The plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi Outlander arrived in the U.S. in Fall 2022. It has now received its first model year update and become a 2024 model. Recently, I had a chance to see a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in person and take a close look at the various changes from the previous-gen model. Here are my first impressions of the new plug-in hybrid compact SUV:
Design
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the same design as the gasoline model but with some minor changes. I believe this approach is likely to satisfy most customers, given the quality of the original design. The plug-in model retains the next-gen Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield front face and bold proportions, which I think give it a powerful and confident character. I find the chrome applications on the front a bit over the top, though.
The Outlander PHEV features a distinctive two-tone exterior with a contrasting roof and a ‘PLUG-IN HYBRID EV’ badge on the front fenders. Sure, there’s the customary lid on the left shoulder hiding the charging port, but visual differences end there. The 20-inch alloy wheels are the same as those of the gas model. I think Mitsubishi made a good decision of not applying blue or any other hues in the brand logos, the headlamps, or elsewhere to communicate the presence of an electrified powertrain in the model.
Dual-tone Platinum Edition for MY2024
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is available in an all-new Platinum Edition. The special edition model features a new two-tone color scheme in which the familiar Black Diamond color has been combined with an Alloy Silver color, with the latter seen on the roof. Like the current model year, the incoming Outlander PHEV is available in a Black Edition based on the SE or SEL trim.
Interior
The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hasn’t received changes with the 2024 model year update. Compared to the gas-powered Outlander, there are no discernible differences here, which, in my opinion, is a good thing, and the cabin feels quite plush for a car of its price, with soft-touch material on the door cards, center console, and dashboard and top stitching that looks quite premium.
There are some changes in the electronics, though. The instrument cluster of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV allows the driver to check the functioning and status of the electrified powertrain. It indicates the electric motor and petrol engine’s outputs, the level of charging achieved from regenerative braking, the charging level, and more. The driver can adjust the brake regen to the desired level in six steps ranging from B0 to B5 using steering-mounted paddles.
A major drawback of the previous-generation Outlander PHEV was that it could leverage the large dimensions and accommodate seven passengers like the gasoline or diesel models. The new-generation Outlander PHEV, however, has this covered. In the U.S., three-row seating is standard.
I’m six feet tall, but entering and exiting the driver’s seat was relatively straightforward. Forward and side visibility was great. The steering wheel with a manually adjustable column felt quite solid to hold, and it had two different leathers upholstering it. My head was well clear of the headliner. The lumbar support was adequate, while under-thigh support felt ample for a model of this segment.
In the second row, sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had adequate legroom and knee room. I felt the default angle of the backrest was comfortable for me. A recline function was available. The under-thigh support was alright. Lastly, I had a sufficient level of headroom, and I wouldn’t complain if I were doing a road trip in this seat. The third row felt quite cramped for me, and I think it is best suited for children.
Trims
Mitsubishi offers the 2024 Outlander PHEV in the U.S. in ES, SE, and SEL trims. Plus, there are three optional packages: Technology, Touring, and Premium. The Technology package is available in the SE trim and the Touring and Premium packages are available in the SEL trims.
ES
The ES trim features 18″ alloy wheels, a 12.3″ fully digital instrument cluster, an 8″ Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services and a 24-month trial.
On the safety front, Mitsubishi equips its new plug-in hybrid SUV with rear parking sensors, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) as standard.
SE
The SE trim offers more styling and luxury with features like 20″ two-tone alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and artificial leather seating surfaces. It offers more safety as well, with a multi-view camera system, front parking sensors, LED front fog lights, and MI-PILOT with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go Lane, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
Comfort and convenience are also higher in the SE trim, thanks to additional/better features like a hands-free remote power liftgate, electric-folding and heated side mirrors, heated front seats, 9″ Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) touchscreen infotainment system with Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD radio, wireless smartphone charger, and rain-sensing wipers.
SE Technology
The SE Technology trim adds a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
SEL
The SEL trim includes a key-linked driver memory seat, passenger 8-way memory seat, key-linked ORVMs with reverse auto tilt function, three-zone automatic climate control, DC fast-charging, 1,500-watt power outlets, rear door pull-up sunshade, and more.
SEL Touring
The SEL Touring trim adds a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, 10.8″ head-up display, 10-speaker Bose sound system, and auto-dimming IRVM.
