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 purpose the flagship Outlander PHEV GSR ought to symbolize 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 price range purchase – at $73,790 earlier than on-road prices, it’s a $16,500 soar 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 affordable PHEV onslaught?

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV value?

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

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

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

Mitsubishi has performed a good job of tarting up the inside for the flagship GSR, though its economic 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.

Apart from all of the toys, the seats are exceptionally snug with a delicate and welcoming 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, but it surely’s value it.

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

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

Instead of color there’s a mixture of patterns and textures, but it surely’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 can find onerous plastics, however they’re largely relegated to low visitors areas. Our automotive additionally had a number of rattles and squeaks.

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

Meaning 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, vitality use, gas economic 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.

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

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

By way of options, the display screen 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 easy. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay was temperamental, usually failing to determine a reference to my telephone.

Alternatively, you may join your machine by way of USB-A and USB-C shops situated below the centre stack. A wi-fi telephone 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 strategy to justifying its flagship standing.

Storage choices up entrance embrace a small armrest cubby, small glovebox, massive 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 nicely 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 gadgets similar to laptops.

There’s loads of room for folks, 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 area for these within the third row room, or for further boot capability.

5 adults will slot in relative consolation, however in the event you plan on seating seven then it’s value 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 area, 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, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s below 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, take a look at our comparability software.

How does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV drive?

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

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

At low speeds the twin electrical motors present on the spot torque, and the all-wheel drive structure ensures the grunt is usable. Some electric-powered automobiles battle to place their energy down, usually 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 residence 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 doable. Transitions between electrical and petrol energy is clean 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 methods 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 must 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.

Apart from a quiet journey, the Outlander PHEV provides user-friendly controls, with gentle steering and progressive throttle and brake pedals. Auto-hold is readily available to present your proper foot a relaxation in heavy visitors.

There’s no studying curve – nearly anybody may drive this automotive regardless of its progressive powertrain and huge footprint.

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

You’re feeling some vibrations via the cabin, but it surely’s nothing value complaining about. The worth you pay for refinement is driving engagement, of which there’s little.

There’s loads of physique roll via 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 simple to see out of, though variants from the Aspire upwards include a surround-view digital camera that aids parking in tight buying centre heaps.

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

In actual fact, 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 clean throttle and steering inputs. Setting MI-Pilot up is simple, performed 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 slightly lazy together 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 nicely appointed with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, in addition to entrance and rear parking sensors to complement the {surround} cameras.

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

What do you get?

There at the moment are 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
• Progressive Pedal Operation Mode
  • Single-pedal driving – to crawl speeds
• 7 Drive Modes
• EV Charging and HVAC Scheduler
• Mode 4 DC port – V2G suitable
• 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 handbook levelling
• LED daytime operating 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 telephone and audio streaming
• DAB+ radio
• Fabric seat trim
• Acoustic Automobile Alert System
• Rear Seat Alert
• 40:20:40 cut up 2nd row incl. recline adjustment
• Tyre restore equipment (Replaces Full Measurement 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 shops
• 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 – fingers free
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Black leather-appointed seat trim
• Mild Gray leather-appointed seat trim – optionally available
• 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 below 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 assessments – 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, Bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
  • Reverse AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration alert
• Ahead collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane preserve help
  • Steering wheel vibration
  • Selective wheel braking
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing digital camera
• Site visitors signal recognition

Outlander Exceed provides:

• MI-Pilot
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. cease&go
  • Lane centring help
  • Steering wheel contact sensors
• Velocity 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 throughout the seller community.

To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

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, quite 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.

In fact, there are alternatives outdoors the PHEV realm. Hybrid variations of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger are all viable options, though none can match the Outlander PHEV from a operating prices standpoint.

The plug-in Outlander provides a really distinctive driving expertise – electrical silence and effectivity whenever 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.

If you happen to can look previous that, then the Outlander PHEV makes a cushty, sensible household automotive. The GSR on check isn’t the decide of the vary although.

As a substitute, I’d drop right 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.

Enthusiastic about shopping for a Mitsubishi Outlander? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

Click on the photographs for the complete gallery

MORE: All the pieces Mitsubishi Outlander