Why the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition Is a Game Changer

Mitsubishi has long been a brand that flies under the radar but with the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition it's hard to ignore the bold move they're making. This new edition doesn’t just look great—it's packed with a combination of features and performance that make it worth your attention if you're in the market for a mid-size SUV. Mitsubishi has always aimed to deliver reliable vehicles but the Black Edition takes things up a notch. From its slick design to its tech-savvy interior this car is turning heads for a reason.

Sleek and Bold: The Design of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition

When you first lay eyes on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition, it’s the styling that really grabs you. Mitsubishi took their base Outlander model and gave it a dramatic makeover. The Black Edition trim adds sharpness to the look—offering blacked-out 20-inch wheels, a black grille, and dark chrome accents that give the vehicle an edgy aesthetic.

Exterior Details That Stand Out

One of the key things people love about the Black Edition is how sleek it looks from the outside. Here are some of the notable exterior features:

• 20-inch Black Alloy Wheels: The glossy black finish on these wheels gives the Outlander a menacing stance.
• Black Chrome Grille: This grille adds a touch of luxury to the front end while still maintaining that aggressive look.
• LED Headlights and Taillights: Sharp, angular lighting makes for both a stylish and functional design choice.
• Black Roof Rails: For those who love outdoor adventures, these rails are a great addition for carrying extra gear.

The whole blacked-out theme works wonders especially in comparison to its base models. Mitsubishi clearly aimed for a stealthy and premium feel with this edition. It's the kind of SUV that gets noticed in a crowded parking lot for all the right reasons.

Interior: Comfort Meets Technology

Once inside the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition, you’ll see that the exterior isn’t the only thing that's been refined. The cabin exudes a mix of modern elegance and functionality. The seating is made of leather that’s soft and plush, and the color scheme (in line with the Black Edition branding) is dark with tasteful chrome and silver accents to break things up.

Tech Features That Elevate Your Driving Experience

Tech is where this SUV shines. Mitsubishi packed it full of modern conveniences that make everyday drives more enjoyable:

• 9-inch Touchscreen Display: Easily control the infotainment system with this large screen, which comes standard in the SEL trim.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamlessly integrate your phone for music navigation and hands-free calls.
• Bose Premium Sound System: This comes as a pleasant surprise for audiophiles, with sharp, clear audio even at high volumes.
• Head-Up Display: Project key driving info (like speed and directions) onto the windshield for safer navigation.
• Wireless Smartphone Charging: No more messing with tangled cords.

Seating and Space: Is It Family-Friendly?

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition seats up to 7 passengers, which is great for larger families or people who often have extra passengers. The third-row seats aren’t the most spacious, but they’re functional for short trips or younger passengers. There’s also plenty of cargo room—with 33.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row and 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row when in use.

Practical Drawbacks to Note

• Limited Third-Row Space: Taller adults won’t be comfortable in the third row for long. For a mid-size SUV, the third row feels cramped.
• Touchscreen Responsiveness: Some users have mentioned that while the infotainment system is functional, there is a slight lag in responsiveness on occasion.

Performance and Handling: A Smooth Ride but Not Perfect

Under the hood of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition, you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The SUV comes with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard in this trim which is a solid plus for people living in areas with rough winters or uneven terrain.

How Does It Handle?

On the road, the Outlander delivers a composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing road imperfections, and the steering is light and responsive, making it easy to navigate through city streets or winding roads.

But it's not without its limitations:

• Acceleration: The 181 hp engine is decent but don’t expect thrilling acceleration. It’s great for daily commuting and family trips but can feel underpowered when merging onto highways or overtaking at high speeds.
• Fuel Economy: The fuel economy is respectable, offering about 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, but some competitors might offer better numbers for a similar-sized vehicle.

Potential Performance Drawbacks

• Lack of Turbo Option: Some rivals offer turbocharged engines that provide better performance. The Outlander would benefit from a turbo option to give it more punch.
• Noise at High Speeds: When you hit the highway, there’s a bit of wind noise that creeps into the cabin.

Safety Features: Confidence on the Road

Safety is a strong suit of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition. The model comes equipped with Mitsubishi's suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Here's what stands out:

• Forward Collision Mitigation: This system will alert you to potential frontal collisions and can even apply the brakes if necessary.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintain a set distance from the car ahead, adjusting your speed automatically to match traffic flow.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you're drifting out of your lane without using a signal.
• Blind Spot Warning: One of the most useful features in busy traffic, the system lets you know when a vehicle is in your blind spot.

How Does It Compare to Rivals?

Some critics say Mitsubishi has come a long way in terms of safety, but certain competitors in the same price range may offer more robust options. Alex Collantes, a Mitsubishi enthusiast says, "The safety features in the new Outlander are great for daily drivers, but I feel like some SUVs in this segment offer a little more advanced tech, like semi-autonomous driving or more customizable safety settings."

Minor Safety Concerns

• No Hands-Free Driving: While it has a ton of driver-assist features, it doesn’t yet offer semi-autonomous driving modes like some of its competition.

Pricing and Value: A Lot for Your Money

For all that you get, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition is competitively priced. Starting around $35,000, it positions itself well against competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Given the number of features that come standard on the Black Edition trim, many will see it as a great value proposition.

Options and Add-ons

For those looking to upgrade, Mitsubishi offers a few packages, but the Black Edition already comes fairly loaded. You can opt for additional roof racks, rear-seat entertainment, or interior ambient lighting, but the base Black Edition is plenty capable as is.

Potential Pricing Drawbacks

• No Hybrid Option: Some rivals offer hybrid models with better fuel efficiency which could be a dealbreaker for eco-conscious buyers.
• Higher Trims Are Pricey: If you go for the highest-end model with all the add-ons, the price can quickly escalate beyond $40,000.

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

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition brings a lot to the table. Its stylish design, tech-packed interior, and safety features make it a standout in the crowded mid-size SUV market. While it isn’t the most powerful SUV out there, its overall value and the premium feel of the Black Edition trim make it worth considering for families or individuals looking for a reliable and stylish ride.

That said, there are a few drawbacks—the third-row space is limited, engine power could be better, and there's no hybrid option for those looking to go green. But for the price range, you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially with the Black Edition upgrades.

As Alex Collantes puts it: "If you want an SUV that looks sharp and gives you a solid mix of performance, comfort, and tech, the Outlander Black Edition is hard to beat at this price."

Pros:

• Bold blacked-out design
• Tech-savvy interior with a premium feel
• Good value for money
• Solid standard safety features

Cons:

• Lack of turbocharged engine or hybrid option
• Limited third-row space
• Some noise at high speeds

For those on the hunt for a mid-size SUV with a touch of elegance and a lot of functionality, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL Black Edition is definitely one to test drive.