2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Ford Escape PHEV | Plug In Hybrid Faceoff

[@crazylala2003]

I have been very pleased with my 2023 Outlander PHEV so far. The advantages is the proven powertrain reliability, very good build quality, interior materials, a lot of luxury features at lower trim levels (mine is an SE Tech which has pano roof, power folding mirrors, and 360 camera), good EV only power, overall upscale feel, and unique presence on the road. Although the 3rd row is small, it is one of a kind. Anyone 5’-4” or shorter will fit just fine in the 3rd row.

[@spacebound1969]

I can't speak to the other stuff, but in terms of reliability the escape will also do very well as the motor generator system that it uses is crazy reliable. That's why you see older Ford Escape taxis and Prius taxis racking up hundreds of thousands of miles.

[@plemieux84]

I love our 23 Outlander PHEV. It outperforms the EV range and the mpg. We hover around 70 mpg and average around 1400 miles between fill ups. It won Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the year in 2023 too!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I'd like to see the Ford Maverick plug-in hybrid. I think that's the best bet

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@CandycaneBeyond A friend of a friend had engine failure less than 3 months on his hybrid Maverick - google their reliability, multiple recalls already

[@stefanbololoi7110]

The efficiency on the Escape is amazing: I’m getting anywhere between 75-80 km ev range on a full charge from March till November in the city driving; on highway at 100-110 km/h about 66 km!

[@TheKevinsweets]

Pp

[@dwadd7528]

66km is about 40 miles.

[@kristop3r]

Loving my 2023 Mitsu phev. Need a bigger 2nd vehicle so can't wait to see if they share this powertrain in a Pilot or Pathfinder with better range than the CX-90.

[@curiouszac411]

Did a trip- 3hrs with a 2023 outlander phev to the snow with 6 adults and luggage.Granted the person at the back was 5ft1 but anyone 5 ft 4 or bleow can sit there with everyone moving their seats accordingly.Good option to have.

[@KO-sx9uy]

I'm a long time Toyota owner and only owned a Mazda 3 otherwise - the Outlander PHEV blew the Rav 4 prime away in interior, tech, space, and handling (0.75 g skidpad is a joke). I liked the Tucson/Sportage but the forums are full of engine/hybrid failures and the Outlander still beats them in handling and acceleration and range (my best is 43 miles EV only and I get 31 mpg on hybrid mode). Drive one and you'll see why it's the best in the class. Globally the Outlander PHEV has sold more than 300k units since it came out in the early 2010s - far more than the Rav 4 and reliability likewise has proven to be superior. I bought mine cash, ($47.5k out the door fully loaded with the EV rebate for leases) the first new car I've ever bought just to show you how much I like it. Drive one, you'll see why. The AWD system is derived from the Lancer Evos with Yaw control - blows away every competitor in the class with a 0.85 g skid pad and rear bias (I can drift my car) and it handles better than my Mazda 3 did stock (crazy grip).

[@naveenthemachine]

Good choice. Toyotas overrated and boring anyway with mediocre build quality and subpar fit finish that makes Tesla FCA GM etc look better

[@Natethegreat200c]

Should have gotten out the Toyota showroom a long time ago. All the things you mentioned that were better on the outlander are better on mostly all cars Toyota compete with. Glad you finally see

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Natethegreat200c haha yeah, it was hard for met to escape the Toyota cult (owned 4 so far), I did like the Prime's acceleration but that was it - everything else was subpar even compared to the Hyundai/Kia's. Never drove the Ford though cuz a friend of friend had a Maverick hybrid with an engine failure in less than 3 months.

[@frankdeboer1347]

Your Outlander is quite different from the new one as it is based on a Nissan platform and not the Lancer platform.

[@iBike2Live]

Nice to know! I’m very surprised by this vehicle, truth be told. That front GRILL, though! Ouch. 😮Maybe I’d get used to it?

