Real driver reviews

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GSR

 

Victorian map

The journey

  Behind the wheel: Amelia and partner/passenger Jack  


Ready to tackle another journey, I was lucky enough to jump into the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GSR. This top-of-the-line model, with all the bells and whistles, made for a great ride as we tackled the 4 ½ hour drive from Melbourne to Coleambally.

Prior to 31 March 2025, PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) qualified for the EV exemption, meaning you could novate it for all pre-tax dollars, drastically increasing the savings. Unfortunately, the government has changed the rules, and PHEVs no longer qualify for the exemption. However, while that benefit has been removed, I'm here to show why a PHEV may still be a fantastic choice for you. With the standard novated leasing tax savings, plus the benefits a PHEV can bring to your lifestyle, it’s a great option if you're not completely ready to jump into an all-electric vehicle (also known as a BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle).








Taking it for a spin

For this adventure, we’re off to visit our farming friends in Coleambally, NSW. We hit the road and took off in EV mode. While the 84km range is optimal with braking opportunities, we hit the freeway, meaning there’s less chance to utilise regenerative braking. In reality, our EV range got us about 65km before it ran out. This was expected, but that's why we have the petrol tank to carry us the rest of the way.

As it was our first time in a PHEV, we took the chance to try out all the gadgets and buttons. We discovered the EV function that allows you to charge the battery while running on petrol, so we gave it a go. 


Escaping the city

Riding in comfort




Being on a long journey with long country roads, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) was very handy. It’s part of the Mitsubishi MI-PILOT range, which also includes handy features such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). All of this is projected in the dash, with key features and speed also projected onto the front window through their heads-up display.

The drive as a whole was very smooth and it easily tackled the varying terrain, as we tested out the different drive modes, from Gravel mode to Power mode for extra acceleration.



At a glance:
Features to rave about

PHEV


Plug-in Hybrid EV: Enjoy the best of both worlds by plugging in and charging your car to run as an EV, or filling up the petrol tank to run as a combustion engine.

Flexibility: Ideal for those not ready to fully commit to a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Dip your toes into EV benefits while having petrol as a backup for longer road trips.

Charging options: Charge at home with a standard outlet, a home or public charging device (EVSE), or quickly at public stations.

84km EV range: Optimal for short trips and daily commutes.


The Big Strawberry



Gum trees everywhere

Powerpoint household outlets in the boot (vehicle to load, or V2LV)


1500W power supply: Two common 240V household outlets in the boot allow you to power devices and portable appliances on your adventures.

Front seats


Massage: Enjoy luxury with massage seats that offer three options and adjustable intensity and speed. Perfect for a relaxing drive.

Heating: Keep warm during cooler months with heated seats in the front and second row.

Multiview camera system


Parking assistance: A 360-degree view and left-side parking view make parking easier without adjusting mirror angles.





EV mode


Driving flexibility: Choose to drive only in EV mode, save the battery, or utilise petrol. You can also charge the battery while driving on petrol. In addition to the standard drive modes available including Normal, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud and Power, the Outlander PHEV also features its own drive modes such as:

  • EV Mode: Operates purely on electric power and is perfect for low to medium speeds in urban areas
  • Series hybrid mode: The petrol engine can be used to provide additional power when accelerating or climbing hills
  • Parallel hybrid mode: The petrol engine and electric motors work together – suitable for high-speed driving and overtaking vehicles on the highway
  • Battery SAVE mode: Saves the remaining power in the battery while driving
  • Battery CHARGE mode: Replenishes the drive battery's power while you're driving
Drive modes



Outlander on the road



Variations


The Outlander comes in both PHEV and ICE models and as one of the top selling cars in Australia, the range means there’s a model suitable for everyone. The range offers both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations catering to different lifestyle needs.







Novate and save on a Mitsubishi Outlander today

Mitsubishi Outlander LS
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES




Why choose a PHEV even after the EV exemption ends?


Even after the electric exemption ends, choosing a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) remains a smart choice, offering significant tax benefits, convenience and simplified budgeting. PHEVs offer excellent fuel efficiency, significantly reducing fuel costs by allowing drivers to use electric power for short trips and having the petrol engine as a backup for longer trips, eliminating range anxiety. This dual capability ensures lower overall fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Additionally, PHEVs may often have lower maintenance costs since their electric components reduce wear on the engine and brakes.

When it comes to novated leasing, the benefits are substantial. By salary sacrificing a PHEV, you can still enjoy tax savings on your lease payments and running costs, as these are deducted from your pre-tax income. This not only lowers your taxable income, but also helps you manage your car expenses more efficiently, making PHEVs a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option even without the electric exemption.



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On the road
Important Information

SG Fleet Group is not the supplier or manufacturer of the vehicle and does not take any responsibility for the vehicle or the information about the vehicle contained in this article. You should make your own independent assessment of the vehicle and other sources of information (including the websites of the vehicle distributor/manufacturer).

Test drive vehicle supplied by Mitsubishi Australia. All opinions are entirely the driver's own.

Novated lease comparison
^Estimated income tax and GST savings over a 5-year novated lease term, compared to a non-packaged personal finance arrangement. Assumptions used to calculate potential savings available upon request. Comparison based on 2024-25 income tax rates. The examples are provided for your information and to illustrate scenarios. The results should not be taken as a substitute for independent professional taxation and financial advice. For the purposes of this example, we have not taken into account the impact of salary sacrificing gross salary for fringe benefits on the calculation of your superannuation guarantee contributions. This calculation also does not take into account the impact of any tax offset to which you may be entitled. All reasonable care has been taken in preparing these materials; however, SG Fleet Group provides no warranties and makes no representation that the information provided is appropriate for your particular circumstances or indicates you should follow a particular course of action.

Indicative weekly cost
~Indicative weekly cost is based on the following assumptions: 1) product is an SG Fleet Group Novated Lease; 2) someone living in Sydney, earning a salary of $100,000 p/a and travelling 15,000 kms p/a under a 5-year novated lease term; 3) the weekly cost includes finance and estimated costs for fuel, registration, insurance, servicing and repairs, tyres and roadside assist based on previous assumptions, which finance and estimated costs may have changed at the time a lease quotation is provided; 4) includes potential GST and PAYG savings over the term of the lease. The calculations include a provision for fringe benefits tax (FBT) calculated using the ECM method, unless the vehicle is eligible for the ATO electric cars exemption in which case calculations are based on the ZLEV Exempt method and NSW pricing, where stamp duty is exempt.

At the end of the lease a Residual Value obligation will apply, and GST will be payable on the Residual Value amount if you make an offer to purchase.

The vehicle cost component is based on manufacturer driveaway pricing; pricing may change daily with market fluctuations, including at the time a lease quotation is provided. Specific vehicles may attract other taxes or levies, for example, luxury car tax. The cost does not include any optional extras unless stated. Any additional optional extras would impact the cost of the vehicle to you. Your individual circumstances have not been taken into account and will impact the overall cost amount and the benefits of a novated lease.

Given all vehicle pricing provided is indicative only, for the purposes of assisting you with your vehicle selection process, all orders and delivery times will be subject to stock availability. Vehicle images are for illustration purposes only.

Independent advice – prior to entering a novated lease arrangement, you should seek independent qualified financial advice as the complexities of a novated lease could have a significant impact on your financial situation.