The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a company car tax marvel. Although it’s based on the regular diesel-engined version of the Outlander, this PHEV model is a petrol-electric hybrid, which means ultra-low CO2 emissions and low benefit-in-kind car tax. Essentially it can be driven by either its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, or its electric motors powered by its batteries alone, or a combination of the two. Those batteries can be charged on the move, or the PHEV can be plugged into the mains. As a result, against conventionally powered rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, the Outlander will potentially save company car taxpayers thousands of pounds in tax payments over their ownership. Because it can run on pure electric too, many people will be able to charge at home and travel to work and back using no fuel at all.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been revised to provide better driveability, better handling, increased fuel efficiency and, with the high-grade Exceed, all the safety kit you need.
Pros Country ride and bump absorption is now excellent Cabin retains a premium, yet value-for-money feel Seamless transition between power modes under all driving conditions
Cons Urban ride can be a little sharp at times Price has crept up, putting it even further away from regular Outlander No seven-seat option is an opportunity missed
The Mitusbishi Outlander PHEV is more than just a flag waver for plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is a marker in the sand for the Japanese car maker. Though the on-road experience may not be thrilling, the Outlander PHEV is very much the equal of other medium SUVs: comfortable to ride in, quieter than most traditional internal combustion competitors, and missing none of the space and flexibility that make SUVs so popular. Day-to-day running powered by electricity and the freedom to venture well beyond city limits on petrol power make the Outlander PHEV a flexible family choice, and the lack of oddball aero styling means there's no chance of being branded a fanatical eco-warrior - all of which makes the Outlander PHEV an enticing, if slightly pricey, prospect.
The 2017 Ford Expedition ranks 2 out of 6 Large SUVs. The 2017 Ford Expedition gives you three rows of roomy seating, and an available extended wheelbase model offers class-leading interior and cargo space. However, some competing large SUVs offer extra features and better fuel economy.
Pros Excellent cargo capacity in the EL model Spacious seating in all three rows Smooth ride Powerful engine
Cons Some low-grade materials in cabin
Old school is in session: The 2017 Ford Expedition teaches a few lessons to today's crossover SUVs with twin-turbo power, luxury-truck touches, and big towing and hauling numbers. The Expedition isn't just surviving, it's thriving. In 2015 it subbed in a whomping turbo V-6 for its V-8, gained an adaptive suspension and a new infotainment system, and slathered on a fresh layer of luxury touches. A decade or more past its last, serious redesign, the Expedition hasn't ever been better.
Pros Stronger, higher-mpg engine Should ride smoother and quieter than ever Good third-row space in EL model Plush King Ranch interior Drives smaller than it looks
Cons It's still an 8-year-old design Not easy to park, even with rearview camera Gas mileage has made gains, but not big ones
There are plenty of car-based crossovers to choose from these days. But there are times when you might want the capabilities of a beefy, traditional SUV. The 2017 Ford Expedition is one of our top recommendations in this segment thanks to massive passenger, cargo and towing capabilities. The 2017 Ford Expedition carries over with no significant changes.
Pros Roomy third-row seat Strong and efficient turbocharged V6 Easy-folding rear seats increase interior flexibility Tows more than similarly sized crossovers
Cons Undeniably bulky size makes it difficult to park (especially the extended-wheelbase EL version) Interior looks a bit dated.