[@skycaptain3344]

Owned a 2023 Ford Escape PHEV in the top trim (sold it for a Mach E recently which I love). Quick review: - Outstanding speaker system - Great turning radius, easy to drive - Electric range was about 31 miles around 80F and maybe 20 miles in 30-40F. Plugging in at home was a breeze - Averaged about 39mpg - Cabin was loud - Back seat comfortable for visiting parents - Great storage with seats folded down - Weird rattle from back right corner I could never find (read something to do with inflow air for cabin) - Folding heads up display wasn’t very useful - Powerful headlights, loved the light bar - Looks better than RAV4 (I truly thing the RAV looks like some ugly mutated Jeep) Overall conclusion: I liked it, but the highest trim is not worth it unless you really want the speakers and leather seats. At the end of the day it’s a $29k Escape underneath. At the highest price point, though not a PHEV, either a Mach E or Lincoln Corsair are a better bang for your buck.

[@GHinWI]

A lot of hybrid Escapes (mine included) had an issue with rear shocks that would rattle. Fixed under warranty.

[@dwhall256]

Alex, I appreciate your coverage of PHEVs. My Volt is 12yo, doesn't even feel like it's reached its half-life, and I'm going to drive it until it's dead. I bet we'll all have jetpacks by then.

[@amitgupta-rv1sh]

Yeah volt is such a great car! My buddy had it for like a decade - ho bought it used. He used to complain about it loosing power in the hills and then few months later it had startup issues- at that time he sold it. But until then he loved the car..!!!

[@TheCapn23]

The Volt was ahead of it's time! It's a shame GM discontinued it when they did, right before PHEVs really took off.

[@toyotaprius79]

GM was profoundly stupid for killing to Volt and Voltec drivetrain, and the Bolt.

[@toyotaprius79]

​@@amitgupta-rv1shsounds like cooling trouble

[@toyotaprius79]

​@@TheCapn23GM is profoundly stupid, not just for killing the Volt and Voltec drivetrain, but also the Bolt and EV1.

[@kubi0461]

I just wish they'd rip out the 3rd row and give more storage on the Outlander. That's just about the only thing that holds me back. Even though it's not the most efficient phev, that electric drive feel is appealing as is a 20khW battery to do power things with when not driving.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@kubi0461 You can remove it

[@mrmozart41]

@@KO-sx9uy Yes, you can remove it, but it's a rather involved procedure. You need to remove some trim pieces, then loosen bolts with a 14mm extended socket, unplug the 3rd row passenger sensor and add a jumper so it doesn't trigger a seat belt warning, and finally you need 2 (or more) people to lift the seats out - they are heavy! Don't ask how I know...

[@CL-nj3zs]

​@mrmozart41 it's a one time thing so it's ok.

[@Monk7uvi]

Outlander PHEV is best SUV here, space, power & overall everything. This comparison isn't an ideal

[@reddog907]

If Mitz made a five seat PHEV it would sell like hot cakes , my money is on the Mitz even though some aspects are in the negative, I live in Southern Alberta so we get the snow , great review. Thank you

[@TheCapn23]

I'm rooting for Mitsubishi, hope they can make a comeback!

[@JohnFromArlingtron]

I don't know about the west coast but Mitsubishi dealers are scarcer than RAV 4 Primes here in the DC metro region

[@KO-sx9uy]

I have 4 in 30 mile radius of me in So Cal.

[@TheCapn23]

I rarely see them in Missouri. They're out there but certainly not one in every town like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc.

[@WhoDeanyUnchained]

I like the Mitsubishi cockpit set up. The center screen size is just right, especially with how it pairs with the instrument cluster and HUD. I think people really under-erestimate the real world value of having quick access buttons and switches. I would much rather have a button to change the driving mode, for example, instead of navigatng through a larger screen to make adjustments. I think it's more expensive to manufacture with more buttons, which is why many automakers are cutting those corners by increasing the screen size and adding menus

[@AndLin-qb6cl]

I got a Ford Escape PHEV several months ago. It was fully loaded, basically about as expensive as an Escape PHEV can be, with an MSRP over $49,000 USD. But including the federal subsidy, I got over $9,000 off. For my purposes, the vehicle is almost perfect. I'm still on the original tank of gas, having relied on the electric motor for the overwhelming bulk of my miles. I'm coming from a Ford Focus, so it certainly feels like a step up, sizewise (and my family is not tall, all well under 6'). I personally don't even like trucks or SUVs, so the streamlined styling is much preferred versus the aggressive, bulky look of the Outlander and even the overly stylized Korean twins. I'm not going to argue that the Escape PHEV is better than a Rav4 Prime objectively. But for the money it arguably is. In my view, the Ford Escape PHEV is an extremely well rounded plug-in; that actually may be one reason why it tends to rate in the middle or lower in critical PHEV comparisons; car reviewers are drawn more towards superlatives. Also, to anyone who gets a PHEV, I would strongly recommend splurging for a level 2 charger. It really helps maximize utilization of the electric motor. Also, to anyone who does get an Escape PHEV, play with the sport mode sometime. It really does feel like a different car.

