Few automobiles imply extra to Mitsubishi in Australia than the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV).

It’s the best-selling plug-in hybrid within the nation, and the Outlander nameplate is Mitsubishi’s hottest amongst native patrons.

So, it stands to motive the flagship Outlander PHEV GSR ought to characterize all that’s good concerning the Japanese carmaker in 2024.

It shares the identical powertrain as lesser variants, will get all of the equipment of the plush Exceed Tourer, and brings a stylish black styling pack for good measure.

However in top-spec the Outlander PHEV isn’t any funds purchase – at $73,790 earlier than on-road prices, it’s a $16,500 leap over the bottom ES.

This comes as Chinese language challengers are creating competitors with a wave of recent electrified SUVs. So, does the flagship GSR have what it takes to compete with an inexpensive PHEV onslaught?

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV value?

The blacked-out GSR tops the Outlander PHEV vary with an asking value of $73,790 plus on-road prices.

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument.

What’s the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV like on the within?

Mitsubishi has executed a good job of tarting up the inside for the flagship GSR, though its financial system SUV roots are obvious. With that mentioned, the principle contact factors all through the cabin are undeniably premium.

This top-spec GSR will get all of the fruit, together with quilted leather-based seats with three-stage heating, electrical adjustment and therapeutic massage capabilities.

Other than all of the toys, the seats are exceptionally snug with a mushy and alluring base cushion. As soon as settled, the heating operate is a go-to for winter mornings.

It may be a little bit of a faff discovering the therapeutic massage settings within the infotainment menus, nevertheless it’s price it.

In entrance of the driving force sits a heated four-spoke perforated leather-based steering wheel. It’s mushy, ergonomically pleasing, has loads of texture, and pairs properly with the premium really feel of the entrance pews.

The encompassing inside is a sea of black, with mushy contact finishes on the door playing cards, centre armrest, and sprint.

Instead of color there’s a mixture of patterns and textures, nevertheless it’s not essentially the most cohesive package deal from a design standpoint. Aesthetics apart, the cabin of the GSR is a nice place to spend time.

You’ll discover laborious plastics, however they’re principally relegated to low visitors areas. Our automobile additionally had a number of rattles and squeaks.

All variants of the Outlander PHEV function the identical twin infotainment and instrument screens.

Which means you get a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

On one hand, the digital driver show is well digestible, with a primary structure and readouts for pace, power use, gas financial system, audio playback and adaptive cruise. It’s not fairly, however the performance is there. All variants besides the bottom ES additionally get a head-up show.

Then again, the infotainment system displays poorly on this flagship GSR given it’s circa-$80,000 drive-away price ticket.

To start with, the display is way smaller than its rivals, and the low-resolution graphics are a throwback to the 2010s. Integration of the display seems an afterthought, as the oblong unit is tacked on the sprint like an aftermarket merchandise purchased off eBay.

When it comes to options, the display homes a local satellite tv for pc navigation, however that’s about it. Your greatest wager is to stay to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

In my expertise nevertheless, that wasn’t fairly so simple. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay was temperamental, typically failing to determine a reference to my cellphone.

Alternatively, you may join your gadget by way of USB-A and USB-C retailers situated beneath the centre stack. A wi-fi cellphone charger additionally resides there. Bodily local weather controls are housed above.

Whereas among the tech leaves a bit to be desired, the GSR comes with a panoramic sunroof that brightens up the cabin and goes some solution to justifying its flagship standing.

Storage choices up entrance embrace a small armrest cubby, small glovebox, giant centre cupholders, a sun shades holder, and door bins match for a 1L drink bottle.

I’d nearly argue the second row is simply as properly outfitted.

Within the GSR, rear passengers are handled to heated seats (outboard), map pockets, and three connectivity choices (USB-A, USB-C and a 1500W energy outlet). The latter is especially helpful for charging bigger units corresponding to laptops.

There’s loads of room for individuals, too.

With slide and recline adjustability, the second-row seats might be tinkered to maximise each leg- and headroom. Alternatively, there’s the choice to sacrifice second-row house for these within the third row room, or for additional boot capability.

5 adults will slot in relative consolation, however in the event you plan on seating seven then it’s price contemplating the dimensions of your passengers.

