2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition Review: A Hybrid SUV With Power And Style
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is a game-changer for hybrid SUV lovers. With a growing number of drivers seeking eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing performance or comfort, Mitsubishi delivers an exciting package with its latest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The SEL Platinum Edition stands out not just for its electrified powertrain but also for offering a blend of luxury and rugged capability. It’s a great option for families or individuals who want style, functionality, and sustainability all in one.
Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition: its features, advantages, and even some of the drawbacks that come with this SUV.
Design & Exterior
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a sharp modern look that turns heads on the road. Its aggressive front grille is paired with sleek LED headlights giving it a dynamic look without overdoing it. The sculpted lines and aerodynamic design make it look more premium than its price point might suggest. Mitsubishi has clearly focused on making the Outlander PHEV stand out visually while ensuring practicality isn't compromised.
Eye-catching Details
- Bold Front Fascia: The front grille is large and imposing while the chrome accents add a premium feel.
- Sleek Roofline: The sloped roofline gives the Outlander a more athletic stance that belies its SUV bulk.
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels: These wheels not only look good but they give the SUV a slightly elevated ride height.
While the exterior design is striking it can also be a bit too bold for some drivers. The large grille might not appeal to everyone and some might find it a bit overpowering compared to the rest of the vehicle's sleek design.
Potential Drawback: If you prefer a more conservative look the Outlander PHEV’s aggressive design might feel too much.
Interior & Comfort
Step inside the Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition and you’ll be welcomed by a spacious upscale cabin that feels cozy yet sophisticated. The seats are wrapped in quilted leather providing both luxury and comfort especially during long drives. There’s plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats making it ideal for families.
Luxurious Cabin Features
- Heated Seats: Both the front and rear passengers get heated seats which is a plus for colder climates.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Let natural light flood the cabin and elevate the sense of space with this feature.
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: With three separate climate zones everyone can set their preferred temperature.
On the downside the Outlander PHEV’s infotainment system can be a bit tricky to use. While the 9-inch touchscreen looks modern some users may find the interface a bit sluggish or not as intuitive as competitors’ systems.
Potential Drawback: The infotainment system isn't as smooth or quick to respond as some other vehicles in this segment.
Powertrain & Performance
The heart of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. With a combination of a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors the Outlander delivers a respectable 248 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that the SUV performs well in various driving conditions including snowy or wet roads.
Performance Highlights
- Electric-Only Mode: The Outlander PHEV can travel up to 38 miles in pure electric mode making short daily commutes emission-free.
- Combined Fuel Economy: When using both gas and electric power the Outlander achieves up to 64 MPGe which is excellent for an SUV of this size.
- Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive system offers great handling even in challenging terrains.
However while the performance is solid this isn’t a vehicle for thrill-seekers. The acceleration is adequate but not exhilarating and the Outlander can feel a bit heavy when taking sharp turns.
Potential Drawback: If you’re looking for a fast punchy SUV you might find the acceleration slightly underwhelming.
Driving Experience
Driving the Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is an enjoyable experience overall especially for those prioritizing efficiency. The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless and most drivers won’t notice the switch. The regenerative braking system works smoothly recharging the battery while you drive.
Driver Assistance Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance from the car ahead making highway driving less tiring.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps keep the SUV centered in its lane providing extra confidence on long trips.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: A useful feature when driving on busy city streets or highways.
However while the Outlander PHEV has a lot of tech its adaptive cruise control can be a bit too sensitive sometimes braking abruptly if it senses even a small obstacle ahead.
Potential Drawback: The adaptive cruise control might feel overly cautious to some drivers.
Electric Range & Charging
One of the biggest selling points of the 2024 Outlander PHEV is its electric range. With a 20-kWh battery pack the vehicle can travel up to 38 miles on electric power alone. This is ideal for city drivers who want to cut down on gasoline use during daily commutes. Charging the Outlander PHEV at home with a Level 2 charger takes about 3.5 hours making it convenient to recharge overnight.
Charging & Battery Life
- Fast Charging Capability: The Outlander PHEV supports fast charging allowing you to charge the battery to 80% in just 25 minutes.
- Regenerative Braking: Helps recharge the battery while driving especially during city commutes where you stop and go frequently.
