 248 horsepower and 332 lbs-ft. of torque.

Our test vehicle

Our SEL added a $2,700 Premium package, plus three lesser priced options for red diamond paint/black roof, welcome package and tonneau cover for a total of $4,095. A black edition is available.

Three-row plug-in hybrids offer larger cabins, potential federal tax discounts as companies face federal deadlines for reducing gas emissions and increasing fleet mileage.

Electrified vehicles offered this year include Lexus, Mazda, Volvo, Lincoln, Toyota, Kia, Ford and Nissan.

But the Outlander PHEV can hold its own with extraordinary good looks, performance power, competitive pricing when similarly equipped, a cushioned ride and surprisingly good handling for a two-and-a-half-ton vehicle more than 15 feet long.

The PHEV exhibits a solid stance, with an aggressive bifurcated front grill, bright silver roof rails, high wheel arches and tasteful chrome around windows, headlights and windshield plus spiffy-looking wheels. Aside from PHEV-badging, it mimics its gas-only sibling.

The PHEV uses a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that also charges with regenerative braking as well as plug-in charge capability good for a battery-only range of 38 miles.  When needed, the gas engine pulls extra power from the battery and sends it to the front and rear motors creating S-AWC, Super All-Wheel-Control.  

Six drive modes are used to match driving conditions plus modes for battery charging and conserving power. Home charging takes 6.5 hours with a 240V home charger, Mitsubishi says. Outlander uses the same platform as the Nissan Rogue.

The test drive

We enjoyed a decently cushioned ride on a recent 500-mile round-trip with excellent grip and precise handling and zero range anxiety using the gas only engine and mild regenerative battery charging.

Driver safety aids were cutting edge with adaptive cruise control, surround cameras, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert with camera, etc. Mi-Pilot assisted semi-autonomous driving.

Voice recognition was excellent, although we were shown once on the Heads Up Display a brief erroneous speed limit (30-mph on a 65-mph highway) and when using navigation twice the first turn alert notification suggested the wrong turn direction but self-corrected as we got closer.

Inside, the cabin boasted quality materials, augmented by tan and black leather trim.

Quilted leather-appointed seats were comfortable in the spacious first two rows with massaging and heated front row seats. Third row is tight but when folded, cargo area is more than ample.

There is an eye catching digital 12.3-inch screen on the left and a

9-inch elevated infotainment touchscreen on the right with Mitsubishi Connect, smartphone apps, etc.

There are chrome touches, quilted door pads and piping on seats and dashboard materials for a luxurious vibe.

BOSE audio was clear with minor tire thrum at higher speeds. Towing muscle is 1,500 pounds.

Overall review

LIKES: No range anxiety, rich technology, posh/spacious cabin, driver safety aids, looks, free maintenance

DISLIKES: No spare tire, scrunched third row, minor technological glitches, road thrum

BOTTOM LINE: Reliability, performance and family comfort make the Outlander PHEV stand out in crowded field.

Car fact file