[@faheemabbas3965]

I’d personally wait for the updated Outlander that’s going to be revealed soon. It has a bigger screen and more EV range.

[@flowerdealer]

From all I've seen the newest 2025 is exactly the same, just minor changes, at least in Canada.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, It has taken a very long time but I finally found something nice to say about the Outlander. It appears to have a genuine 40/20/40 second row.🥳🥳

[@Johnny_Socko]

The efficiency of the Escape is impressive, but the delta between it an the Outlander was less shocking once I saw the two vehicles parked next to each other. The Outlander pretty much dwarfs the Escape, so that explains much of the difference. I also agree that the Outlander's interior is nicer. My mom has the previous-gen Escape Hybrid, and I was disappointed at how tinny it sounded & felt on the interior. Ford has improved the styling, but it looks like the materials quality is still meh. I do like how series hybrids (like the Outlander) feel to drive, but they are unfortunately less efficient than some other types of hybrid drivetrains.

[@gregcoad9153]

That’s an insane price. I got the exact same configuration without the sunroof, in Canada for $53k CAD (~$38k USD). Federal Government rebate of $5k brought it to $48k CAD (~$35k USD). The only RAV4 Prime that makes any sense to compare to is the top trim with all options. RAV4 Primes are almost impossible to get in my part of Canada though but even if I could have gotten my hands on one I would have been looking at no less than $63k CAD ($45k USD). For the extra $15k the RAV4 Prime gives me a small infotainment screen that looks like it belongs in a 2012 model vehicle, interior trim that feels more appropriate for a taxi cab, FUGLY Star Wars exterior styling, and 8 km more electric range. Could not make that math work. Too bad you didn’t have the battery charged up for your test drive. It’s a totally different vehicle to drive in EV only mode.

[@RomanM803]

The outlander looks the best the Toyota looks basic like a Toyota and the ford looks well like a rental car like a ford.

[@Qrail]

Thanks for this review, Alex. I have a Ford Fusion Energi that is comparable to the Escape. Efficiency is why I own it. On a recent trip between Sacramento and Boise, I showed 5.6 miles per kWh, in EV mode, and 63.4 mpg in Hybrid mode. Average speed 60.6 for 9 hours. Since I have a PHEV, I am hated by the Tesla fanboys, and the gearheads. Oh wait. I do have an Audi A3 eTron it’s also a PHEV.

[@alwaysawn9110]

I’m not sad to see the escape be discontinued if they put the plugin hybrid system in another vehicle. A version on the bronco sport or maverick would make sense, I just don’t see it being awd also especially as they share the chassis

[@goostrey4210]

We are in the market for a Phev suv and have an appointment at a Hyundai dealer tomorrow where we might get a Tucson. I appreciate that the Mitsubishi is a great option but I’m afraid I simply find it looks too blingy for my taste, with its busy creases and masses of chrome. The Tucson and Sportage are both beautiful in my eyes (I actually prefer the latter, unlike you I think Alex) but we want a light interior and there are none available in the Kia. I would love a Phev Bronco Sport as that car has a tiny footprint which would make it ideal for parking.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@goostrey4210 I wanted a Tucson and liked the Sportage - but if you look on the owners forums they have a lot of catastrophic failures - also you can't run them pure EV like the Outlander (the engine comes on a lot vs being able to do EV only mode in the Outlander) and the range is only 34 vs 40-50 miles in the Outlander (I've gotten 43 but people have hot 50). I was waiting for the Rav 4 prime, Tucson PHEV and CX90 PHEV but each lacked something that the Outlander provided (for the cx90 phev and the Koreans it was reliability).

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@goostrey4210 Research more about the reliability of the Koreans

[@frankdeboer1347]

Between these two, I'm going Escape all the way as I'm looking for efficiency rather than AWD, and that little third row seat seems pretty useless in nearly all circumstances. If the RAV4 was available I might go for it, but I would be going back and forth quite a bit and might still choose the Escape.

