The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition: A Bold Take on SUV Style

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition brings a new edge to the ever-popular Outlander lineup. This model isn't just another midsize SUV but rather an attention-grabber with its distinctive look and enhanced features. If you're looking for a crossover that offers a balance of performance, style, and practicality while standing out on the road this one is worth considering. But like any vehicle, it has its share of advantages and potential drawbacks. In this review we'll dive deep into what makes the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition unique covering its design performance features and of course any areas that could use improvement.

Sleek Styling That Demands Attention

The Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition stands out primarily due to its bold and sleek styling. While the Outlander in general has always had a distinct design this Black Edition takes it to a whole new level by introducing blacked-out accents and finishes across the exterior that give it an edgier and more premium look.

Design Features

• Blacked-out Grille: One of the standout features of this edition is the bold blacked-out grille. This helps the SUV exude a more aggressive demeanor which can appeal to drivers who want their ride to make a statement.

• Black Roof Rails and Mirrors: These subtle changes can significantly alter the overall presence of the vehicle giving it a more cohesive and modern feel. The black mirrors paired with black roof rails make the Outlander look sharper from every angle.

• Exclusive 20-inch Wheels: These gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels complete the Black Edition's exterior transformation, providing a sportier and more upscale aesthetic. The larger wheels also give the vehicle a sturdier and more planted appearance on the road.

Interior Design and Comfort

Once you step inside the Black Edition you’ll notice that the interior is designed to match the exterior’s sophisticated vibe. Black leather seating black accents on the dashboard and a host of premium materials give it a surprisingly upscale feel for its price range.

Cabin Layout and Comfort

• Comfortable Seating: The Outlander Black Edition has seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. This is one of the few compact crossovers that offer a third row, but let's be honest, the third row is best suited for children or short trips because of its limited legroom.

• Material Quality: The interior is crafted with soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels adding to the premium experience. However, while the front row feels luxurious with its black leather seats some might argue that the rear seats don’t offer the same level of cushioning or support.

• Technology Integration: You'll find a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in the Black Edition. But here's the catch—the system can sometimes lag especially when multiple apps are running at the same time. While the screen size is great it could be a tad more responsive.

Alex Collantes’ Take on Design:

According to Alex Collantes, a long-time Outlander fan who recently test-drove the Black Edition:

“The Black Edition’s styling is its best feature in my opinion. The way the blacked-out accents complement the sharp design makes it feel like a much more expensive vehicle than it is. But I do feel like they could improve the rear seat comfort. For long trips it can get a bit cramped back there especially if you’re over six feet tall.”

Performance: Capable But Not a Powerhouse

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is typical in vehicles within this segment.

Driving Dynamics

While the Outlander Black Edition isn’t a performance powerhouse it provides enough power for most daily driving scenarios. However if you’re someone who enjoys a spirited drive you might find the power delivery a bit underwhelming especially on the highway or during heavy acceleration.

• Acceleration: The Outlander takes around 8.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is slower compared to some of its competitors. If you’re planning on overtaking vehicles or merging onto a fast-moving freeway, you might notice a slight lag in response time.

• Handling: The handling on the Black Edition is smooth and composed, though the steering feels a bit too light at times. For a midsize SUV, it handles well around corners but lacks the athleticism you might get in models like the Mazda CX-5.

• Fuel Efficiency: Where the Outlander does shine is in fuel economy. It offers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is quite good for an SUV in this class. That said, if you're looking for a thrilling drive or a sportier feel, you might find the Outlander a bit tame.

All-Wheel Drive Performance

The Black Edition comes with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system as an option. This system enhances traction and control in various road conditions, which is a big plus for those who frequently drive in wet or slippery environments. However, if you don’t live in a region with lots of inclement weather, the S-AWC may not be a necessary addition.

Pros and Cons of Performance

Pros:

• Great fuel economy for its class
• Smooth ride quality
• Available all-wheel-drive for better traction in tough conditions

Cons:

• Underpowered engine for those who crave performance
• CVT transmission can feel sluggish under hard acceleration
• Light steering that lacks feedback

Safety and Driver Assistance

When it comes to safety, Mitsubishi doesn’t skimp on features. The 2024 Outlander Black Edition is packed with a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are designed to make your driving experience safer and more convenient.

Standard Safety Features

• Forward Collision Mitigation: This system detects potential collisions and applies the brakes to help avoid or lessen the impact.

• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane without signaling.

• Blind Spot Warning: Monitors your blind spots and warns you if a vehicle is approaching in another lane.

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Drawbacks of the Safety System

While these safety systems are useful there can be too many alerts at times. For instance, the lane departure warning can be overly sensitive, chiming even when you're still well within your lane. This might lead some drivers to turn off certain systems altogether which would defeat the purpose of having them.

Infotainment and Connectivity

As mentioned earlier the Black Edition comes with a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is easy to use and the screen is clear but the interface could use a bit of improvement.

Infotainment Drawbacks

• Response Time: While the display is bright and visually appealing the touchscreen can be slow to respond at times. If you’re using navigation or switching between apps, you might experience some lag.

• Limited Features: Though it offers smartphone integration it lacks some features you might find in other competitors such as wireless charging or more advanced navigation options.

Cargo Space: Practical Yet Limited

The Outlander Black Edition offers 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to 79.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These numbers are respectable for the class but if you're using the third row, the cargo space shrinks dramatically making it less practical for hauling large loads.

Alex Collantes’ Thoughts on Performance:

“For daily driving the Outlander Black Edition is more than enough. It’s smooth and the fuel economy is great for an SUV. But yeah, if you’re expecting thrilling acceleration you might be disappointed. It’s not a sports car but it’s definitely a solid family SUV.”

Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition Worth It?

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition is undeniably a stylish SUV with plenty of modern features that cater to a wide range of drivers. It combines sleek design, a comfortable interior, solid fuel efficiency, and an array of advanced safety features—all at a reasonable price point.

However, if you prioritize performance and quick acceleration over fuel economy, you might want to consider other options like the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4. Additionally, the third row while a nice bonus isn’t practical for full-time use by adults due to limited space.

Key Takeaways

• Sleek blacked-out design adds a premium feel
• Good fuel economy for its class
• Plenty of standard safety features
• Third-row seating is a plus but best for kids
• Underpowered engine may leave performance enthusiasts wanting more
• Tech features could be more responsive

For those looking for a stylish, comfortable, and feature-packed SUV without breaking the bank the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition is worth a test drive.