The third row is strictly for young children, as there’s little or no leg- or headroom. When not in use, it’s greatest to fold them away and liberate the complete 494 litres of boot house, which expands to 1414L with the second row folded down.

Practicality within the boot is bolstered by the inclusion of a powered tailgate and a 1500W energy outlet.

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The Outlander PHEV groups a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electrical motors and a lithium-ion battery.

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument.

How does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV drive?

 The Outlander PHEV is an absolute breeze to drive, and particularly efficient as a flexible household automobile.

Not all PHEVs efficiently combine petrol and electrical energy, however the Outlander PHEV does it seamlessly, leading to a easy and comfy drive.

At low speeds the twin electrical motors present instantaneous torque, and the all-wheel drive structure ensures the grunt is usable. Some electric-powered autos battle to place their energy down, typically spinning the wheels from a set of lights, however the Outlander surges ahead with out fuss regardless of it’s 2145kg kerb weight.

The Outlander PHEV is correct at house rolling round on battery energy alone, whereas the identical can’t be mentioned for some single-motor plug-in hybrids.

It’s quiet too, leaning on the muted electrical motors the place potential. Transitions between electrical and petrol energy is easy and intuitive – the two.4-litre four-cylinder by no means makes a dramatic, noisy entrance.

In common driving the powertrain prioritises the electrical motors, treating the petrol engine as a back-up generator greater than something. The techniques work in tandem to maximise outputs at full throttle.

With a claimed EV vary of 84km, most metropolis commuters who cost their Outlander nightly will not often have to name upon the combustion engine anyway.

More often than not, the one noise to penetrate the cabin is the background whir of electrical motors, particularly throughout city driving.

Other than a quiet trip, the Outlander PHEV gives user-friendly controls, with mild steering and progressive throttle and brake pedals. Auto-hold is readily available to offer your proper foot a relaxation in heavy visitors.

There’s no studying curve – nearly anybody might drive this automobile regardless of its modern powertrain and huge footprint.

Experience consolation is one other plus level. The Outlander PHEV is softly sprung – it floats over pace humps reasonably than bouncing or crashing.

You’re feeling some vibrations by means of the cabin, nevertheless it’s nothing price complaining about. The value you pay for refinement is driving engagement, of which there’s little.

There’s loads of physique roll by means of corners, and the sunshine controls within the Outlander don’t encourage you to hustle it. However that’s not likely what most patrons search for in a household SUV.

Of extra relevance is ease of parking and visibility. The Outlander isn’t notably straightforward to see out of, though variants from the Aspire upwards include a surround-view digital camera that aids parking in tight buying centre tons.

Past metropolis limits, the Outlander stays a really agreeable SUV to drive.

In truth, it doesn’t require a lot driving in any respect. The GSR is supplied with Mitsubishi’s MI-Pilot driver help suite, together with adaptive cruise management with cease/go, lane centring, and steering wheel contact sensors.

When given the reins the system handles prolonged freeway runs successfully, delivering easy throttle and steering inputs. Setting MI-Pilot up is easy, executed by way of clearly labelled buttons on the steering wheel.

The hybrid powertrain is tractable when overtaking, and environment friendly when sustaining a constant pace. Even in the event you’re a little bit lazy along with your charging habits, the Outlander PHEV is a cheap household hauler.

It’s additionally well-equipped to deal with weekend adventures, with all-wheel drive, hill descent management, and a number of other off-road drive modes.

From a security perspective, the Outlander PHEV is properly appointed with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, in addition to entrance and rear parking sensors to complement the {surround} cameras.

My principal criticism – the visitors signal recognition system is recurrently tripped up by faculty zones and roadworks.

What do you get?

There are actually 5 grades of Outlander PHEV on sale in Australia, led by the GSR featured right here.

Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV ES highlights:

• Tremendous All-Wheel Management (S-AWC)
• Variable Mode Regenerative Braking System
• Revolutionary Pedal Operation Mode
  • Single-pedal driving – to crawl speeds
• 7 Drive Modes
• EV Charging and HVAC Scheduler
• Mode 4 DC port – V2G appropriate
• Mode 3 charging cable
• Mode 2 AC charging cable
• Push-button begin
• Paddle shifters
• Electrical park brake
• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• LED headlights with guide levelling
• LED daytime working lights
• LED entrance flip sign
• Rear spoiler LED excessive cease lamp
• Twin-zone local weather management
• 9.0-inch touchscreen
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 12.3-inch digital driver show
• 6 x audio system together with 2 x tweeters
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Bluetooth cellphone and audio streaming
• DAB+ radio
• Material seat trim
• Acoustic Automobile Alert System
• Rear Seat Alert
• 40:20:40 cut up 2nd row incl. recline adjustment
• Tyre restore equipment (Replaces Full Dimension Spare)
• Rear LED fog lights

Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Aspire provides:

• 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• Sensible key
• Head-up show
• Wi-fi smartphone charger
• 240V/1500W energy retailers
• Privateness glass
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Roof rails
• LED headlights with auto levelling
• LED entrance fog lights
• Leather-based steering wheel
• Leather-based gearshift knob
• Microsuede, leatherette seat trim
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy driver seat incl. lumbar
• Energy tailgate incl. one-touch open
• Multi Round Monitor (MAM)
• Adaptive excessive beam
• Rain sensing wipers

Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Exceed provides:

• 5+2 seats
• BOSE 9-speaker premium audio
• Panoramic sunroof
• Pull-up rear roll sunshade
• Energy tailgate – palms free
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Black leather-appointed seat trim
• Mild Gray leather-appointed seat trim – non-compulsory
• Entrance seats with reminiscence operate
• Energy passenger seat
• Third row recline adjustment
• Distinctive illumination in entrance door trim
• Aluminium gearshift trim panel
• Heated steering wheel
• Entrance LED sequential indicators
• MI-Pilot
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. cease&go
  • Lane centring help
  • Steering wheel contact sensors

Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Exceed Tourer provides:

• Two-tone exterior physique color
• Two-Tone high-grade leather-appointed seat trim
• Entrance seats with therapeutic massage operate
• Heated rear seats

Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV GSR provides:

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Gloss black entrance & rear beneath garnish
• Gloss black grille
• Gloss again door mirrors
• Gloss black roof rail
• Black ‘Outlander’ bonnet emblem
• Black leather-based appointed seat trim
• Silver stitching

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV secure?

The Outlander wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on 2022 exams – making use of to all variants together with PHEV fashions.

Normal security options embrace:

• 8 airbags incl. front-centre, driver’s knee
• Adaptive cruise management
• Auto high-beam
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Junction help
  • Reverse AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration alert
• Ahead collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane maintain help
  • Steering wheel vibration
  • Selective wheel braking
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing digital camera
• Visitors signal recognition

Outlander Exceed provides:

• MI-Pilot
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. cease&go
  • Lane centring help
  • Steering wheel contact sensors
• Pace Restrict Help

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV value to run?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is roofed by a five-year, 100,000km guarantee, although this may be prolonged to a 10-year/200,000km guarantee in the event you service inside the seller community.

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Desire a PHEV with seven seats? Then it’s nearly a case of which Outlander you should purchase, reasonably than if you should purchase one.

There’s the Kia Sorento PHEV, however that instructions a $10,000 premium, sufficient to cost out many potential patrons. The identical applies to the Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid, with its $128,390 earlier than on-roads price ticket.

After all, there are alternatives exterior the PHEV realm. Hybrid variations of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger are all viable alternate options, though none can match the Outlander PHEV from a working prices standpoint.

The plug-in Outlander gives a really distinctive driving expertise – electrical silence and effectivity while you need it, long-distance touring functionality, and the advantages of all-wheel drive. It’s a compelling package deal.

It has its shortcomings – the inside tech is rudimentary and the third row of seating is greatest saved for emergencies.

For those who can look previous that, then the Outlander PHEV makes a cushty, sensible household automobile. The GSR on check isn’t the decide of the vary although.

As an alternative, I’d drop all the way down to the Exceed, saving $4500 within the course of. You lose the black look pack and a few luxuries, however the core qualities of the Outlander stay unchanged.

Taken with shopping for a Mitsubishi Outlander? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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