[@e.s.5271]

Do not make a choice before driving both. Outlander phev drives like a luxury SUV. Their electric efficiency is not kich of a big deal if you have solar.

[@reserva120]

They sell hundreds of Mitsubishis every year!

[@oommenthms2728]

23:25 Gas mode - EV mode in flat 60s in the Escape, hope Mitsubishi works on the software to fix the issue 👍🏻

[@barryw9473]

Toyota does not want to sell BEVs or PHEVs, thus scarcity.

[@ruffmadman]

The Ford looks nice on the outside, but even sitting inside one for just a few minutes in an uber, it really feels like a penalty box. Plastic parts like the interior door grab dont seem to lock together. More like overlap/abut.

[@baldheadlogic]

I would like to see a Bronco PHEV 4WD.

[@michaelgarvin8621]

Good comparison and great information on both these vehicles!! 👍👍

[@panameradan6860]

I see lots of RAV4 Primes here in Massachusetts, often several a day. These other two PHEVs in this video are much more rare … Volvo PHEVs are also very common here …

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@panameradan6860 I've seen more Outlander PHEVs in Socal which is strange

[@cowboytx26]

“In an interesting twist, The Outlander provides more torque in the rear motor”. I see what you did there. Well played😂

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks! 👍

[@panzer_TZ]

I'm sure their dealerships get the job done, but most Mitsubishi dealerships barely look a step above Joe Dick's Auto Sales with the blow-up air dancer.

[@dwadd7528]

at least they are relatively honest/

[@zsedcify]

Retail for a 10kWh lithium battery is now ~$2000 . . auto OEM's would pay way less . . . so why is MSRP of PHEV 's more than $10k higher than their hybrid cousins? It's time for OEM's to start treating PHEV's as a high-volume option (on mid-sized pickups?) at a lower price point, not a niche product for rich folks.

[@timquirk7551]

Good video, chapters would really help.

[@noblecollins9549]

The outlander PHEV is the best selling PHEV in Canada and it's completely worth every penny

[@jayhiggins5239]

Escape with snow tires.

[@timdsd]

I'd like to see Ford bring out a Bronco Sport PHEV. I'd take an Escape PHEV over the Outlander PHEV, mostly because I like the smaller size. I've driven the Kia Niro PHEV and quite liked it. Given all the choices in this segment, I'd choose the Niro PHEV.

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Bronco and Mavs need to be made as PHEV. These car Co's should make more PHEV!

[@RichardJoashTan]

I am glad that I will buy a fully loaded 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV anyway because I agree that the Ford Escape PHEV will be axed for good.

[@RigiLiquid945]

that 3rd row is just stupid, I'd rather take 2 cars than use that one.

[@AlejandroArchila1]

Mitsubishi ❤️😎

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Mitsubishi is more luxurious and more capable with Mitsubishi’s flagship AWD technology.

[@toyotaprius79]

Can we all point out the Absurdity that Ford has a hybrid pickup (Maverick, non plugin) for a few years now and the likes of Toyota or Nissan haven't bothered at all?

[@MistSoalar]

Do Outlander owners use DCFC often? I haven't owned any flavor of PHEV, but I thought the point of the drivetrain is to trade DCFC hassle with ICE hassle.

[@nevco8774]

Not only you are correct but I can add a point: by using CHADEMO DC "fast" charging in a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the owner can outrage fully EV owners of Nissan LEAF, Kia Soul EV, Mitsubishi MiEV, who depend on that CHADEMO. It is known that at any charging station it might be at most ONE CHADEMO equipped plug.

[@mrmozart41]

I own a '23 Outlander. Never used that silly Chademo socket!

[@wlyanderson]

@@mrmozart41 Actually use mine once a month or so. New adapters are available to takes advantage of CCS style fast charge

[@pbwmanagement]

Escape for the easy win. Forget about the Outlander.... it wont operate in cold weather

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

We need to give you more $$ so that you can buy several PHEVs and compare them long term. That's what I think is missing a bit from reviewers - the ability to have long termers to see what is like to live with cars.

[@Snafu2346]

Its a shame about the rav4 prime, such a pleasant car sold through some of the worst buying experiences you can possibly experience. Still 10,000 over sticker here in Texas.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Snafu2346 yeah and a lot of Toyota dealers have bad customer service, another reason I didn't want to get another Toyota.

