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 2021 Tesla Model Y's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. Currently the Tesla Model Y has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 15 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Quick and agile Spacious, comfortable seats Good cargo capacity
Cons No physical controls for vehicle functions Poor cabin assembly quality Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not available
Introduced, and then discontinued, Standard Range version.Seven-seat configuration now available.
Pros Plenty of range Stunning acceleration, especially from the Performance model Convenient Supercharger network for long-distance driving Roomy seating front and rear
Cons No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration Performance model's overly stiff ride Optional third row of seats is barely usable
Other than the introduction of an optional pair of pop-up third-row jump seats, we aren't forecasting any major design or technology upgrades for the Model Y this year.
Pros Peppy electric powertrain, spacious cargo hold, cutting-edge technology features.
Cons Chassis isn't as taut as the four-door Model 3, fit-and-finish needs polish, too reliant on the touchscreen for simple vehicle settings.