While the electric range is good it’s worth noting that for longer trips you’ll still need to rely on gasoline. The transition between electric and gas modes is smooth but the gasoline engine can sound a bit louder than expected when it kicks in.
Potential Drawback: The gasoline engine is a bit noisy when it takes over from the electric motors which can be distracting for some drivers.
Technology & Infotainment
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition comes equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are essential for most modern drivers. There’s also a 10-speaker Bose audio system that offers great sound quality making road trips more enjoyable.
Tech Features
- Head-Up Display: Projects important information like speed and navigation directions on the windshield.
- Wireless Charging: No need to fumble with cables when your phone runs low on battery.
- Multiple USB Ports: Ensures everyone in the car can charge their devices.
Despite the impressive tech features the interface can be a bit slow. Some users might find the system not as responsive or easy to navigate compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Potential Drawback: The touchscreen infotainment system can be a bit laggy especially when using navigation or switching between apps.
Cargo & Space
One area where the 2024 Outlander PHEV truly excels is in its spaciousness. With seating for up to seven passengers this SUV is a great choice for families or those who need extra space. The rear seats can fold down flat providing plenty of cargo room for luggage or even larger items like bikes or camping gear.
Space Highlights
- Third Row Seating: A rare feature in hybrid SUVs the third row offers seating for two more passengers.
- Foldable Rear Seats: Offers flexibility with cargo whether you’re carrying groceries or large items.
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate: Makes loading and unloading easier especially when your hands are full.
However while the third row is a nice addition it’s best suited for children or shorter adults. Taller passengers may find it a bit cramped for longer journeys.
Potential Drawback: The third-row seating can feel a bit tight for taller passengers making it less ideal for long trips with full occupancy.
Fuel Efficiency & Environmental Impact
The Outlander PHEV stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency. With up to 64 MPGe when using both electric and gasoline power it’s one of the most efficient SUVs in its class. Additionally Mitsubishi has focused on using eco-friendly materials in the cabin such as recycled plastics.
Green Features
- Eco Mode: Helps conserve fuel by optimizing the engine and transmission for maximum efficiency.
- Low Emissions: With its electric range the Outlander PHEV emits significantly less CO2 than traditional gasoline-powered SUVs.
That being said once you run out of electric range the fuel economy drops to about 26 MPG which is decent but not groundbreaking.
Potential Drawback: Once the electric range is depleted the fuel economy isn’t as impressive as some might hope compared to non-hybrid SUVs.
Pricing & Value
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is priced at around $49,000 which puts it in the higher range for plug-in hybrid SUVs. However with all the features it offers from luxury interiors to advanced tech and a strong hybrid powertrain it’s a fair price for those looking for a well-rounded family vehicle that’s both stylish and efficient.
Value for Money
- Competitive Pricing: Given its range of features the Outlander PHEV is priced competitively in the PHEV segment.
- Warranty: Mitsubishi offers a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.
However some might argue that rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Prime or the Ford Escape PHEV offer similar features for a slightly lower price.
Potential Drawback: While competitively priced the Outlander PHEV faces stiff competition in the plug-in hybrid segment with some rivals offering similar performance for less.
Expert Opinion: Alex Collantes’ Take
According to Alex Collantes an automotive expert “The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is a fantastic choice for those who want an eco-friendly SUV without compromising on space and comfort. Its electric range is perfect for daily commutes and the all-wheel-drive system makes it a versatile vehicle for different driving conditions.”
Alex does note however that “the infotainment system can be a bit frustrating to use at times and the third-row seats while a nice feature are a bit cramped for adults.”
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition?
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Platinum Edition is a solid choice for drivers who want a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV with plenty of space modern tech and a comfortable ride. Its electric range is a major selling point and the stylish design inside and out makes it a standout in the hybrid SUV market.
However if you’re someone who prioritizes lightning-fast acceleration or needs a user-friendly infotainment system you might find some aspects of the Outlander PHEV lacking. Still for most drivers looking for a practical family SUV with excellent fuel efficiency and some off-road capability the Outlander PHEV is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Impressive electric-only range
- Spacious interior with third-row seating
- Great fuel efficiency in hybrid mode
- Advanced driver assistance features
Cons:
- Sluggish infotainment system
- Gasoline engine can be loud
- Third-row seating can be cramped