Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Torture tested in the Flinders Ranges! | Auto Expert John Cadogan

Torture testing the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid EV in the Flinders Ranges, SA.

Mitsubishi says the Outlander PHEV is "rugged ready" - but it rolls off the production line with no spare tyre. In this report I investigate the feasibility of touring the Australian Outback - responsibly - in a vehicle of this nature. Can it (literally) handle the heat, and what do you have to change to do this safely?

This is also the first time I have ever driven an electrically-driven AWD system off road. Is it better, or worse, than ICE?

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[MitsubishiMotorsAustralia]

John, thank you so much for taking up our offer and putting the Outlander PHEV to the test. We truly appreciate your willingness to showcase what the vehicle can do.

[petercraig]

Mitsubishi seems to be one of the most genuine car companies in Straya. The fact a realist like John hasn't bashed them, speaks volumes.

[SomethingRandomChannel]

I’m 3mins in and just the fact that Mitsu has given John a honest crack at their vehicle is enough for me to consider it already.

[quentinstacy]

Mitsubishi has a great reputation for building vehicles that can handle some rough terrain. Nine outright wins in the Paris-Dakar with the Pajero is legendary. Risky move, letting Australia's most critical automotive journalist drive it and speak his mind. Well done to all involved.

[MrRodgerMoore]

Respect to Mitsubishi for approaching you and being willing to do this experiment.

[mini_steve]

Only 3 minutes in and I may jump the gun here, however I think it's brave and and rather remarkable a big company like Mitsubishi has allowed you to test it without censorship. Kudos to them, wish there was more of it from car companies.

[ianchalklen]

I’m very impressed that Mitsubishi supported you in what was an open and honest review of their vehicle. Other manufacturers could/should learn a lot.

[twinrotors]

This is a solid review, stress test. The company has earned my respect for submitting to this adventure!

[peterbrockman]

Well done to Mitsubishi Australia for being so transparent and offering this test. Likewise thanks John for your honest, unadulterated opinion. Clearly the lack of a spare wheel, jack and wheel brace as standard items is a huge obstacle for those intending to purchase the vehicle to use in remote locations. Not just off-road. One would have to think that would be a deal-breaker. This vehicle appears to be another urban soft-roader for the 'It will never leave the asphalt' group of 4 wheel drivers. I'm not sure enough boxes have been ticked by these hybrid 4 wheel drive vehicles yet to get them taken seriously in remote locations off-road just yet.

[MrAidenaiden]

Wow I am seriously impressed
Love my triton but the outlander is very impressive
Mitsubishi Australia well done

[shadowminister]

I'm pleased that Mitsubishi reached out to you and made this video possible. I'm not inclined to go 4WDing; it's highway driving for me. I do however have family who live on farms, down some pretty ordinary gravel roads and the thought of not having a spare, even around town or on the highway, would stress the crap out of me.
Strapping a spare behind a cargo barrier is, I guess, a work-around solution, one at least work considering.
Thanks for the video

[bcme]

One of best car video reviews I have seen. Even the no bs from the Mitsu boss, Shaun Westcott, about the car, target, the Simpson trip etc - refreshing to hear. I won't be selling up my diesel 4x4 anytime soon for the trips I do, but I can see this SUV will appeal to alot of people.

[atsugnam]

Thank you for this review, have a new phev myself and was waiting to see what it would be capable of before risking mine. Very realistic and fair review, was impressed with the performance.

[elliottflowers]

I've owned one for 6 months, and so far it has been great. Perfect around the city and does a decent job towing the camper trailer into some remote areas

[walterk]

Very sensible and informative. I've had a Mitsubishi phev for 6 years and its never let me down. We upgraded to the latest PHEV in September so that towing our camper van was effortless. Very happy.

[charleslander]

Kudos Mitsubishi, well done Cadoges. More like this please.

[decayofalberta]

I’m no EV fan by any means, but this vehicle really impresses me with the driving system. The SWC it’s really a very good system. I had a 2010 outlander before and it was an amazing vehicle. The SWC was was a good system then. I actually think a hybrid is a better option then a EV and would consider one if I was in the market for a new vehicle. Thank you for the great video.

[hatman]

Sounds like Mitsubishi slowly figuring out how to take hyped up technology and deploy it in a way that makes practical sense for real people. I wonder where it will go from here.

[Measuretwicelad]

Congrats MM Australia, you would do well by potential future customers by putting out less of the ridiculous wanky commercials that EVERY car manufacturer does, more of this type of genuine gloves off testing such as this video, also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a car manufacturer CEO getting in front of the camera lens, during a test, as I witnessed watching this. Well done JC👍

[TheTonySRich]

I must admit that is is refreshing and not just a little surprising to see a car company put it's money where it's mouth is to prove the ability of their product