Is the Nissan Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?
Nissan does not make a plug-hybrid vehicle, but there are PHEV options from other brands that are comparable style-wise to some of Nissan’s popular SUVs.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Nissan
offered hybrid versions of several of its most popular models for years, but they have no plans to jump on the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) scene. If you’ve made your mind up about getting a PHEV, you may want to consider an SUV version like the Mitsubishi Outlander
, which is built similarly to the ever-popular Nissan Rogue
. As the majority of modern car brands develop a pathway to an all-electric future, many have introduced a selection of PHEVs. Nissan will not be introducing a PHEV into their lineup, but seeing as they debuted the all-electric Leaf way back in 2009 and are set to release a brand new EV, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that PHEVs aren’t really their thing.
If it’s your thing, that’s great! Because there are a lot of well-designed PHEVs available on the market right now that will make you forget you ever had your sights set on a Nissan PHEV. To guide you through this plethora of options is
Jerry
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.Does Nissan make a plug-in hybrid?
No. Since production on the Rogue Hybrid halted in 2019, Nissan has shifted focus to EVs as well as a unique hybrid powertrain system they call e-Power.
In the European market, e-Power is offered in a compact crossover vehicle called the Qashqai. Plans to roll out an e-Power Rogue in the US are still underway.
Nissan’s e-Power technology uses a partially electric powertrain to assist the internal combustion engine, which causes it to drive like an EV. But since it doesn’t actually plug in, it cannot be considered an EV or PHEV.
According to the top guys at Nissan, e-Power is a great segway to a real EV, and that’s definitely where Nissan is putting the bulk of its commitment. Nissan was one of the first automakers to create a mass market EV with Leaf, a compact hatchback that made its international debut in 2009 and US debut in 2010.
It’s been announced that Leaf will be phased out by mid-decade to make room for the all-new crossover EV, Nissan Ariya, which will be available in the fall of 2022. If you drive a Leaf and love it, you should definitely find the
best car insurance for this classic EV
. Pricing
If you’re firm on staying within the Nissan family but want to
drive (and insure) a green vehicle
, you’ll need to either consider the Leaf while it lasts—which has an MSRP of $27,400 for the 2022 model year, or wait until the Ariya makes its way to dealerships. All preordered reservations for the 2023 Ariya are currently closed, but the starting MSRP for this hot new crossover EV is $46,000. Let’s say you’re open to branching out and are into the idea of driving a PHEV that resembles Nissan’s top-selling Rogue. Experts agree that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is very close in body style to the Rogue but comes with the plug-in component and EV range you’re after. If you settle on purchasing the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the MSRP starts at $36,995.
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Performance and fuel economy
A huge part of the appeal of a PHEV is the improved fuel economy thanks to having a pure EV range that you just can’t get with a run-of-the-mill hybrid.
As far as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes, you’ll be pleased to know it gets up to 24 miles of pure electric range before it’s even necessary to engage the engine. The electricity and gasoline power combined make for a solid 74 MPGe. If you’re driving with gas only, the MPG reduces to a combined 26 MPG—not too shabby for a vehicle that comes standard with all-wheel drive and makes up to 221 horsepower.
It takes a good nine hours to fully charge the Outlander PHEV battery at 110 volts, but with DC fast charging available, you could get up to an 80% charge in just 25 minutes!
Maybe you’d prefer a PHEV that’s a little smaller in size but similar in price. The Subaru Crosstrek PHEV has a starting MSRP of $36,770. This outdoorsy little crossover has a fuel economy stat of 90 MPGe and a pure EV range of 17 miles. Plus it has a 240-volt battery that gives it some zip and takes just two hours to fully recharge.
You’ll likely cut costs at the fuel pump if you drive either of these PHEVs, but don’t forget to consult Jerry so that you can also save money on car insurance for the Mitsubishi Outlander or
insurance for your Subaru Crosstrek
—whichever one you choose. Exterior styling
PHEVs are keeping up with the times design-wise. The Mitsubishi isn’t quite as streamlined as more upscale PHEVs like the Lexus NX450H+—but a full redesign is anticipated for the 2023 model year. The Outlander is still a nice-looking crossover, but if you’re interested in driving something that stands out from the pack, this isn’t really it.
Looking over to the Subaru Crosstrek, it’s got a nice, sleek side profile and great 8.7-inch ground clearance that’s suitable for off-roading. The color choices are limited to just four shades—a marine-inspired selection of light blues and grays.
Interior and comfort
PHEVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Crosstrek have committed to making their interiors comfortable and versatile.
The Crosstrek features supple leather seats as a standard feature and the cabin is roomy for a vehicle of its size. Plus, visibility is excellent.
The Outlander PHEV does not come with a third row of seating like its gas-powered counterpart but is overall pleasant to ride in. The interior touches are more functional than luxe which is a bit of a letdown.
Technology
These days, many drivers view the presence of advanced tech features in a new vehicle as non-negotiable and car brands understand this.
The Outlander PHEV by no means drops the ball on tech features. Yes, there’s Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control, but the Outlander lacks such desired features as lane keeping function.
The Crosstrek has a similar set of entertainment and safety features but adds a lane-keeping assist. The Crosstrek is equipped with an 11.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, slightly out-measuring the Outlander's.
Warranty coverage
Most PHEVs come with warranties that cover major components of the vehicle separately.
Let’s go over what’s covered under warranty for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:
- Limited vehicle warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: ten years or 100,000 miles
- Battery and hybrid components warranty: ten years or 100,000 miles
Here’s what’s covered under warranty on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV:
- Limited vehicle warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid component warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles
Trim levels and options
There are a few different trim levels offered for the 2022 Outlander PHEV. They include:
When you opt for an upper trim like the LE, you’ll be treated to niceties like black chrome accents and an upgraded sound system. Top trip GT features a 1500-watt AC power supply with outlets and quilted leather upholstery.
As for the 2022 Crosstrek PHEV, the hybrid version is its own trim level. In addition to AWD and leather seating being standard fare, the Crosstrek also comes with hands-free entry and satellite radio.
The bottom line
Either one of these PHEVs are viable candidates to fill that Nissan PHEV-shaped hole in your heart. The Crosstrek may not have as much oomph as the Outlander, but overall its features feel slightly better in quality.
MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV
Let’s take a side-by-side comparison of some key specs of these two worthy PHEVs:
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid | $36,995 | 26 MPG | 74 MPGe | 24 miles | 4 hours | ten years or 100,000 miles |
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid | $36,770 | 35 MPG | 90 MPGe | 17 miles | 2 hours | eight years or 100,000 miles |
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