2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: What we look forward to

The plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi Outlander arrived in the U.S. in Fall 2022. It has received its first model year update and become a 2024 model. Here’s our preview of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Please note that the visuals presented in this article pertain to the current model year, and any updates will be reflected accordingly.

Design

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the same design as the gasoline model but with some minor changes. 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.

The Outlander PHEV has a special 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.

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. Mitsubishi says it will release the Platinum Edition’s specifications and pricing at a later time. Like the current model year, the incoming Outlander PHEV is available in a Black Edition, based on either the SE or SEL trim.

Interior

The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hasn’t received any changes with the 2024 model year update. Compared to the gas-powered Outlander, there are no discernible differences here. The instrument cluster allows the driver to check the functioning and status of the plug-in hybrid system. It indicates the electric motor and petrol engine’s outputs, the level of charging achieved from regenerative braking, the charging level, and more.

A major drawback of the previous Outlander PHEV was that it could leverage the large dimensions and accommodate seven passengers like the gasoline or diesel models. The all-new Outlander PHEV, however, has this covered. In the U.S., three-row seating is standard. We are quite certain that Mitsubishi will keep the seating layout unchanged with the MY2024 update.

Trims & Features

Mitsubishi may launch the 2024 Outlander PHEV in the U.S. in ES, SE, SE Technology, SEL, SEL Touring, and SEL Premium trims. Carried over from the outgoing model, these may have some new or deleted standard equipment. For reference, below are the features of these grades in the outgoing model:

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), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW & LDP), 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 9-speaker Bose audio system.

SEL

The SEL trim includes a key-linked driver memory seat, passenger 8-way memory seat, key-linked mirrors 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, HUD, 9-speaker Bose sound system, and pull-up rear window shades.

SEL Premium

The SEL Premium trim adds a black sunroof, semi-aniline premium leather seat covers, and a massage function for the first-row seats.

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.

Operating modes

The driver can select from four operating modes using a button on the center console: EV, Save, Charge, and Normal. The EV mode shuts off the engine and drives the vehicle solely on electricity. The Save mode stores the energy of the battery pack for a planned later use, say for when you reach back home late at night and don’t want to wake up your neighbors and family.

In the Charge mode, the engine remains in operation to charge the battery pack. The electric motors remain off, saving the battery pack’s energy for later use. The Normal mode is for hybrid operation.

38 miles of pure electric driving range

The 20 kWh battery pack provides an 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 a total distance of at least 420 miles. Given that these two figures are the same as those of the 2023 model, the combined fuel economy should also be the same – 64 MPGe.

The 2024 Outlander PHEV operates as frequently as possible in electric mode, even when using the heater or air-conditioning. 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
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	14.8 gallon
Expected Fuel Economy	64 MPGe
Total Range	420 miles

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.

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 will likely start at around USD 40,500.

Mitsubishi sold 1,961 units of the Outlander PHEV in the U.S. in 2022. Compared to 2021 (2,250 units), that was a decline of 12.8%. 2023 will likely be a much better year, helped by the MY2024 series. In the first half of the year, the company delivered 3,217 units of the plug-in hybrid SUV. Compared to H1 2022 (1,126 units), that marked a 186% growth in sales.

TopElectricSUV says

The new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a value-for-money family SUV in the U.S. 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 compact plug-in hybrid SUV buyers in the U.S. The MY2024 update should further enhance its appeal, and help in solidifying its position.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV FAQs

Featured Image Source: YouTube/Mitsubishi Motors North America