These instructions apply to the Mitsubishi Outlander Mk3 PHEV (GG2W) 2014-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The paddles behind the Outlander PHEV’s steering wheel are not gearchange paddles — they set how hard the car slows and how much energy it recovers when you lift off the accelerator, across six levels. Used well they let you drive on one pedal in traffic and claw back a little range on every downhill. Here is how they work.
The six levels
Regenerative braking runs from B0 (almost no drag — the car coasts freely) up to B5 (strong drag that slows the car noticeably and feeds the most charge back to the drive battery). B0 is best for flowing motorway driving where coasting saves energy; the higher levels suit town traffic and long descents, where the strongest setting gives near one-pedal driving.
Change the level with the paddles
- With the car moving, pull the left (−) paddle towards you to add one level of regenerative braking (towards B5, stronger).
- Pull the right (+) paddle towards you to take one level away (towards B0, free coasting).
- Each pull changes the setting by one step; watch the B0–B5 indicator in the display confirm it. Do not pull both paddles at once, or the level will not change.
Good to know
The level is a temporary preference, not a permanent setting: it returns to the default step when you switch the car off, change drive mode, or move the selector into the B position (which applies a fixed strong regen of its own). Strong regen feels much like heavy engine braking and brings the brake lights on so drivers behind are warned. One thing it will not do is hold the car still: even at B5 the car keeps a little low-speed creep and will not come to a locked stop on the paddles alone, so use the brake pedal to stop promptly and to hold the car at rest. The paddles are for smooth, everyday slowing, never for emergency stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the paddles on the Outlander PHEV do?
They adjust the strength of regenerative (engine-off) braking, not the gears. Pulling a paddle changes how much the car slows and recharges when you lift off, from free-coasting (B0) to strong deceleration (B5).
Which paddle makes the braking stronger?
The left (−) paddle adds a level of braking each time you pull it, up to B5; the right (+) paddle reduces it, down to B0. If nothing changes, check you are not squeezing both paddles together.
Why do my regen settings reset themselves?
They are meant to. The level returns to default whenever you turn the car off, change drive mode, or select the B position on the shifter, so you start each drive from a predictable setting.
Can I drive on the paddles alone?
In slow traffic the strongest levels get close to one-pedal driving, but they will not always bring the car fully to rest, and they are no substitute for the brake pedal when you need to stop promptly.
Disclaimer: General guidance for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014–2021); paddle behaviour and level defaults vary by model year, so verify against your own handbook. Regenerative braking is not a replacement for the brake pedal. servicereset.net is independent and not affiliated with Mitsubishi Motors.
Want to understand the EV, Series and Parallel modes the car switches between? See our guide to the Outlander PHEV drive modes, and decode any warning light on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.