2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – Compact Utility Redefined

Mitsubishi is in a unique position as one of the few manufacturers selling plug-in hybrid compact SUVs. Its Outlander PHEV offers seven seats, 38 miles of all-electric driving, and standard all-wheel drive at a very affordable price.

Like other EVs, the Outlander PHEV uses regenerative braking to slow the vehicle and feed power back into the battery. It also offers various drive modes, including EV mode, which shuts off the gas engine entirely.

Powertrain

Mitsubishi’s PHEV has two electric motors to drive the wheels. This gives it instant acceleration from a dead stop, and you can even maintain highway speeds purely on electric power. The engine does kick in to drive the wheels when you’re at lower speeds or when you’re using the air conditioning, but it switches on so seamlessly that you don’t really notice it—unlike some single-motor PHEVs.

The PHEV’s battery pack also powers a mild hybrid system, which boosts the engine under heavy load or when you’re accelerating hard. This can improve regenerative braking performance and help recover more energy when you brake.

The PHEV’s MI-Pilot is an impressive feature that lets you set the car to adaptively adjust cruise control speeds to suit traffic conditions. However, you’ll need to press several buttons to activate and disengage the system, which could be more apparent for some drivers. You can also set the regenerative braking level via steering wheel paddles, which can help save further fuel. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control makes the PHEV feel well-balanced and comfortable over a variety of road surfaces.

Technology

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers plenty of advanced technology to help keep drivers and passengers connected, informed and entertained. Those looking for the latest in mobile device integration will be pleased to find that the PHEV supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, an intuitive 12.3-inch display provides PHEV energy flow charts and other information to enhance the driving experience further.

Mitsubishi’s sophisticated plug-in powertrain combines a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors (one per axle) for 248 total horsepower. The result is quick acceleration around town, with an EPA-estimated drive range of 38 miles on electricity alone. However, the SUV feels a bit buzzy when accelerating at highway speeds.

The Outlander PHEV also features an available MI-PILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and embedded navigation to lighten the driver’s workload on highway drives. Other standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision mitigation. In addition, a suite of premium available comforts includes front and rear heated seats and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Interior

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive that offers seating for seven. This upscale vehicle features a variety of intuitive tech designed for convenience and luxury. Enjoy premium amenities such as tri-zone automatic climate control and front massage seats that alleviate fatigue from long drives. Keep connected with a premium infotainment touchscreen and stream your favourite music via a Bose(r) nine-speaker audio system.

The sophisticated hybrid powertrain delivers a satisfying driving experience with a combined 248 horsepower. The engine and electric motors work together to provide instant acceleration, while the regenerative braking is powerful enough to slow down the car at highway speeds.

The driver-centric dashboard is straightforward to navigate, with easy-to-use controls and a high-tech 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that displays hybrid system information. The available MI-PILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system integrates lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control for an effortless highway drive. You’ll also find plenty of storage spaces for big bottles and personal belongings.

Performance

The Outlander PHEV occupies a nice niche in the market. It’s slightly larger than a compact SUV but not as imposing as a midsize model. Its sleek lines and 20-inch two-tone wheels give it a distinct road presence. There’s even a black-out SEL Black Edition available for those who want to ditch the chrome and show off their Darth Vader look.

Thanks to its dual electric motors, the Outlander PHEV is lively off the line and can accelerate to highway speeds with pure electricity. It’s also super quiet during regular operation and a brisk operator in city traffic.

Occasionally, the petrol engine starts up as it cools down, or the battery needs a charge. It’s seamless, and you might not even notice it.

Mitsubishi’s available MI-Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system uses lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to lighten the driver’s load on a long highway trip. It’s easy to activate and works well, although it lacks the sophistication of some rivals. The Outlander PHEV also has an automatic climate control system that can heat and cool the cabin with just one button press.

Value

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV remains the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV. With a combination of EV and gas power, this SUV offers a comfortable and quiet ride while providing the range you need for daily commutes or road trips.

It also includes a standard Level 2 home charging cable so you can charge your car at night. If you don’t have a home charger, the Outlander PHEV can be charged at a Level 3 DC fast charging station using the CHAdeMO connection. This allows the battery to recharge from 0 to 80 percent in just 38 minutes.

Drivers can take complete control of their driving experience with three driver-selectable EV power management modes. EV priority mode delivers optimal efficiency automatically, while Charge Mode uses the engine to charge the drive battery, and Save Mode uses excess energy to preserve the drive battery’s state of charge.

With a long battery-powered range, a spacious and attractive interior, and agile handling, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out from the pack of SUVs in its class. Its strong warranties – a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – add to its appeal as well.