[@sandyhunter3948]

My Outlander gets 50 to 55 miles on ev only.

[@eyce9000]

If you put the Mitsubishi in Eco mode and EV mode it will not automatically kick on the engine except for heating

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It still does if you press on the accelerator too far, command high output for too long, or use the regen paddles while the battery is over ~50%

[@wlyanderson]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Regen paddles over level 2 at anything over 65% charge will cause the engine to turn on

[@NomenClature-o8s]

Before you buy the Outlander, go to a Mitsubishi dealer. Visit the service center and service advisor….make up your mind if it seems like a professional environment or not. Then do the same at Toyota.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

The Mitsubishi Outlander is doing about 80 km on electric power alone, there's no way the Escape is doing so much with 11.3 kWh battery.

[@albertpaquette7329]

Actually, I own a 2021 Escape PHEV and I regularly get 80 km on a full charge.

[@albertpaquette7329]

The battery is 14.4 kWh

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

@@albertpaquette7329 but how? Is it FWD?

[@albertpaquette7329]

@@nikolayrayanov2895 Yes, it is FWD, but I never climb snow-covered mountain trails, so it doesn't affect me, other than the fact that I don't have to haul around the rear wheel drive hardware. I've never had any problem dealing with snow.

[@drausiohermannpachecoleal1135]

Normal range is about 70 to 75 KM but I have done 87KM on EV only in my Escape.

[@kyolml]

Is it just the Outlander really not effiecit? I don't recall other serial vs parallel hybrid deficiency being that much? Accord vs Camry Hybrid wasn't being that much difference in gas milage

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@kyolml I got 30.8 mpg in hybrid mode on a recent road trip going 70 mph on the freeway

[@wlyanderson]

@@KO-sx9uy I regularly get 35+MPG in hybrid mode I usually drive 65, same thing happened in my Nissan Frontier, 65 MPH got me 21 MPG, 70 MPH got me 16MPG

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@wlyanderson yeah I notice after 65 mpg drops a lot. Im in an area where 65 is slower than the flow of traffic most of the time so that’s why I do 70

[@Rioichi4]

I have a 2020 Outlander, non-electrified. I love it, but I dont think it would be worth it to trade it in for an Outlander PHEV, which is honestly sad. Edit: I did the math. For myself, being able to make it to work and (almost) back on electricity only, plus the 3-4 long road trips I take a year where I wouldn't charge, almost any non-plug-in hybrid would actually be better than the Outlander PHEV. (I'm looking at a Sorento Hybrid)

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Rioichi4 I got 30.8 mpg Hybrid only on a recent trip - return trip I saved the EV till the last leg and got 66 mpg. I liked the Koreans I test drove but the long term reliability is spotty if you check out the owner forums

[@louisebrown2887]

I have a 2024 Ford escape hybrid plug in and I can tell you I get 73 km when charged

[@admpendragon-bu3by]

Where would you put the Mazda CX 9 PHEV compared to these? I know its quite a bit more expensive, but I'm looking for a 7 passenger capable vehicle in the Hybrid/PHEV segment.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@admpendragon-bu3by It's trash - 6 major recalls first year and only gets 26 miles EV. I'm a Toyota guy with my last car a Mazda 3, was waiting for the CX90 but go on the forums and a lot of owners have problems within a few months.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@admpendragon-bu3by There's a youtube video comparing the two and the Outlander's power train is more refined (cx90 has rough transition between ICE and EV). Not to mention the cx90 phev has had 6 major recalls in the first year, go on the owners forum and a lot had failures within a few months.

[@ThorMaxx]

You no longer own the Mistu…so when were these videos shot?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The day before it was sold 😂

[@ichinichisan]

April 30th, according to the infotainment screen. 13:36

[@TheCapn23]

The Bronco Sport is much better looking. My understanding is the Bronco Sport really cannibalized Escape sales for that reason. Wish Ford would offer the hybrid in the Bronco Sport.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@TheCapn23 problem is it's a Ford

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

I'd be the idiot with 17's and on/off road tires on the Outlander with a Shogun bumper sticker on it. 😂

[@dtay8913]

Not trying to be funny, but do people still actually buy Mitsubishis?

