The green movement may have once been fueled by chill hippies who just wanted everyone to get along, but it’s quickly becoming synonymous with modern cars. Part of the reason for this might be the push Tesla has made to fill EVs with tech. Another part might be that EVs save money at the pump.

Either way, more and more people are ditching the gas guzzlers, and several automakers are preparing to go full green in the coming years. Green Car Journal has been keeping track of the changing winds since 2005, and give an award to the Family Green Car of the Year. This year, it was the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

What is the Family Green Car of the Year Award?

Green Car Journal has been at the forefront of the Green movement since 2005. Not only does the Journal give out awards for the electric and hybrid vehicles that meet its criteria, but it also gives detailed information about which electric vehicles are the real deal. Part of its goal to inform the public is giving away the Green Car Awards. 

There is a strict criteria that each EV and hybrid is put through. The judges look for safety, value, performance, style, efficiency, and affordability. They also look at whether this vehicle has brought anything new or innovative to the arena.

Amongst the judges is Jay Leno, who is a well-known auto lover. The award is presented at the LA Auto Show every year. 

What’s so green about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

There are plenty of vehicles out there that slap the word ‘hybrid’ on the front. But are they really worthy of that title, or is the automaker simply jumping on the ‘green’ bandwagon? In this case, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the real deal.

It’s a plug-in, meaning that you can plug it in at home and charge it. You don’t have to track down an EV charging station, like you might with other EVs. Instead, you can charge your Outlander PHEV from the comfort of your own home. 

Something else green about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the rather hefty price of $36,295. You’ll be shelling out a lot of dough for this hybrid model. That being said, it’s totally worth it.

According to Green Car Journal,

“Among its strengths is a sophisticated series and parallel hybrid powertrain that enables 22 miles of driving on battery power alone for daily errands or commuting, or greater than 300 miles of travel on hybrid power. It can plug in to a household outlet, a 240-volt wall or public charger, or even a public DC fast charger for quickly replenishing its lithium-ion batteries.”

Why is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the perfect family vehicle?

One of the most important things about a family vehicle is space, and the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides that. There is 30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. 

The Outlander PHEV only seats five, so if you require a third row, then this obviously isn’t the SUV for you. That being said, many families are perfectly fine with five seats, and will find the second-row more than comfortable. 

Something else that the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has going for it is a prestigious award from Kelley Blue Book. It won the 5 Year Cost to Own Award, which essentially means that it costs owners less in the long run than many of its competitors. In this case, the Outlander PHEV costs less in terms of purchase prices, insurance premiums, fuel economy, and interest rates.