2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle is new for 2018. Power comes from the combination of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors for a combined output of 197 horsepower. The motors are separated at the front and rear axles, which Mitsubishi says instantly supplies torque and makes the standard all-wheel-drive system more responsive.

Drivers can choose between three drive modes to optimize power or efficiency. In EV Drive Mode, energy is supplied exclusively by the battery; Mitsubishi says this mode is best for running errands. EPA-estimated electric-only range is 22 miles on a full charge.

In Series Hybrid Mode, the engine engages if the battery is depleted, but it doesn't drive the wheels. Rather, the engine charges the battery and powers the electric motors. 

Lastly, in Parallel Hybrid Mode, the Outlander operates like a traditional hybrid with the engine driving the front wheels and the electric motors assisting.

Powering the motors is a 12-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor in between the front and rear axles. The Outlander PHEV has five seats, and Mitsubishi says the battery's placement does not reduce passenger space. Non-plug-in Outlanders have seven seats standard.

Charging the battery on a standard 120-volt outlet will take around eight hours, or around four hours on a 240-volt outlet or charging station. For faster charge times, the Outlander PHEV comes standard with DC fast-charging capability, which reduces charge time to around 25 minutes for 80 percent capacity.