[@KO-sx9uy]

yes, I'm a long time Toyota owner and only owned a Mazda 3 otherwise - the Outlander PHEV blew the Rav 4 prime away in interior, tech, space, and handling (0.75 g skidpad is a joke). I liked the Tucson/Sportage but the forums are full of engine/hybrid failures and the Outlander still beats them in handling and acceleration and range (my best is 43 miles EV only and I get 31 mpg on hybrid mode). Drive one and you'll see why it's the best in the class. Globally the Outlander PHEV has sold more than 300k units since it came out in the early 2010s - far more than the Rav 4 and reliability likewise has proven to be superior. I bought mine cash, the first new car I've ever bought just to show you how much I like it. Drive one, you'll see why.

[@gbgary]

I'm bewildered too!

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@gbgaryHave you driven an Outlander PHEV? If not you can't say anything, it blows away EVERY competitor in refinement, handling, space and interior. I bought mine cash and I've only owned Toyotas and one Mazda - the Rav 4 was trash in comparison in handling, build quality, tech and interior.

[@naveenthemachine]

Mitsubishi is underrated. They deserve attention

[@kenkozawa9810]

I see quite a few Outlanders in AZ, I don't mind them. Family friend got a RAV4P, I think it is great but it was pretty pricey so there is a market if you want something cheaper.. I personally wouldn't take a chance on a Ford..

[@peachlandtaxi919]

The escape's wheelbase is too short its a bit bouncy imo

[@QuantumEX]

It is called timestamp. Come on, Alex!

[@allensoofian7632]

These two are not even comparable, a mid-size four-wheel drive Mitsubishi vs FD Escape a small SUV.

[@emoney1231]

I think the Outlander has some amazing features, but it ultimately feels too compromised as a PHEV.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@emoney1231 It's not, drive one. I got 30.8 mpg on a recent road trip and a best of 43 miles EV (some people get 50-55 miles).

[@jenesuispasbavard]

I think Toyota hates money. I'd gladly pay $5k more for the RAV4 Prime over the Escape plug-in, IF I COULD FIND ONE.

[@Carlostheaggie]

Easy choice, RAV4 Prime.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Carlostheaggie nope, bad interior, bad noise levels, bad handling

[@Carlostheaggie]

@@KO-sx9uy lol okay

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Carlostheaggie driven either?

[@Carlostheaggie]

@@KO-sx9uy yes, not the Outlander but the rest yes.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Carlostheaggie drive the Outlander, blows the Rav 4 away in refinement, handling, cargo space, interior. I like the Tucson/Sportsge also but their interiors and the EV range was less than the Outlander’s, not to mention the forums full of horror stories.

[@rjbachner2619]

I like the Outlander but it is too fracking big. I like the look of the escape, it is not so big but it is a Ford. I drive a car till it dies, I expect 10 years minimum out of a car and you wont get that will the ford, or so the internet would have you believe. I want something the size of the taos but not made by VW. What I really want is the new version of the 2014 Rondo I am driving now.

[@Mike-bi7kb]

i bought an Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint PHEV EAWD instead of either of these ones. Looks better, handles better, fits in my garage better, and is almost as efficient. Glad i did.

[@sam-yau]

Two very interesting PHEVs in the space with some fatal flaws. Wish the Escape got AWD like the new Maverick hybrid. Meanwhile, the Outlander has a pretty respectable AWD system, yet has no option for a spare tire, and no option to replace the practically useless third row for a spare. The Mitsubishi also desperately needs to redesign their drivetrain for efficiency. The hybrid MPG is simply brutal.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@sam-yau I got 30.8 mpg on a recent trip on hybrid mode - granted that was mostly highway with 1/6 city but I saved the EV mileage for return trip - combined got 66 mpg. My best EV range was 43 miles so far but people have hit 50.

[@richardjleisner5589]

Ford Escape.

[@nevco8774]

That's pathetic, the charging speed for both PHEVs on level 2 EVSE. On contrast Chrysler Pacifica eHybrid PHEV on level 2 charges at 6.6 kW making fully charged battery in less than 1.8 hours. We bought a Pacifica after watching this channel. It has usable 3 row seats for ADULTs. It is excellent on very long trips. AWD in Mitsubishi is a niche feature for Colorado, Canada snow. Otherwise it is a very overpriced, featuring an useless third row, inefficient, slow charging PHEV. Ford is useful due to efficiency.

