2024 Mitsubishi Outlander MPG: A Game Changer for Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander stands out in a crowded market due to its impressive fuel economy This SUV, already known for its sharp looks and spacious interior, delivers a competitive performance in the fuel efficiency department. Whether you're an eco-conscious driver or just someone who wants to save on gas the Outlander's MPG (miles per gallon) is a solid reason to take notice
While SUVs are notorious for their gas-guzzling tendencies the Outlander challenges that stereotype Let’s dive into the specifics of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander’s MPG and what makes it one of the most efficient midsize SUVs out there
What’s the MPG on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander?
When considering an SUV fuel efficiency is usually not the first thing that comes to mind but Mitsubishi manages to combine style comfort and economy in one package with the 2024 Outlander.
Here’s a breakdown of its MPG ratings:
- City MPG: Up to 24 MPG
- Highway MPG: Up to 31 MPG
- Combined MPG: Around 27 MPG
These numbers may vary slightly depending on the trim level and whether you opt for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant. In general though these figures are more than respectable for a vehicle of its size and class. The 2024 Outlander even competes well with hybrid SUVs in some cases which is quite the feat for a gasoline-powered SUV.
What Powers This SUV?
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine might not offer the most thrilling performance in the market but it does its job efficiently. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) the Outlander is designed to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing much power. The horsepower comes in at around 181 hp which is decent for daily driving and highway cruising.
While the Outlander isn't exactly a speed demon it focuses on smoothness and comfort. According to Mitsubishi their philosophy for this model was centered on balance – ensuring that the SUV performs well on the road while staying mindful of its fuel consumption.
Trims and Their MPG
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes in various trims each with slightly different fuel efficiency ratings. Here's a quick look at how the MPG varies across the board:
- ES (Base model): 24 City / 31 Highway MPG (FWD)
- SE: 24 City / 30 Highway MPG (AWD)
- SEL: 23 City / 29 Highway MPG (AWD)
- Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): This hybrid option gets up to 64 MPGe when you include electric driving range
As you can see opting for the AWD versions does have a slight impact on the fuel economy but it offers better traction and control especially in rough weather conditions.
Is the 2024 Outlander Fuel-Efficient for Its Class?
When you look at the midsize SUV segment most models struggle to reach over 25 MPG combined. The Outlander’s 27 MPG combined rating is quite a win for those looking for an economical SUV without compromising on size or features. The Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V may come to mind as competitors but the Outlander holds its own in the fuel efficiency game even matching some smaller crossovers.
However, if you’re thinking about getting the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version the fuel savings become even more attractive. The Outlander PHEV can drive on electric power alone for up to 38 miles. So if you're doing mostly short trips around town you could potentially avoid using gas entirely. When the gas engine does kick in you’re still looking at a combined 64 MPGe which is stellar for an SUV of this size.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks?
No car is perfect including the 2024 Outlander Despite its solid MPG ratings there are a few areas where the Outlander might not impress every driver.
1. Acceleration and Power
While the 2.5-liter engine does a decent job for everyday commuting it’s not the most exciting SUV to drive. Some competitors offer turbocharged engines or V6 options that provide more punch. The Outlander’s 0-60 mph time is about 8.2 seconds, which is slower than rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or the Ford Escape. If you prioritize performance and quicker acceleration you might find the Outlander a bit sluggish especially when loaded with passengers or cargo.
2. Handling
The Outlander is built for comfort more than sportiness. Its suspension is soft and forgiving which is great for long road trips but it can feel a little boat-like on tight turns or winding roads. Drivers who like a more dynamic and sporty feel may be disappointed here.
3. Interior Noise
Mitsubishi made a lot of improvements to the cabin quality in the 2024 Outlander but there are still some complaints about road noise. The CVT transmission doesn’t help much either as it can cause the engine to sound strained when accelerating. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester tend to offer quieter cabins.
Alex Collantes’s Thoughts on Fuel Efficiency
We had a chance to speak with Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast and a longtime Mitsubishi fan about his thoughts on the 2024 Outlander's MPG. "Honestly I was surprised by how well it performed on fuel economy," said Collantes. "For an SUV of its size to give me close to 30 miles per gallon on the highway is impressive especially considering how much space and tech you get with it. It's not the most thrilling drive but I’ll take the trade-off for saving at the pump any day."
Alex also pointed out the balance between size and efficiency. "You usually have to sacrifice one for the other but the Outlander finds that middle ground where you don’t feel like you’re compromising on either end."
Breaking Down the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Options
For those who are looking for even better fuel economy there’s the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). This version of the SUV is where things really get interesting if you’re committed to maximizing MPG and reducing emissions. Here's what you can expect:
Plug-in Hybrid MPG:
- MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent): 64 MPGe
- Electric Range: 38 miles on a full charge
- Gas-powered MPG: 26 Combined MPG when gas engine kicks in
The hybrid technology works by allowing you to drive on electric power for short trips then switching to gasoline when needed. This system is perfect for those who have shorter commutes or access to charging stations. And because the Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid it means you can plug it in at home overnight to charge the battery fully.
Benefits of opting for the PHEV include:
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Ability to use electric-only mode for city driving
- Lower environmental impact compared to traditional gasoline engines
Drawbacks of the PHEV
While the PHEV sounds like an ideal solution for many there are a few downsides you’ll need to consider:
- Price: The PHEV version is more expensive upfront than the gasoline-only models. Depending on where you live you might qualify for tax incentives but it still represents a higher initial investment.
- Charging Infrastructure: If you don’t have access to a reliable charging station either at home or at work you might not get the full benefits of owning a plug-in hybrid.
- Weight: The added weight of the hybrid system slightly impacts performance making it even slower to accelerate compared to the gas-powered model.
Other Factors to Consider: The Bigger Picture
While MPG is certainly one of the top reasons to consider the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander there are a few other features that could sway your decision.
Interior and Cargo Space
- The Outlander seats up to 7 passengers thanks to its third row which is rare in this class. However, the third row is pretty tight for adults and best reserved for kids.
- The cargo space is 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 79.7 cubic feet with both rows folded down. This is more than enough for groceries weekend trips or even the occasional DIY project run to the hardware store.
Infotainment and Technology
The Outlander comes with a host of tech features to make your drive more enjoyable:
- A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard on most trims.
- Safety tech includes adaptive cruise control automatic emergency braking lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Price Range
The 2024 Outlander starts at around $29,000 for the base model and can climb up to $40,000 for the fully-loaded trims or PHEV. While this is on the pricier side for midsize SUVs you’re paying for the extra features space and in some cases fuel efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander makes a compelling case for itself in the midsize SUV market. With its competitive fuel economy, spacious interior, and the option of a plug-in hybrid it's a solid choice for drivers who want versatility without sacrificing efficiency. Sure it may not offer the sportiest driving experience or the quietest cabin but for many the fuel savings and overall practicality outweigh these minor drawbacks.
So is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander worth considering? If fuel efficiency is high on your list and you don’t mind a slightly more laid-back driving experience this SUV might be just what you’re looking for