SEL Premium
The SEL Premium trim includes a panoramic sunroof, a 10.8″ head-up display, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, an auto-dimming heated steering wheel, IRVM, semi-aniline premium leather seat covers, and a massage function for the first-row seats. I think it’s impressive that a massage function is available in a compact SUV, that, too one from a mainstream brand. I also appreciate the fact that Mitsubishi offers it for both front occupants, not just the driver.
Powertrain
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV clubs a 2.4-liter MIVEC gasoline engine with a 114-hp electric motor at the front and a 134-hp electric motor at the rear. This combination gives 248 hp of combined power and 332 lb.-ft. of combined torque. The electric motors’ energy source is a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mounted below the floor and between the wheels, it presents the SUV with a low center of gravity and doesn’t affect the ground clearance much.
38 miles of pure electric driving range
The 20 kWh battery pack provides an EPA-est. electric range of 38 miles. With the battery pack fully charged and the gas tank topped up (14.8 gallons), the 2024 Outlander PHEV can cover an EPA-est. total distance of 420 miles. The EPA-est. combined fuel economy is 64 MPGe.
The 2024 Outlander PHEV operates in electric mode as often as possible, even with the heater or air-conditioning in use. While charging, customers can pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin so that all energy stored in the battery pack can be used for driving.
The 2024 Outlander PHEV is the only PHEV from a non-luxury brand in the U.S. to support DC fast charging. A DC fast charger takes approximately 38 minutes to charge the battery pack to 80% SoC. The charging time with a Level II AC charger is approximately 6.5 hours.
S-AWC
Mitsubishi has applied a new generation of its S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) 4WD system to the new-generation Outlander PHEV. In addition to a braking control system for the front wheels, the updated S-AWC has a braking control system to control the brake forces of the rear wheels. It reduces the load on the front wheels and allows extracting the maximum performance from all four wheels in a more balanced manner. The driver can select from seven drive modes: Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Power, and Eco.
| Aspect | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Specification |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Engine | 2.4L MIVEC |
| Engine output | 131 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Front Electric Motor Power | 114 hp |
| Rear Electric Motor Power | 134 hp |
| System Power | 248 hp |
| System Torque | 332 lb.-ft. |
| Battery Pack Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Pack Rated Capacity | 20 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range | 38 miles |
| Charging (DC) | 80% in about 38 minutes |
| Fuel Tank | 14.79 gallon |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 64 MPGe |
| Total Range (EPA Estimate) | 420 miles |
Innovative Pedal
The 2024 Outlander PHEV also allows one-pedal driving mode, with what Mitsubishi calls ‘Innovative Pedal.’ This feature is particularly useful during off-road driving or on snow-clad roads. One-pedal driving is a feature that even some pure electric EVs, including the ones from luxury automakers, lack. So, I think I appreciate Mitsubishi offering this convenience in its plug-in hybrid compact SUV.
MI-PILOT
In optimal driving conditions, customers can use MI-PILOT, the company’s single-lane driver assistance technology for highways. MI-PILOT integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, and it takes into account the navigation data to adjust the vehicle speed. It works even on curves.
Price
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s prices range from USD 40,345 to USD 46,295. These MSRPs exclude a USD 1,445 destination fee (USD 1,570 in Alaska and Hawaii). In my opinion, the 2024 Outlander PHEV has a very attractive pricing and is excellent value for money.
Mitsubishi sold 6,681 units of the Outlander PHEV in the U.S. in 2023, a whopping 241% improvement (4,720 units) over the 1,961 units sold in 2022, thanks to the redesigned model.
TopElectricSUV says
I think the new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a great value-for-money family SUV. With its seven-seat interior, it is a unique segment offering and possesses an edge over rivals. The family-friendly interior is in addition to a 40% improvement in the all-electric range and DC fast-charging support. With all-around changes, the Japanese plug-in hybrid model has the right ingredients to grow into a popular choice for plug-in hybrid compact SUV buyers in the U.S.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV FAQs
What is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s release date?
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is available at U.S. dealerships.
What is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s price?
It starts at $40,345, excluding destination fees.
Which models does the 2024 Outlander PHEV challenge?
Ford Escape PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV & Kia Sportage PHEV are its competitors.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