[@LuvADuc]

AWD isn’t a niche feature. If it was why are Subarus so popular in the PNW and the New England area?

[@nevco8774]

@@LuvADuc In Pacific North West we found that proper snow tires in FWD cars are sufficient. AWD4WD might be needed living on top of the mountain. That is a niche.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@nevco8774 Level 2 is fine for me, I charge it off peak hours when I'm sleeping

[@dougr5809]

“Elegant” should never be used to describe Ford vehicles… but especially when referring to the Escape. Otherwise, another informative and entertaining video 👍🏼

[@GHinWI]

What an utterly pointless 3rd row-that thing is taking up cargo space and it’s not even usable. Anyone who needs to seat that many passengers would be way better off with a minivan

[@Johnny_Socko]

The third row on my 2018 Outlander has seen occasional use for my kid (and sometimes a friend) for six years. She's only just now becoming a little too tall for it, but clearly it has been the exact opposite of "pointless" for us.

[@GHinWI]

@@Johnny_Socko : …but you’d still be way better off with a minivan.

[@Johnny_Socko]

@@GHinWI I agree, but a minivan won't fit in my tiny urban garage, which is why I had to seek an alternative. I miss the days when minivans actually came in different sizes.

[@barryw9473]

Chademo is disappearing and mostly useless for most PHEv drivers in the USA anyway - most of them who charge (a significant portion of PHEV owners do not charge their cars) charge at home or at work.

[@keyner111]

Mitsubishi all day everyday.

[@stevenalexander403]

G'day it's Steven from down under It astounds me that in North America people are unfamiliar with Mitsubishi Motors when the rest of the world has embraced this marque for several decades. There are too many accolades and legendary Mitsubishi vehicles to list here however the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a pioneering vehicle first introduced in 2013 and is the world's most popular PHEV SUV. People really need to take scandal ridden, overpriced and overrated Toyota off their default settings. I'm not sure how this comparison is fair, the Ford is smaller overall, is not All Wheel Drive, is slower than Outlander, has a less sophisticated PHEV system, has a comparatively down market interior, doesn't have the +2 rear child seating, has a much smaller battery capacity, and is likely less refined too, and the list goes on and on. Also would North America please join the rest of the world a go metric, the metric system was initially introduced in 1968 for goodness sake. Also here in Australia all new Mitsubishi vehicles come standard with a ten year warranty and the Outlander PHEV's official mileage I believe is at 1.9 litres and pure electric range of 85 kilometres which i understand may increase to 100 kilometres in the soon the be released midlife update. Its extremely clear to me and others that the Outlander PHEV is the obvious outright winner in this comparison, and No i do not work for Mitsubishi Motors and nor do i own a stunning Outlander PHEV, however I've spent a lot of time in one and i couldn't fault it.

[@ingmarm8858]

I've just ordered a highly optioned Outlander Exceed PHEV here in Canberra. I think it's going to be a winner and with 10yrs warranty with this pedigree I'm not touching the unproven Chinese brands.

[@stevenalexander403]

@@ingmarm8858 CONGRATULATIONS!

[@ingmarm8858]

@@stevenalexander403 thanks mate

[@pryme2013]

Ford is making all of their vehicles very soft and feminine now.

[@Rioichi4]

Ford, give us AWD pls

[@rovert1284]

Decided against a hybrid and just went ICE. No spare wheel is a problem, but overall the complexity of adding a battery/electric drive just didn't seem worth it. I know the Toyota hybrids have good reliability and service, don't know about the rest. Swore off Ford after my experience so that simplifies my preference out of these two.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@rovert1284 there's space in the rear for a spare if you remove the OEM under tray in the Outlander

[@Ryanstuff]

I can never look past that hideous Ford logo

[@TheKevinsweets]

P

[@Timmayytoo]

PHEVs will continue to be a small niche of the market until the entire industry stops thinking of them as a "plug-in hybrid", and instead thinks of them as "extended range EVs" and triple the EV range. A recent study found that a significant majority of PHEV owners rarely bother to plug in their plug-in hybrid.

[@frankdeboer1347]

Anyone with a garage would be plugging it in. If you don't have a garage then don't get a PHEV.

[@Qrail]

That is an old survey.

