-
If you have not please join our official My Outlander PHEV Facebook Group!
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Facebook Group
Fuel economy at highway speed phev vs ice model
- Thread starter Grungy
- Start date
Help Support Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Forum:
Hello All - Great thread on the Outlander - The primary reason the RAV 4 Prime has better mileage than the Outlander PHEV is their differences in transmissions. The RAV 4 is equipped with a e-CVT variable transmission which keeps the engine spun up so it remains in optimum torque and rpm power band regardless of the cars speed which improves economy.
In retrospect - The Outlander engine operates using a single ratio drive system. In a way the engine stuck in 6th or high gear all the time which is the reason the engine can only engage at speeds of 40 mph and above, otherwise the engine would be lugging at lower than 40 mph speeds if engaged. Since the Outlander’s engine uses this fixed ratio, it provides no help to economy below 40 mph since it has to run 100% electric power in hybrid mode and only use the engines generator to maintain lower speeds.
Even when the engine kicks in at 40 mph, the engines rpm is still below the engines power curve and therefore still not efficient at 40-50 mph. This kick-in 40 mph is like putting a standard transmission in high gear when you need to be in 3rd or 4th. Unlike the RAV4 e-CVT where it keeps the engine in its power band at all speeds using lower ratios, not until the Outlander reaches highway speeds does the little 2.4 engine get happy.
As the Outlander’s speed reaches 60-80 mph, the engine begins to reach its power band to make good power and improved economy. While the Outlander 2.4 develops 131 hp, most owners will never see this power since it would requires speeds of around 100 mph or over.
On the positive side of things - reduced hybrid range is not a major issue for the Outlander since it offers 40-60 miles on battery, which is sufficient for owners like myself and many others who mostly drive in an EV mode. In addition, the RAV4 hybrid MPG is generally in the 30's to low 40's so no one is going broke filling up the Outlander's small tank every month or so. Most important, when comparing the Outlander to the RAV4 interior, exterior, handling, 4WD, and overall feel when driving, the RAV 4 is majorly outclassed by the Outlander in ever respect, they are worlds apart in build quality and interior detail.
Regards- Mike
In retrospect - The Outlander engine operates using a single ratio drive system. In a way the engine stuck in 6th or high gear all the time which is the reason the engine can only engage at speeds of 40 mph and above, otherwise the engine would be lugging at lower than 40 mph speeds if engaged. Since the Outlander’s engine uses this fixed ratio, it provides no help to economy below 40 mph since it has to run 100% electric power in hybrid mode and only use the engines generator to maintain lower speeds.
Even when the engine kicks in at 40 mph, the engines rpm is still below the engines power curve and therefore still not efficient at 40-50 mph. This kick-in 40 mph is like putting a standard transmission in high gear when you need to be in 3rd or 4th. Unlike the RAV4 e-CVT where it keeps the engine in its power band at all speeds using lower ratios, not until the Outlander reaches highway speeds does the little 2.4 engine get happy.
As the Outlander’s speed reaches 60-80 mph, the engine begins to reach its power band to make good power and improved economy. While the Outlander 2.4 develops 131 hp, most owners will never see this power since it would requires speeds of around 100 mph or over.
On the positive side of things - reduced hybrid range is not a major issue for the Outlander since it offers 40-60 miles on battery, which is sufficient for owners like myself and many others who mostly drive in an EV mode. In addition, the RAV4 hybrid MPG is generally in the 30's to low 40's so no one is going broke filling up the Outlander's small tank every month or so. Most important, when comparing the Outlander to the RAV4 interior, exterior, handling, 4WD, and overall feel when driving, the RAV 4 is majorly outclassed by the Outlander in ever respect, they are worlds apart in build quality and interior detail.
Regards- Mike
Share this page
Similar threads
