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 Infiniti QX50 puts handling atop the SUV priority list, but that's not as wrong as it sounds.The Infiniti QX50 has been around, in one form or the other, for a decade. It's still here thanks to strong fundamentals: there are bits and pieces of Q50s and 370Zs under its skin, and that gives it an engaging feel that's still head and shoulders above some its its key rivals. It returns for its 10th model year in just two forms, as the rear-drive QX50 or as the all-wheel-drive QX50 AWD.
Pros Sport-sedan handling Shape's still sleek A richly appointed cabin Supportive front seats Finally, a more usable back seat
Cons Cargo space behind the second row is small Engine noise No paddle shift controls Even with surround-view cameras, visibility isn't great
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 ranks 10 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Infiniti QX50 has a powerful V6 engine, handles more like an agile car than an SUV, and has one of the lowest base prices in the class. Many class rivals have better mpg ratings and more cargo space, however, and the QX50's design is getting a little stale, both inside and out.
Pros Powerful engine Low starting price Agile handling
Cons Poor fuel economy Subpar cargo space Aging design
With the 2017 Infiniti QX50, you get a driving experience that's more sport sedan than sport-utility. But the QX50 falls behind in other areas that are likely more important for a luxury crossover SUV. The QX50's optional 19-inch wheels are now available separately for 2017.
Pros Powerful standard V6 engine Responsive handling more akin to a sport sedan than a sport-utility.
Cons Limited cargo space That standard V6 engine is pretty thirsty All-or-nothing option packages mean you'll probably pay for things you don't want Dated interior controls.
