Used Guide: 2018-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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This month, Mitsubishi celebrates 20 years in Canada. For many of those years, the Mitsubishi Outlander nameplate was a staple product. When the first-generation Outlander PHEV launched for model-year 2018, it went on to become Canada’s best-selling PHEV model. If you’re considering a used one, the information below, and linked elsewhere on this page, should prove valuable.

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Last year, I prepared this 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Used Guide to provide shoppers with a few useful means of detecting potential problems and concerns reported by some long-time owners.

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In it, I advised used shoppers to pay close attention to the paint finish, transmission operation, maintenance, and warranty standing on the used Mitsubishi Outlander they were considering, and to have a technician inspect the vehicle carefully for signs of fluid leaks.

I also glossed over a few points to consider for shoppers opting for the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Below, I’ll expand on those points and offer a few more for PHEV-curious Outlander shoppers to consider ahead of their purchase.

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EV AWD

Some PHEV vehicles come with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but can only power all four wheels if their engine is running. This type of PHEV is capable of all-electric driving, but only in two-wheel drive. On wintry drives, this means drivers need to decide between maximum traction and maximum efficiency.

The Outlander PHEV is not one of these models. Its PHEV driveline can power all four wheels whether (or not) the gas engine is running. With all-electric AWD, used Outlander PHEV drivers can enjoy all-electric commuting with all-wheel grip in the snow.

Model year matters

The first-generation Outlander PHEV hit Canadian dealers in January, 2018. Trim grades at launch included the SE S-AWC, SE S-AWC Touring Package, and GT S-AWC. AWC stands for All Wheel Control, Mitsubishi-speak for All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

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A model-year 2019 update added exterior updates to the grille and wheels, interior enhancements including a rear-seat USB port and illuminated power window switches, and improvements to the vehicle’s suspension, sound damping, and structure which helped turn in a freshened look and a more comfortable drive.

If you’re keen on connectivity and the car audio experience, consider a model-year 2020 or newer unit, which added Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an improved stereo system that delivers improved audio performance without the space-eating trunk-mounted subwoofer from earlier models in this generation.

The 2021 Outlander PHEV brought a new powertrain to market with an all-new engine, bigger battery, more powerful rear motor and more standard driver assist features. For PHEV shoppers, the big news is the upgrade from a 12 kWh battery to a 13.8 kWh battery and improved motor output. Drivers get about 30 kilometres of all-electric range from stored power on units with the 12 kWh battery (2018-2020), and about 40 kilometres of range from the upgraded battery that came online for 2021.

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Note that these figures are approximate, and can vary widely depending on multiple factors, including temperature. Your results will vary. All said, the new-for-2021 powertrain and battery / motor combo bumps system output to 221 horsepower — an increase of 31 versus a 2020.

Battery warranty

The Outlander PHEV included a 10-year or 160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty, as well as a 10-year or 160,000 kilometre warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack.

Though some hybrid and PHEV owners report battery trouble; the vast majority do not. Here’s an online discussion where a potential buyer asks the owner’s community to share their key problems or issues. Two pages of owners chime in, most reporting that their Outlander PHEV ‘never missed a beat’.

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Fast charging

The Outlander PHEV is the only PHEV in Canada that can use a fast-charging station.

Designed to rapidly refill the batteries in all-electric cars, the Outlander PHEV’s compatibility with this type of charger gives owners the ability to fill an empty battery to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, perhaps while shopping for groceries or stopping for a lunch break on a road-trip.

Filling the battery at home on a Level 2 charger takes about 4 hours. Many owners prefer to leave their Outlander PHEV connected to a standard 120-volt outlet whenever their vehicle is parked at home or at work, which results in nearly continuous trickle charging.

Remember that charging is never mandatory in a PHEV like this one, and that drivers need only plug in when it’s convenient to do so. As long as there’s fuel in the tank, you’re good to drive.

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Charging gear checkup

Determine which (if any) charging gear is included with the vehicle you’re purchasing, and then proceed to use that equipment to start a charge on the battery. Check all cords and connectors for damage, wear, burn marks, tears, bent prongs, and the like. Carefully inspect the charging door and charge port beneath, ensuring that the charge port opens and closes as expected, and that the charge port itself doesn’t show any signs of melting, scorching, or other damage.

Sometimes, use of a non-compatible or un-approved charging cord or connector can cause expensive damage that’s not covered by warranty, so be sure to use only approved, quality charging cords and connectors in good condition.

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If you have difficulty starting the charge, remember that a variety of micro-switches within the charge port and charger handle need to be engaged for the process to start. Ensure the charger is fully seated, and that it clicks into place firmly, when you plug it in.

Battery care

Keeping a few things in mind can help drivers maximize the life and performance of the battery in their Outlander PHEV.

First, if you’ll be parking your Outlander PHEV for an extended period, remember not to fully charge or empty the battery pack beforehand, as this can negatively affect the battery lifespan over time. Some owners prefer to store their Outlander PHEVs with the battery about half full, though specific storage instructions can be found in your owner’s manual.

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Second, note that a complex cooling system is at work beneath the vehicle to help manage battery pack temperature during driving and charging.

In some situations, this cooling system relies on the Outlander’s air conditioner to help reduce battery pack temperature. Failing to properly maintain the cabin air filter in a vehicle is a leading cause of air conditioner performance issues, and can negatively affect the performance of the Outlander PHEV’s battery, too. In this way, making sure you’re always running a fresh and clean cabin air filter can help ensure consistent battery performance (while making the AC more reliable, too!)

Final Thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test-drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand 2018-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.