Electric vehiclesare changing the game because they’re incredibly efficient. They get far more mileage from their energy than gas-powered vehicles ever could.
But EVs have their quirks—mainly range limits and charging times. If you have acharger at homeand don’t drive long distances often, they’re easy to live with; otherwise, it can get tricky.
That’s whereplug-in hybridscome in, offering solid electric range for daily trips with gas backup for long hauls. If you want an affordable, family-friendly SUV that nails this balance, one standout PHEV deserves a closer look.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and J.D. Power.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: The Most Affordable Three-Row Plug-in Hybrid
The2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVis one of the smartest buys in the plug-in hybrid market. Believe it or not, Mitsubishi is still in the game—and their electrified powertrain packs a punch with solid all-electric range and respectable fuel economy once the battery runs low.
But there’s more to thisSUVthan just efficiency. It offers strong performance, comes standard with all-wheel drive, and surprises with an interior that feels a lot more upscale than you might expect.
Starting Under $43,000—a More Budget-Friendly Choice Than the Pacifica or Sorento PHEVs
The Outlander PHEV offers solid value for its price. The base ES model kicks off around $42,480, including destination fees, while the fully loaded Platinum Edition still comes in at a reasonable $52,480.
Compared to other family-friendly PHEVs, that’s a competitive deal. For example, the2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybridstarts around $53,000, and the2025 Kia SorentoPHEV EX AWD tops $49,000 with fees included.
Room for Seven With Versatility Built for Family Life
The Outlander PHEV pulls double duty for families with a flexible, fairly roomy cabin. It seats up to seven, though the third-row bench fits two small kids comfortably—not so much adults back there.
That third row shows up in the regular Outlander too, but with a different design. The standard model has a split-folding seatback, while the PHEV’s is a single piece that folds into a floor well—likely a clever workaround to make room for the battery pack.
Designed for Electric Driving, Built for Real-World Use
This plug-in hybrid SUV is surprisingly practical for everyday use. Its all-electric range is solid, but what really stands out is the total driving range—youcan go about 420 mileson a full battery and gas tank.
Realistically, you’ll probably need a break long before the Outlander does. It’s perfect for those who want electric efficiency without worrying about running out of juice on longer trips.
About 38 Miles of Electric Range—Perfect for School Runs
This SUV packs a hefty 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, giving it an estimated 38 miles of all-electric range—pretty impressive for daily driving. That’s just a mile shy of theFord Escape PHEV, though the Escape is front-wheel drive only.
TheToyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybridstretches the electric range a bit further to 42 miles, but the difference isn’t huge. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Outlander lags behind, with 64 MPGe on electric power and 26 MPG on gas, while the Escape and RAV4 post much higher numbers.
The Outlander charges up to 80 percent in about 38 minutes, which is pretty quick for a plug-in hybrid.
The catch? It uses a CHAdeMO fast-charging port—a connector that’s becoming harder to find in the U.S. as the newerNorth American Charging Standard (NACS)takes over.
On the bright side, it still has the standard J1772 port for everyday Level 2 charging, so topping up at home or public chargers is hassle-free.
Seamless Switch to Gas Power on Longer Trips
Under the hood, this SUV packs a 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine that keeps things running smoothly. But the real magic comes from its two electric motors—one sits at the rear axle, delivering that standard all-wheel drive for better traction and control.
248 HP
332 LB-FT
0–60 MPH
6.6 Seconds (Car and Driver)
Fuel Economy (Combined)
64 MPGe
The Outlander PHEV packs a combined 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, giving it plenty of pep. That power gets this family SUV from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 6.6 seconds—significantly quicker than the non-hybrid version, which takes about 8.2 seconds.
Flexible Design Built With Families in Mind
This SUV steps up its family-friendly game with a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen. If you go for the SE trim or higher, you get an even bigger nine-inch infotainment display.
Safety is a big focus here, too, with a solid lineup of driver assistance features like:
Small Enough for Tight Spots, Big Enough for Adventures
Even with three rows, this Mitsubishi stays surprisingly easy to drive and park. With a wheelbase of 106.5 inches and a total length of 185.4 inches, the Outlander PHEV is just a bit longer than the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and the Escape PHEV—making it roomy but still manageable.
Third Row Seating and Cargo Space That Work Together
The Outlander PHEV can seat seven, but what about hauling your gear? Mitsubishi says there’s 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 64.7 cubic feet with the front row folded—solid numbers for a midsize SUV.
Interestingly, they don’t provide a cargo figure for the space behind the third row, which leaves a bit of a mystery when all seven seats are in use.
A Hybrid That’s Easy on Your Wallet for Maintenance
TheOutlander PHEVcomes with a solid warranty that shields you from surprise repair costs. You get a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee to keep you covered.
On top of that, there’s a two-year/30,000-mile maintenance plan and five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance. Mitsubishi’s generous coverage helps keep expenses down and gives you serious peace of mind.
Everyday Driving Made Cheaper Thanks to EV Power
While it might not top the charts for efficiency, this plug-in hybrid SUV still holds its own when it comes to saving you money. The EPA estimates it could help owners pocket about $1,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car on the road today.
An Affordable Option That Stands Out in the PHEV SUV Crowd
The Outlander PHEV might not match the fuel economy of the Escape or RAV4, but it offers third-row seating that those two don’t—and the Ford lacks all-wheel drive, too.
Pricing-wise, the Ford starts just under $39,000 with delivery, a bit cheaper than the Mitsubishi, while the Toyota RAV4 sits a few thousand dollars higher, starting above $46,000 with fees included.
