Battle Of The Plug-in Hybrid Suvs: Ford Escape Phev Vs Mitsubishi Outlander Phev – Which One Reigns Supreme?

What To Know

  • The Escape PHEV features a modern and user-friendly cabin with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a premium audio system.
  • The Outlander PHEV boasts a refined and spacious interior with a user-friendly infotainment system, a 9-inch touchscreen display, and a premium audio system.
  • The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind and protection for drivers and passengers.

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on electric vehicles. In the realm of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), two standout models have emerged: the Ford Escape PHEV and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. These vehicles offer an exceptional blend of efficiency, performance, and versatility, catering to the evolving needs of eco-conscious drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into the intricacies of each vehicle, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique features. Whether you’re an environmentally conscious commuter or an adventure-seeking road tripper, this guide will help you determine which PHEV is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Performance and Efficiency

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV share a common goal: to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while minimizing environmental impact. Both vehicles utilize a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to achieve impressive performance and efficiency.

Ford Escape PHEV

The Escape PHEV boasts a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 221 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables the Escape PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 8.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest PHEVs in its class.

In terms of efficiency, the Escape PHEV excels with an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe in electric mode and a combined fuel economy of 44 mpg. With a 14.4 kWh battery pack, the Escape PHEV offers an all-electric range of 37 miles, allowing drivers to complete most daily commutes without using gasoline.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV features a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors, producing a combined output of 224 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers a spirited acceleration, propelling the Outlander PHEV from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, making it the quickest PHEV in its segment.

The Outlander PHEV boasts an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe in electric mode and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg. With a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack, the Outlander PHEV offers an all-electric range of 24 miles, providing ample range for urban commutes and short road trips.

Range and Charging

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer varying levels of electric range and charging capabilities, catering to different driving needs and lifestyles.

Ford Escape PHEV

The Escape PHEV provides an all-electric range of 37 miles, allowing drivers to cover a significant portion of their daily commutes without using gasoline. The vehicle’s 14.4 kWh battery pack can be fully charged in approximately 3.5 hours using a Level 2 charger or in 10-12 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV offers a shorter all-electric range of 24 miles, which may be sufficient for shorter commutes or errands. The vehicle’s 13.8 kWh battery pack can be fully charged in approximately 3.5 hours using a Level 2 charger or in 8-9 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer spacious and well-equipped interiors, providing comfort and convenience for passengers and cargo.

Ford Escape PHEV

The Escape PHEV features a modern and user-friendly cabin with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a premium audio system. The vehicle offers ample seating space for five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. The Escape PHEV provides 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 60.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV boasts a refined and spacious interior with a user-friendly infotainment system, a 9-inch touchscreen display, and a premium audio system. The vehicle offers generous seating space for seven passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. The Outlander PHEV provides 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety Features

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind and protection for drivers and passengers.

Ford Escape PHEV

The Escape PHEV offers a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also features a rearview camera and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV provides a similar array of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the vehicle offers a multi-view camera system for enhanced visibility and a heads-up display that projects important information onto the windshield.

Pricing and Availability

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are available in various trim levels, offering a range of features and pricing options.

Ford Escape PHEV

The Escape PHEV is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Titanium. The base SE trim starts at an MSRP of $33,295, while the top-of-the-line Titanium trim starts at $42,320. The Escape PHEV is available at Ford dealerships nationwide.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV is available in four trim levels: ES, SE, SEL, and GT. The base ES trim starts at an MSRP of $36,495, while the top-of-the-line GT trim starts at $45,895. The Outlander PHEV is available at Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide.

Key Points: The Ideal PHEV for Your Needs

The Ford Escape PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are both exceptional PHEVs that offer a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility. The Escape PHEV stands out with its longer all-electric range, while the Outlander PHEV offers more seating capacity and a slightly lower starting price. Ultimately, the ideal PHEV for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as your daily driving habits, the availability of charging infrastructure in your area, and the desired level of performance and features.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: Which PHEV has a longer all-electric range?

A1: The Ford Escape PHEV offers a longer all-electric range of 37 miles compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s 24 miles.

Q2: Which PHEV has a larger cargo capacity?

A2: The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a slightly larger cargo capacity of 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the Ford Escape PHEV‘s 60.8 cubic feet.

Q3: Which PHEV has a lower starting price?

A3: The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a lower starting price of $36,495 compared to the Ford Escape PHEV‘s starting price of $33,295.