[@steveterrel8944]

Drove both... The outlander is as rough riding as being on a skateboard... And the Escape, cheap plastic overwhelms and the road noise is unbearable.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@steveterrel8944 Did you drive the PHEV? It’s a lot softer than the regular version.

[@steveterrel8944]

Of course I did.... Did you drive it? I will wait for their new Outlander next year... Which even Mitsubishi said would have a much smoother ride... Hmm, even the manufacturer knows it's a skateboard rickety ride☺️

[@Natethegreat200c]

I’d just go for a hornet RT PHEV. The rav is underpowered, too expensive and it’s old!

[@insainllama]

The hornet is so overpriced though and the reliability is a huge concern.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@Natethegreat200c I researched this for like ten minutes and people had engine failures within a month. It does look good though!

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@KO-sx9uy where is that at? I’m in Facebook groups and the only issues are electrical which are solved by software updates.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@insainllama it’s not. The hornet starts at 30k. For 268 horsepower AWD 10.1 inch screen , digital gauge cluster all standard. STANDARD. the PHEV starts just over 40k. 380 LB-tq in that model. That’s not overpriced at all. You’re quoting FULLY LOADED hornets which nobody is forcing you to buy. There are lower trims. You choose to ignore them. Everything comes standard at 30, there’s no reason to load a hornet. As for reliability, you’re programmed to say that bout a dodge but trust me there is NO concern about dodge reliability. I live in Detroit and 20 year old dodges are a very common sight. Rather it’s a stratus , a caravan , a ram or a first gen Durango, dodge proves itself when you LOOK outside. I’ve had a few friends of mine buy darts because of me telling them too and they are stellar. I own two Chrysler 200’s and only have had one expensive issue with the AWD system in the second one. Most of my immediate online buddies have darts/ 200’s , and I’m in Facebook groups for all Chrysler vehicles and have done reliability polls for these cars. People who OWN them don’t have “concern”. It’s you outside people who have never owned a dodge that have concern. Some do have issues, just like any car.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@insainllama everything you say you’re just quoting other people. None of it is fact.

[@jsac3939]

Mazda and Toyota make the better plug in hybrids

[@KO-sx9uy]

They don't - watch head to head comparisons, I owned only Toyotas and my last car was a Mazda 3 - was waiting for the Rav 4 prime and the CX90 PHEV: the Rav 4 prime has bad quality interior and handling while the CX90's hybrid system and engine and unrefined with engine failures within the first year (6 major recalls in the first year alone). I wanted a Tucson/Sportage PHEV but they also proved unreliable, so I bought the Outlander PHEV and it literally blows them away in every category - didn't consider the Ford because a friend of a friend got a hybrid Maverick that had engine failure in less than 3 months. I got a best of 43 miles EV - matching the Rav 4 prime and the CX90 only gets 26 while the Koreans only get 34 - the handling and interior are the main reasons why I got the Outlander PHEV though, it's the top in refinement and material and the AWD system is based off the Lancer Evolution rally car (pulls the highest skidpad numbers and is rear-biased).

[@jsac3939]

@@KO-sx9uy the Outlander does look nice on the inside and I believe you on the handling. It is definitely an impressive option, and I hope it forces Toyota to step up its game in these areas. For me efficiency and reliability are more important than handling and interior. I would probably still go for the Toyota over the outlander but the price is soooo steep!

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@jsac3939 yeah for me I’m about handling, the Rav 4 prime is fast and the best efficiency but I couldn’t get over the handling (All my cars have been sporty handling). If I just wanted a commuter the Rav 4 prime would be my choice, but the interior and handling are what tipped the choice for me. Reliability is probably the third factor for me also - the Hybrid system and engine of the Outlander have been around since the early 2010s and have proven reliable (they’re not Nissan).

[@keyner111]

Nope, that transmission in the Mazda is rough! Not as good as the Mitsubishi, Toyota wise the AWD System on the RAV4 is bad, front wheel drive biased plus the wheel braking is really bad.

[@tonyn3227]

None of these 2 options are any good. They're overpriced and poor quality.

[@KO-sx9uy]

@@tonyn3227 Have you driven either?

[@e.s.5271]

We test drove both multiple times. We have 2 fusion phev vehicles. We went with outlander phev fully loaded for the rebates driving comfort spacious interior and amazing warranty.