When you’re thinking about buying or leasing a vehicle, chances are a Mitsubishi is not top of mind. For those wanting a plug-in hybrid crossover, you should at least think about the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. This seven-seater has an all-electric range of 38 miles, handsome looks, a smooth ride, and an attractive and roomy cabin. However, the price tag is reasonably high and can top out at more than 50-grand, depending on trim level and options.
Base Price: $46,295
As Tested: $51,835
Horsepower: 248
Mileage: 64 MPGe electricity + gasoline /26 mpg gasoline only combined
There aren’t many Mitsubishi models available in the U.S. these days, just some versions of the Outlander crossover as well as the Eclipse Cross, and the Mirage, which is one of the cheapest cars available today.
If you’ve driven a Nissan or Infiniti, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will seem familiar. That’s because Nissan bought 34% of Mitsubishi in 2016 and Mitsubishi came into the Renault-Nissan Alliance. It’s now known as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
In fact, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV shares the same platform as the Nissan Rogue.
The Mitsubishi Outlander was launched in 2012 as a gasoline-only model, then the plug-in hybrid was added in 2013. The Outlander was completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. For 2024, a top trim, Platinum Edition, is added to the gas-powered and plug-in hybrid models. Otherwise, there aren’t any major changes.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Plus-in Hybrid comes in four trims: ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, SEL S-AWC, and Platinum Edition S-AWC. Starting prices range from $40,345 to $50,345. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
The Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors with one powering the front wheels and the other powering the rear wheels, and a 20-kW lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a single-speed automatic.
The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid isn’t thrilling to drive but it’s composed and easy, which is what you want in a seven-seat family hauler. Acceleration is relatively quick; however, the engine can get loud if you floor the accelerator and/or run out of electric power. The ride is smooth even over bumps and rough roads, and the Outlander PHEV feels balanced when turning. There are seven drive modes: Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Eco and Power so you can tweak performance and energy use. There’s a setting for the brakes that’s similar to one-pedal driving on pure EVs.
The Outlander PHEV has an all-electric range of 38 miles and a total driving range of about 420 miles with electric and gas power. I barely used any gasoline during my week-long test drive.
Mitsubishi says the Outlander PHEV can fully charge in about 6.5 hours with a Level 2 240-volt outlet. At a Level 3 public quick charging station, Mitsubishi says the battery can charge to 80% in about 38 minutes when the maximum output current of the charger is 105 amps or higher. With a regular 120-volt household plug, charging time takes about 16 hours.
Fuel economy is good for a compact crossover but not quite as good as some hybrid SUV rivals. EPA ratings for my tester are 64 MPGe with gas and electric power, and 25 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with a combined rating of 26 mpg using gasoline only.
The cabin is upscale for the class with mostly nice and soft-touch materials and decent fit and finish. Seats in the first two rows are comfortable and supportive even on long trips and have plenty of leg- and headroom for adults. However, the third row is cramped and really only suitable for kids. A standard 12.3-inch digital driver display and standard eight-inch or available nine-inch touchscreen dominate the dash.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital driver display, fabric upholstery, power lumbar support for driver seat, infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, rear door sunshades, two standard household plugs, one in the center console and one in the rear cargo area, automatic high-beam headlights, and front wiper de-icer.
Available features include push-button start, surround-view parking camera system, head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather seating, genuine leather seating, semi-aniline leather seating, eight-way adjustable power driver seat, eight-way adjustable power seat with memory driver and passenger massage seats,
heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, infotainment system with nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose nine-speaker audio system, navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, power panoramic sunroof, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind sport warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, driver-attention monitoring, and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include Mitsubishi’s MI-Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driver assistance system that includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go lane keep assist, lane departure prevention and traffic sign recognition.
The infotainment system looks good and is easy to use. Graphics are crisp and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Physical knobs and buttons make it easy to adjust audio and climate settings.
Cargo space is good for a hybrid SUV. The Outlander PHEV has about 10 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 33.5 cubes with the third row folded and 78.5 cubes with the second and third rows folded. The cargo opening is wide, making it easy to load bulky items. The second row seats have a 40:20:40 split so you can make room for two passengers and longer items. A power and hands-free liftgate is available.
The good:
37 miles of all-electric range
Smooth ride
Comfortable cabin
Lots of standard and available features and tech
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Plenty of cargo space
The not-so-good:
Price can get high depending on trim and options
Third row is cramped for adults
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $46,295. Red Diamond paint with black roof is $995. The SEL Premium Package is $2,700 and includes a power panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather door insert with quilting in black and saddle tan, Semi-Aniline leather appointed seating surfaces, 10.8-inch head-up display, Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, and driver and passenger massage function. The tonneau cover is $205. The Welcome Package is $195 and includes a touch up paint pen, console tray mat, floor mats, vehicle manuals binder and cargo floor liner. Destination fee is $1,445, bringing the grand total to $51,835.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is a well-rounded crossover with seating for seven in three rows, a plush interior, lots of cargo room, and many standard and available features. With 38 miles of all-electric range, you’ll probably find that you rarely have to visit the gas station. But you’ll still have the gas tank and won’t have to worry about charging on long trips. The Outlander PHEV is worth consideration if you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV.
