Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The overall cabin of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV looks large and spacious, but for an SUV of this price, it looks severely dated. It is understandable for the fact that this SUV is a generation older, and that is visible in the layout and restricted list of features. However, this all-black cabin showcases tight fit and finish levels, which indicate that it will be a durable cabin in the long run.

The four-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with a silver finish for the side spokes looks cool, and while the instrument console gets traditional analog gauges, the TFT MID in between them adds some modernness to the driver’s cockpit of the SUV. The wraparound-themed centre console houses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a vertical AC vent to its left in the upper part and buttons for the dual-zone automatic climate control in the lower part. The centre console also gets a satin silver finish for its surrounds. The bottom of the centre console and co-passenger side of the dashboard feature a textured design finished in gloss black.

The equipment list of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV might not be as impressive as other modern-day SUVs. However, it still feels decent with inclusions like a sunroof, 4-way powered driver’s seat, push start-stop button, heated front seats, rear AC vents, eco and sports modes, and cruise control.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is based on the previous-generation version of the SUV, which has been discontinued globally. However, it continues to live in the UAE with this PHEV version and still manages to look smart and rugged at the same time.

At the front, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an imposing fascia, which includes sharp C-shaped chrome extensions below the angular headlamp housings. With projectors and daytime running LEDs within them, these headlamps have a bold-looking all-black grille in between them, which consists of multiple chrome slabs and air dams. The fog lamps are placed within other dedicated housings at the bottom of the C-shaped extensions flowing towards the front bumper corners.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a very simple but elegant-looking side profile, which consists of a chrome finish for the window surrounds and a thin strip that runs across the door panels at the bottom. Adding some character to the side profile of the Outlander PHEV is a sharp crease running from the front fender to the edge of the tail lamp. The stance of the SUV looks tall with a high ground clearance and tall 18-inch alloy wheels.

At the back, the Outlander PHEV again showcases its sporty and bold attitude with premium-looking large-sized combination tail lamps with LED inserts. There is a wide inverted U-shaped chrome garnish above the license plate housing, with the SUV also getting a roof-mounted spoiler. The rear bumper houses a long silver skid plate and reverse and fog lamps on its corners.

While the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the rugged appeal to its build quality, design, and mechanical underpinnings, it is not a proper go-anywhere SUV like the Pajero. Instead, it serves as a comfortable urban hauler, which can take bad roads with ease. The SUV measures 4695mm long, 1800mm wide, and 1710mm tall.

The complex powertrain of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV consists of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, front and rear electric motors, a generator, front power drive unit, and rear electric motor control unit. In combination, this powertrain claims a maximum power output of 128 PS and a peak torque output of 199 Nm. The lithium-ion battery allows the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to have an electric-only range and takes 5.5 hours for a full charge.

It is where the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV feels like a proper SUV from modern times, as the safety equipment list is quite drastically comprehensive over that of the comfort and convenience features. The SUV comes with an electric parking brake, ABS with EBD, brake assist, active stability control with traction control, hill start assist, forward collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, reverse camera, seven airbags, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV might not be a wholly modern SUV when compared to other SUVs at its price. However, it should appeal to those who want a simple but rugged SUV with a fuel-efficient powertrain and a comfortable ride quality.