r/OutlanderPHEV

I've had my eyes on the outlander PHEV for many years, simply because there aren't many options that is a PHEV, SUV, and AWD. I've even helped 2 other friends buy their outlander phevs (just before the tax credits went away - $12k-$4k-$3k). I currently drive a 2010 Ford escape hybrid with 300k miles. I've been wanting to get a newer car (probably used, a few years old, 50k miles or less) and I can't commit to the outlander because of the cold start problem. I ski and ice climb, and often leave my car in -20f temps at trailheads. Or however cold it gets in CO/Montana/Canada. When are they going to fix this issue!!! Like, if there's a way to retrofit a fix Im desperate enough to do it myself!

Edit: I just read that the 2026 has battery preconditioning? So the cold start issue is fixed!?

I’m curious if other Outlander PHEV owners have experienced the same thing.

I have driven/have experience with a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-Edition with around 150,000 km on it. Even though it is 5-6 years old and has fairly high mileage, the PHEV system still feels very smooth and natural to drive.

I recently drove a Mazda CX-60 PHEV, and it honestly made me appreciate the Outlander PHEV system more.

I generally like Mazda. My grandmother has a 2019 CX-3 with the bigger petrol engine, 6-speed manual, sport exhaust, adaptive cruise, heated steering wheel and top spec. That car is genuinely fun to drive and feels very Mazda. So this is not meant as Mazda hate.

But the CX-60 PHEV felt much less smooth to me. At lower speeds and when gently getting back on the throttle, the drivetrain felt jerky and a bit clunky. It felt like there was some hesitation or lurching between the electric motor, petrol engine and transmission. The interior, equipment and premium feel were nice, but the drivetrain would honestly be a dealbreaker for me.

From what I understand, the systems are built very differently.

The Outlander PHEV feels more EV-based. It has a petrol engine, generator, front electric motor and rear electric motor. In EV mode, the electric motors drive the car. In series hybrid mode, the petrol engine mainly works as a generator, while the electric motors still drive the wheels. In parallel hybrid mode, usually at higher steady speeds, the petrol engine can drive the front wheels directly.

The Mazda CX-60 PHEV seems more like a traditional drivetrain with a 2.5 petrol engine, one electric motor and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It feels more like a normal automatic car that is also trying to be electric, while the Outlander feels more like an electric car with a petrol engine helping in the background.

What I find interesting is that Mazda’s solution sounds more complicated and potentially more expensive, but not necessarily smoother in real-world driving. I understand that the Mazda may have advantages in performance, towing, rear-biased AWD, interior quality and premium feel. But for everyday driving, the Outlander PHEV system feels much more natural to me.

It makes me think that Mitsubishi’s longer experience with PHEV systems really shows. Even an older Outlander PHEV with 150,000 km feels smoother than a much newer Mazda PHEV.

Has anyone here driven both an Outlander PHEV and a Mazda CX-60/CX-90 PHEV?

Did you notice the same difference in drivetrain smoothness?

Also, for those who have driven both the older and newer Outlander PHEV, does the newer generation keep the same smooth EV-like feeling, or is it different?

Hi all! Was looking for a toyota sienna for monthly camping trips for 2 adults and a baby but the prices are NUTS. I see the outlander might be a good fit and I would love a hybrid car. I dont really understand trims of cars, and I figured I would get the most basic budget version of the outlander PHEV. I currently drive a 2012 so I am NOT concerned with all the bells and whistles lol. However I was seeing the SEL offers a generator or something? I read something that it can be plugged in to ground power at a camping spot? I also understand the SEL comes with a more luxurious interior (which I do not care about) but if its the only way to get the ability to plug in, i would be very interested. Can you help me understand this? Thank you!!

From the bit of research I've done, it seems as though we have a 16A internal limit on our charging ports.

Now what I'm not sure of:

1: is the above statement even correct?

2: is there a different amp limit for levels 1 and 2 charging?

3: I currently only have level 1 charging. If I were to upgrade my breaker to 20A, would that allow the vehicle to use all 16A of its internal limit?

4: what is preventing it from pulling 16A if I only have the outlet on a 15A breaker?

Thanks!

I'm really struggling to choose my next car while my 2011 golf sportwagen is falling into pieces, so any help is much appreciated.

Here is my use case:

I live in Montreal and I use street parking, but there is a level 2 charger across the street (1$/hour). During the week, I barely use my car, maybe 2-3 times and less than 5km. But almost every weekend I drive 115km up north to my cottage where I can homecharge. And my 3 kids are still young so the extra 2 seats in the third row will be used regularly for friends and such.

I can find a 2023 outlander phev with 80000km for around 30k$ (CAD).

Nay or yay?